As part of the celebration at our 40th year gala on Saturday, April 5th, AFC is honoring ITW with the Corporate Impact Award. ITW is a Fortune 300 global multi-industrial manufacturing leader with 45,000 dedicated colleagues who thrive in the company's decentralized, entrepreneurial culture.

As a member of AFC's Corporate Partnership Program, ITW provides over $25,000 annually through sponsorship of World of Chocolate, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, and a generous employee gift matching benefit, which provides eligible employees a 3 to 1 match for up to $5,000 to qualified organizations. 

Recently, ITW's inclusive workplace culture was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, who awarded them the #Equality100 Award for a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index.  

‘They’re great to work with and care deeply about the mission of AFC,” said Edward Wagner, Chief External Relations Officer at AFC. “ITW is one of the most generous companies I know with a 3 to 1 match for employee donations. This match not only shows ITW’s corporate generosity but also mobilizes their employees to give each year. It also demonstrates the belief ITW has in their employees and the causes they’re passionate about.” 

We talked with ITW about what receiving the Corporate Impact Award means to them.

What does it mean to ITW to be recognized for the Corporate Impact Award? 

On behalf of ITW, we are incredibly honored to receive this Corporate Impact Award. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. This award is not just a reflection of our company’s values but also of the incredible employees, partners, and community members who share our vision and passion for giving back and empowering the LGBTQ+ community. We extend our sincere thanks to AIDS Foundation Chicago for this recognition. This honor inspires us to further strengthen our commitment to supporting and advancing the LGBTQ+ community.  

ITW does an outstanding job supporting and advancing the LGBTQ+ community. What drives this work? Why is it important for ITW to support this community?  

At ITW, we believe that a business is only as strong as the community it serves. Our success is deeply connected to the well-being of the people and places around us, and we are committed to making a meaningful, lasting impact as a result. Giving back is not just a responsibility—it’s part of who we are as a company. Whether through volunteering, charitable donations, event sponsorships, we strive to support the causes that matter most to our employees. We know that when communities thrive, businesses thrive, and we are proud to play our role in creating positive change. 

When did ITW’s relationship and commitment with AFC begin?  

ITW’s relationship with AIDS Foundation Chicago has been unwavering for several years and through ITW’s 3 to 1 company match on employee charitable contributions, the company has been able to serve as a valuable financial partner throughout the recent years. In the summer of 2020, during the difficult and uncertain times of a global pandemic, a grassroots effort was initiated by employees of ITW to launch an employee resource group for the LGBTQ+ community and supportive allies. As a result of the formation of the group, AFC was selected as a community partner for the organization and ITW further enhanced their support of the organization through active participation and support of the galas and impactful events held by AFC throughout the year. 
AFC is thankful for the steadfast support ITW has shown our community and our cause. Their generosity enables us to provide critical services to achieve our mission and advance our progress toward ending the HIV epidemic. ITW is a role model for corporate leadership in giving for the HIV sector and LGBTQ+ community. It is with great pride and deep gratitude that AFC will preset ITW the Corporate Impact Award at AFC40 on Saturday, April 5. Learn more about AFC40 and get tickets today at aidschicago.org/afc40.