We’re thrilled that Plante Moran has consistently been named to People magazine’s “100 Companies that Care” list every year since 2022. After all, caring is one of our core values. We care about our clients. We care about our staff. And we care about the communities where we live and work.
It’s probably not surprising, then, to learn that we have a formal program designed to give back. With more than 4,500 staff, we have a lot of time and talent to offer, all in the name of our grassroots community service initiative, Plante Moran Cares.
How does the program work? The firm has a core committee that receives support and direction from the firm’s management team. The committee — composed of captains from each office — selects an annual theme for offices to rally around and works with selected charities to coordinate local activities.
Plante Moran Cares is about more than raising money. It’s a chance for staff to share their time and talent and really get involved.
“It allows us to make a difference locally while still being part of a firmwide goal,” says Laura Claeys, group managing partner — firm administration. “Whether you’re in Plante Moran’s Cincinnati office, Denver, Chicago, Boston, or Traverse City, Plante Moran Cares is something staff can bond over. We know that together we’re making a big difference.”
Since its inception, we’ve supported more than 200 organizations with missions as varied as expanding access to healthy food through community gardens, helping families transition out of homelessness, supporting children facing serious illnesses, providing advocacy for vulnerable youth, and strengthening connections within our local communities.
Here are a few of our staff members sharing stories of how they’ve contributed to our Plante Moran Cares efforts:
- “I had the opportunity through Plante Moran Cares to support Ronald McDonald House Charities in Ann Arbor,” says Jennifer, a senior consultant. “They provide families with a place to stay during some of the most challenging moments of their lives — when a loved one is facing illness or undergoing hospital procedures. Having seen someone close to me need their support, I know how much that help can ease stress during an incredibly difficult time. It was meaningful to be part of something that makes such a difference for families in our community, and I’m grateful to work at a firm that encourages us to give back in ways that are personal to us.”
- “I volunteered to help furnish a home for a mother and her young son as part of my volunteer efforts with Humble Design,” says Kim, a leader on our change management team. “Seeing the mom’s reaction during the home reveal was incredibly impactful, and I was so touched to have contributed. I appreciate that the firm gives us opportunities like this — and the time to participate — which really helps me grow as a person. It’s also a great way to connect with other colleagues during these experiences.”
- “I’ve volunteered with CASA of Kent County (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and this past year, through PM Cares, I had the opportunity to help bring awareness to their work,” says Molly, a senior tax consultant. “A CASA is a volunteer acting as a ‘friend of the court’ to represent the child's best interests. It's rewarding to be part of an effort that provides stability and advocacy for kids in our community. We may never be able to change the world, but you can change someone's world, and CASA encourages volunteers to help build a stronger local community.”
As you can see, there’s real creativity, hard work, and heart going to support Plante Moran Cares events across the firm. It’s an opportunity for us to give back and show that “We Care” is more than a Plante Moran motto — it’s a way of life.
