The Chick-fil-A Foundation: More Than Just Chicken

The Chick-fil-A Foundation represents the philanthropic heart of one of America's most beloved restaurant chains. Established to extend the company's commitment to community impact beyond serving great food, the foundation has become a powerful force for positive change through education, youth development, and community building.

Rooted in the vision of founder S. Truett Cathy, the foundation continues his legacy of investing in future generations. From scholarship programs that have helped thousands of team members pursue higher education to community initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, the Chick-fil-A Foundation demonstrates that corporate success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

If you're interested in learning more about the company behind the foundation, explore our comprehensive guide to Chick-fil-A's history and operations, find a nearby Chick-fil-A restaurant, or discover the full Chick-fil-A restaurant menu that helps fund these philanthropic efforts.

Foundation Mission and Core Values

Official Mission Statement

"To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and by having a positive impact on the communities we serve."

$100M+ in Scholarships Awarded
60,000+ Lives Impacted
100+ Community Partners

Core Focus Areas

  • Education: Scholarship programs for team members and support for educational initiatives
  • Youth Development: Programs that help young people develop leadership skills and character
  • Community Building: Supporting local communities through partnerships and grants
  • Character Development: Initiatives that promote positive values and leadership
"Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else - our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return." - S. Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A Founder

Chick-fil-A Scholarship Programs

The foundation's scholarship programs represent one of its most significant investments in future generations. These programs are designed to support team members in their educational pursuits and help them achieve their academic and career goals.

Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program for restaurant team members

Program Overview

The Leadership Scholarship program provides financial assistance to Chick-fil-A restaurant team members who demonstrate leadership potential, academic achievement, and community involvement. Awards typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 per recipient.

Eligibility Requirements

Current Chick-fil-A team member with minimum 6 months employment
High school senior or current college student
Demonstrated leadership in school, work, or community
Minimum GPA requirements (varies by scholarship level)

Application Process

1

Eligibility Check

Verify you meet all eligibility requirements and gather necessary documentation

2

Online Application

Complete the online application form during the open application period

3

Essays and Recommendations

Submit required essays and letters of recommendation

4

Selection Process

Applications reviewed by selection committee with notifications sent by email

True Inspiration Scholarship

Supporting educational dreams beyond the restaurant

The True Inspiration Scholarship program extends beyond team members to support educational initiatives in communities where Chick-fil-A restaurants operate. These scholarships often partner with local organizations to identify deserving students.

Key Features

  • Multiple scholarship awards up to $25,000 each
  • Focus on students demonstrating leadership and community service
  • Partnerships with local educational organizations
  • Support for both traditional and non-traditional educational paths

WinShape Foundation: The Broader Philanthropic Arm

While often associated with the Chick-fil-A Foundation, the WinShape Foundation is actually a separate but related organization founded by S. Truett Cathy and his wife, Jeannette, in 1984. The name "WinShape" comes from the mission to "shape winners" by helping individuals succeed.

14
WinShape Homes Locations
1,000+
Campers Served Annually
40+
Years of Service
$1B+
Total Giving Impact

WinShape Programs and Initiatives

  • WinShape Homes: Long-term foster care program providing stable, loving homes for children
  • WinShape Camps: Summer camp experiences focused on character development and fun
  • WinShape Marriage: Retreats and programs to strengthen marriages
  • WinShape College Program: Partnership with Berry College providing scholarships and leadership development
  • WinShape International: Global mission and ministry support

The relationship between Chick-fil-A and WinShape demonstrates the Cathy family's comprehensive approach to philanthropy, addressing needs from education to family support and community development.

Community Impact and Local Initiatives

Beyond scholarship programs, the Chick-fil-A Foundation makes a significant impact through community grants, local partnerships, and restaurant-level initiatives that address specific community needs.

Key Community Initiatives

  • Shared Table Program: Donating surplus food to local shelters and food banks
  • Community Grants: Financial support for local nonprofit organizations
  • Team Member Volunteerism: Encouraging and supporting employee community service
  • Local Restaurant Partnerships: Individual restaurants supporting community causes
  • Disaster Relief: Providing meals and support during natural disasters

Recent Impact Highlights

  • Provided over 10 million meals to food-insecure families through partnership with food banks
  • Supported youth character development programs reaching thousands of students
  • Funded community gardens and nutrition education programs
  • Provided emergency relief during natural disasters across the country
  • Supported military families through various partnership programs

Historical Timeline of Giving

The Chick-fil-A Foundation's commitment to philanthropy has evolved over decades, building on S. Truett Cathy's personal dedication to giving back.

1973

First Team Member Scholarship

S. Truett Cathy awards the first scholarship to a Chick-fil-A team member, establishing what would become a cornerstone of the company's philanthropic efforts.

1984

WinShape Foundation Established

Truett and Jeannette Cathy establish the WinShape Foundation, creating a formal structure for their growing philanthropic activities.

1996

$1 Million Scholarship Milestone

Chick-fil-A reaches $1 million in total scholarships awarded to team members, demonstrating significant commitment to education.

2008

Formal Foundation Structure

The Chick-fil-A Foundation is formally established as the company's primary philanthropic arm, focusing on youth and education.

2015

$50 Million Scholarship Milestone

The foundation celebrates awarding more than $50 million in scholarships to team members since the program's inception.

2020

COVID-19 Response

During the pandemic, the foundation provides emergency support to communities and increases funding for food security programs.

2023

$100 Million Scholarship Milestone

Chick-fil-A reaches the incredible milestone of $100 million in scholarships awarded to team members.

How to Get Involved and Apply

There are several ways to engage with the Chick-fil-A Foundation's work, whether you're a potential scholarship applicant, community partner, or supporter.

For Scholarship Applicants

  • Employment First: Most scholarships require current employment at Chick-fil-A
  • Application Timing: Watch for annual application windows (typically spring)
  • Prepare Documentation: Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays ready
  • Check Eligibility: Review specific requirements for each scholarship program
  • Consult Restaurant Leadership: Operators can provide guidance and support

For Community Organizations

  • Local Restaurant Partnerships: Start by building relationships with local Chick-fil-A restaurants
  • Foundation Grants: Research current funding priorities and application processes
  • Shared Table Program: Food banks and shelters can partner for food donations
  • Corporate Engagement: Explore opportunities for larger-scale partnerships

For Supporters

  • Dine at Chick-fil-A: A portion of sales supports foundation initiatives
  • Spread Awareness: Share information about scholarship opportunities
  • Support Local Initiatives: Participate in restaurant-led community events
  • Volunteer: Many foundation partners need community volunteers

The Legacy of Giving Continues

The Chick-fil-A Foundation represents much more than corporate philanthropy—it's the living embodiment of S. Truett Cathy's belief in the importance of investing in people and communities. Through scholarship programs that have changed thousands of lives, community initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, and partnerships that address critical needs, the foundation continues to extend the company's impact far beyond the restaurant doors.

As Chick-fil-A continues to grow and evolve, the foundation's work remains grounded in the same principles that guided its founder: the belief that businesses have a responsibility to serve their communities, that education opens doors to opportunity, and that investing in young people is investing in our collective future.

Whether you're a team member considering applying for a scholarship, a community organization seeking partnership, or simply a customer who appreciates supporting a company that gives back, the Chick-fil-A Foundation demonstrates what's possible when corporate success is paired with meaningful social impact.

The next time you visit Chick-fil-A, remember that your meal supports not just great food but also the educational dreams of team members and community initiatives that make a real difference in people's lives.