GSR Annual Report 2024
Philanthropy Pillar
6 minute read
6 minute read
Philanthropy Pillar Building Communities: A Decade of Impact
Over the past decade, we have been unwavering in our commitment to strengthening communities by doing what we do best: building. Our vision is simple and straightforward: We want to Build Possibilities for the Under-Resourced. This vision is realized through trust-based philanthropy, pro bono skills-based volunteering, and targeted financial support, all focused on helping our nonprofit partners advance their missions.
Being integral and indispensable to our communities is not just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Over the past decade, we have embraced the belief that construction companies have a unique opportunity and responsibility to create safe, inspiring, and accessible spaces that strengthen the fabric of our communities. Doing this work right takes time, intention, and collaboration.
This year’s annual report highlights how DPR continues to prioritize community impact by:
- Listening to our nonprofit partners and engaging in two-way conversations to understand their needs.
- Completing millions of dollars’ worth of pro bono renovation projects to increase capacity, safety, and pride in community spaces.
- Publishing annual “By the Numbers” metrics to track and showcase the outcomes of our initiatives, which tell just a fraction of the story behind the meaningful work driven by our volunteer teams.
From building safe, flexible spaces for nonprofits to inspiring youth to see “builder” as a future career option, our Community Initiatives teams continue to exemplify how construction can transform lives. This impact is powered by an all-volunteer network of national and local leaders, partner champions, and passionate team members who are committed to making a difference.
As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to our strategic focus: serving communities first and empowering nonprofits with the resources and spaces they need to succeed. Through partnerships and trust, we are building possibilities for the future, one project at a time.
An introduction to our Philanthropy Pillar with leader Diane Shelton.
Skills-Based Volunteering Facility Construction and Renovation
We partner with community organizations to enhance their facilities through donated construction expertise, labor, and resources. By carefully listening to each organization’s needs, we help create spaces that amplify their impact without straining their budgets.
Our collaborative approach means every project—whether it’s refreshing an employee break room or completely transforming a client service area—directly supports our partners’ missions. Through deep engagement with each organization, we ensure these improvements serve their communities effectively for decades to come.
DPR volunteer teams build approximately $2 Million in renovations for our nonprofit partners every year. Here are a few organizations we worked with in the last year:
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Gallatin Shalom Zone Gym Renovation
For decades, the Union High School gymnasium in Gallatin, TN, was more than just a basketball court—it was a source of unity, pride, and purpose for the surrounding community.
Built in 1950 as part of Sumner County’s only Black high school, the gym played a vital role in keeping local youth engaged and off the streets. However, after the school’s closure in 1970, the gym fell into disrepair, sitting empty for years.
That changed when DPR Construction, in partnership with the Gallatin Shalom Zone, took on the challenge of restoring the historic space. The nonprofit, which has operated from the former school building since 2008, provides critical community services, but the gym remained unusable—until DPR project manager Mary Lou Kelly saw an opportunity.
The gym underwent a complete transformation thanks to an initial gift from DPR and a major tech company partner and $600,000 in donated time and materials from 14 trade partners. Volunteers and skilled tradespeople tackled everything from new HVAC, lighting, and electrical systems to flooring, roofing, and paint, ensuring the space was safe and functional once again.
The project culminated in a grand reopening on February 22, 2025, at Gallatin Shalom Zone’s annual Sneaker Ball. For many in the community, this was more than a renovation—it was a revival of a cherished landmark.
“This gym saved my life,” shared one former player. “I spent hours there— it kept me off the streets.” Now, the next generation will have that same opportunity.
With the new gym, Gallatin Shalom Zone plans to double enrollment in its youth programs and introduce new sports leagues to keep kids active and engaged year-round. For DPR, the project represents more than construction—it’s about building opportunities, restoring history, and strengthening communities.
Spotlight on Community Initiatives
Service September is our annual celebration of pro bono construction and renovation, and this past year marked DPR’s 10th annual service event, making it a milestone event.
Throughout the month, our volunteers engaged in valuable community service by leveraging their skills as builders. Through close collaboration with our partners, we identify their most pressing facility needs and transform their wishlists into reality.
In 2024, over 550 volunteers from DPR and our Family of Companies dedicated more than 5,000 hours to complete facility construction projects valued at over $1.1 million for our partners.
