Brandon Miller, Founding CEO of 34 Strong — a Sacramento-based company that offers coaching and consulting to build positive work cultures — first encountered the Sacramento Region Community Foundation through Big Day of Giving. Inspired by the generosity that event sparked across the region, he began to wonder: What could we do as a company to demonstrate our values and uplift our community?
That question led to the creation of the 34 Strong Fund at the Foundation, part of the company’s broader strategic initiative known as One Million Smiles. Built on Brandon’s commitment to gratitude and generosity, the program invites each of the company’s 34 employees to select a nonprofit at the end of the year. In honor of each team member, the company makes a grant through their business fund, a powerful and personal way to spread holiday spirit and community impact.
“What starts as 34 employees smiling extends to their families and to the community with tangible impact,” Brandon shared.
The grants made through the 34 Strong Fund reflect the full range of their team’s values — from supporting childhood cancer research to wildlife conservation and anti-trafficking efforts. Employees are also encouraged to give back with their time, whether by volunteering or serving on boards.
“We wanted to do more than write a check, we wanted impact,” said Brandon.
The company’s original goal of spreading one million smiles has since grown to one billion. “We want other businesses to follow our lead,” Brandon said. “One smile changes everything. And it’s easier to create a fund and an impact plan than most business owners think.”
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It’s easy and rewarding to set up a charitable fund with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. We’re here to help you create the right giving account for your goals — and enjoy the benefits of flexible service, expert guidance, effective investments, and local impact.