In 2020, the newly-founded Truist Foundation—the philanthropic arm of Truist Bank—was defining its priorities when the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. The Foundation quickly pivoted to provide rapid response support, setting up an open grant application portal and deploying an initial $25 million—which later doubled to $50 million—to provide relief to the hardest-hit communities. This approach not only solidified Truist Foundation’s commitment to community care but also laid the groundwork for how it would address future crises with urgency, empathy, and impact.
When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina in 2024—leaving 250,000 homes impacted across 39 counties—this strategy became even more important. Truist Foundation, alongside the broader company, responded with a $700 million commitment to long-term recovery in the region. From immediate essentials like water and supplies to innovative support like mobile showers for impacted residents, Truist ensured aid went beyond financial assistance.
We invited Lynette Bell, President of Truist Foundation, to discuss how Truist’s commitment to disaster relief has evolved since the pandemic, lessons learned along the way, and how their work continues to uplift communities with care, dignity, and long-term support.
Listen to this episode of Purpose 360 for insights on:
How rapid response philanthropy can provide tailored aid when disasters strike
How to adapt philanthropic strategy in real time to meet urgent community needs
How Truist Foundation’s work generates business value for the company overall