Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) today shared details of their philanthropic investments in California, with over $1.2 million committed since 2021, including more than $1.1 million in 2025 to date. This follows the release of the company’s Philanthropy 2025 Benchmark Survey, “Invested in America: Today’s High Standards for U.S. Companies,” which found that Americans want a different kind of corporate philanthropy, one rooted in community and collaboration.
Results of the survey, released in June, point to a growing demand for companies to play a more active, community-centered role. Key findings included:
- 84 percent of Americans believe big companies have an ethical responsibility to support the communities where they operate.
- 53 percent see a heightened need for companies to be involved in their communities, citing the growing demand for services.
- Younger Americans, aged 21 to 44, ranked “local investment” as a very high priority for companies.
“We’re in a new era in which Americans expect practical, results-driven action from the companies operating in their communities and the brands they support,” said Marian Salzman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at PMI U.S. “This is not about charity for the sake of appearances—it’s about investing in the real needs of real people. This is pragmatic philanthropy at its most powerful, and we’re committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with our trusted local partners in California to deliver lasting, measurable change.”
PMI U.S.’s giving in California reflects this philosophy through long-term investments in trusted organizations with deep community ties and a track record of generating impactful benefits.
Snapshot: PMI U.S. Giving in California (2021–present)
Local organizations supported:
- CalAsian Foundation—to expand access to entrepreneurship and economic opportunity for small businesses
- Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation—for a fire truck designed for mountainous operations and to help first responders and residents who lost their homes in recent wildfires
- Feeding the Foothills—to expand support and provide relief from hunger to families across Central and Northern California
- SabesWings—to provide financial assistance to cancer patients facing medical hardship
- Oxnard Homeless Prevention—to help individuals and families at risk of homelessness maintain stable housing
- San Diego Humane Society—to advance animal welfare across San Diego County
- Rebuilding Together Sacramento—to create safe homes and communities through home repairs and neighborhood revitalization
Today’s announcement follows the release of PMI U.S.’s Pragmatic Philanthropy: A New Imperative of Corporate Citizenship, a white paper that outlines the business’s approach to creating a sustainable impact through listening, partnership, and community involvement. The report also features a case study of PMI U.S.’s giving in action.
Learn more about how PMI U.S. is Invested in Communities and read the white paper on pragmatic philanthropy here.
Invested in America
Philip Morris International Inc.’s U.S. businesses (collectively, “PMI U.S.”) are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. employs more than 2,900 people across America and operates product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit www.uspmi.com.
References to “PMI” mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. “PMI U.S.,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to one or more of PMI’s U.S. businesses.
For more information, contact Matt Sheaff, PMI U.S. Communications: (203) 524-9146 / matthew.sheaff@pmi.com
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