These pro bono efforts represent lasting investments in our communities, including support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area and other locations across the country where we operate.
Boys & Girls Clubs
of the Austin Area
Following several months of planning and coordination, DPR Austin volunteers completed more than $90,000 in needed renovations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area during Service September. The project was divided into seven scopes of work and completed by teams of 8-12 volunteers.
Boys & Girls Clubs
in New Jersey, Garfield Club
The Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey recently benefited from the expertise and dedication of DPR’s SPW carpentry team. Volunteers worked on classroom renovations, removing old carpets, installing new carpet tiles, and painting walls to create a refreshed and welcoming space for the kids. With an open market value of $30,000, this project highlights DPR’s commitment to improving community spaces that foster growth and opportunity for youth.
Boys & Girls Club
of Tracy
DPR volunteers who completed a refresh of the main clubhouse for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tracy have close ties to the club. From hanging out there as kids to coaching youth and bringing their own families today, the facility has a special place in their hearts and their community.
DPR is an asset to our organization and the community we serve. They have provided skilled professionals and hours of manpower, saving us thousands of dollars.
This financial assistance allows us to utilize our funds toward programs that work to change lives in our community.
Shalom Zone Executive Director
Gallatin, TN
SKILLS-BASED VOLUNTEERING Career and Education Guidance for Youth
Through our signature Build Up program and construction education initiatives, we connect with over 10,000 under-resourced youth annually, expanding their vision of what’s possible. By introducing students to diverse career paths in construction, we empower the next generation to see themselves as future builders and leaders.
Due to the DPR youth empowerment sessions held at Milagro Center, there are now a number of our underserved female high school students who are seriously considering a career in the construction field.
This would not have been a future career path had it not been for the positive female DPR role models who engage with our students.
Milagro Center President & CEO
Delray Beach, FL
Build Up High School Internship
DPR’s signature education initiative is the Build Up High School Internship in construction management. High-achieving, STEM-curious interns from under-resourced backgrounds spend the summer working full-time on large projects, learning about the various professional roles and education pathways in our industry.
For a current list of locations offering the Build Up Internship, visit www.dpr.com/build-up-high-school-internship or contact [email protected].
Here are some of the partners we have worked with in the last year, many of which receive funding from the DPR Foundation:
Skills-Based Volunteering Operational Support for our Nonprofit Partners
Through conversations with our nonprofit partners, we’ve learned that beyond facility improvements, many organizations need support in operational excellence—an area where DPR can make a meaningful impact. By aligning our expertise with their needs, we offer strategic planning and professional development to help strengthen their foundations.
Our leaders serve on boards and provide guidance in key areas like learning and development, marketing, financial planning, and leadership coaching. This support helps our partners operate more effectively, so they can focus more resources on their vital community missions.
The employees of DPR are continuously looking for ways to meet the organization’s needs so that our team can focus on our clients and their families. DPR has been instrumental in the training and support of our team members.
YouthBuild Program Manager
Seattle, WA
DPR has made a tremendous impact on our organization and the community. Having strong board members involved allows us to grow and thrive, allowing us to serve more kids who are in desperate need of our youth programs.
Future for KIDS Executive Director
Phoenix and Tucson, AZ
We learned from experts at DPR how to build trust among our staff members, how to handle conflict in a healthy and productive way, and how to better communicate and connect with one another. We are so deeply appreciative of DPR’s investment, and look forward to continuing to grow our partnership!
Girls Empowerment Network Chief Community Officer
Austin, TX
The DPR
Foundation
Since 2008, the DPR Foundation has been building possibilities for under-resourced youth through strategic partnerships and sustained commitment. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they invested more than $1.4 million in unrestricted grants to 37 partner organizations in 2024. Grantees are selected based on their commitment and ability to build opportunities for under-resourced youth in grades K-12.
The Foundation’s impact goes beyond funding. It amplifies its support with skills-based volunteering opportunities for DPR Construction employees to participate by lending their expertise for facility improvements, construction career education, and operational support. Together with its partners, it is helping thousands of young people develop their skills, explore opportunities, and gain the confidence they need to succeed.
Explore More of the GSR Annual Report 2024
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Philanthropy
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Posted on June 27, 2025
Last Updated July 24, 2025
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