Company gives unexpected contributions to local non-profits
Zoot, a leading provider of advanced instant credit decisioning and loan origination solutions, today announced that four local non-profits will be receiving unexpected year-end cash donations from the company. While Zoot provides grants throughout the year, for the past five years they have given additional unsolicited contributions to local non-profits that provide a direct and immediate impact.
The 2011 recipients of the surprise donations are the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, Haven and Thrive. “Zoot has weathered the economic downturn well and we feel fortunate to be able to continue our philanthropy efforts in our local community,” said Eric Lindeen, marketing director for Zoot. “Everyone likes to receive something they didn’t expect and what better time than the season of giving.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Zoot Enterprises, a company that gives so much for our community,” said Deborah Neuman, Thrive’s executive director. “This generous donation will be used to advance our mission of creating strong families and successful students. In addition to Zoot’s financial generosity, we have enjoyed a long relationship with many employees who serve as CAP mentors, giving one hour a week to help shape the lives of area students. Without community support such as this, Thrive’s work would not be possible.”
The Zoot grant committee provides quarterly donations based on applications received through their formal granting process. Non-profits interested in submitting a proposal may do so through the philanthropy section of the Zoot website. The company also has an employee matching program that matches up to $250 per employee to the non-profit, school, church or alma mater of their choosing. In 2011 more than 40 different organizations received matching dollars from Zoot as a result of employee giving.
Other Zoot philanthropy programs include a commission-free art gallery and a credit education program called Facing Credit. Art gallery exhibitions rotate every three to four months with Zoot providing a stipend toward an opening reception. The current exhibit is Larry Blackwood’s “Opus Corvus”. Gallery hours are 9:00am-4:00pm Monday through Friday. The credit education program is offered free of charge to local high schools. Facing Credit was designed to educate young adults about financial literacy, specifically how the credit system works in the United States and how understanding that system can enable them to make smart decisions about their future. Schools in Bozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, Manhattan and Livingston have participated since the program’s inception in 2007. Zoot is also an annual supporter of the Montana State University Foundation endowment fund, the American Computer Museum and Chrysti the Wordsmith.