KFC’s U.S. market along with parent company Yum Brands are investing $6 million to tackle inequality in their hometown of Louisville, Ky.
The investment is part of Yum’s $100 million “Unlocking Opportunity Initiative” designed to promote equity and inclusion around the world.
The $6 million investment by KFC will be targeted at Louisville, particularly the city’s West End. The funds will be aimed at Black students, educators, entrepreneurs and “social change agents” over a five-year period.
The commitment will support a variety of organizations in the city. For instance, the investment will establish a fund run by the Local Initiatives Support Corp., a community development organization, to provide grants to Louisville-based Black entrepreneurs and nonprofits in West Louisville.
Funds will target African American teacher development and college scholarships and education along with skills development.
“Tackling inequality is a long-term challenge that will require local businesses, governments, schools and philanthropists to establish new ways of partnering with and supporting talented community leaders who know the issues and the people most affected,” said Jerilan Greene, chief communications and public affairs officer for Yum Brands and CEO of the Yum Brands Foundation, in a statement.
Yum previously announced a $3 million pledge to social justice efforts by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, American Civil Liberties Union and Louisville-based social justice nonprofits, as well as national organizations identified by restaurant general managers at its various brands. Yum also operates Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill.
Yum also co-chairs Louisville Inc.’s Business Council to End Racism, a group of local business leaders that develop policy recommendations to build a “more inclusive local economy.”
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