The Carlson Family Foundation embodies the commitment to give charitably to humanitarian and community affairs. Through investments in education, mentoring, children and youth at risk, and youth mentoring, the Carlson Family Foundation actively participates in creating strong and healthy communities and a competitive workforce.

We’re proud to support the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series—a tradition that brings world-renowned voices to Minnesota to engage in meaningful dialogue on today’s most pressing public policy issues. For more than four decades, this series—presented by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs with support from Carlson and the Carlson Family Foundation—has contributed to the intellectual life of the Twin Cities through lively forums that encourage a respectful exchange of diverse perspectives.

Carlson has been a signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2010. As a signatory, we are committed to supporting, embracing and enacting the ten universal principles outlined in the Compact. Each year, Carlson commits to making continued progress in support of the principles across all of our businesses – both collectively and individually.

Carlson and the Carlson Family Foundation continue to play a pivotal role as significant partners of the Carlson School of Management’s MN Cup, a community-driven public-private initiative supporting Minnesota’s entrepreneurs.

We continue to support the efforts of GREATER MSP, a regional coalition aimed at accelerating the startup ecosystem in the Greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and various leaders to boost early-stage capital, promote racial equity, and increase large enterprise participation.

Carlson’s involvement in Plug and Play centers around our value of entrepreneurial spirit. Through funding, strategic guidance, participation in key summits, and hosting events in Minnesota, we are active in driving engagement with additional corporations and providing opportunities for our local universities.

Since 2006, we have partnered with The Itasca Project, a civic leadership platform addressing critical regional challenges to foster equitable prosperity and strong civic leadership in the Twin Cities.

As active members of the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (MBCRE), we champion initiatives aimed at eliminating racial disparities and improving outcomes for Minnesota's Black communities. MBCRE's efforts include programs to expand access to capital, advocate for inclusive policies, and support leadership development.

We are proud to earn a 100 percent rating on the HRC Foundation's Corporate Equality Index (CEI), recognizing us as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. As of 2024, this is the eleventh year achieving this rating, which reflects our commitment to implementing LGBTQ+-specific practices, including comprehensive training, new and improved guides and policies.

Carlson continues to lead efforts to end sex trafficking, partnering with the Carlson Family Foundation to support nearly 20 nonprofits addressing this critical issue locally, nationally, and globally. We are proud to continue our support and involvement with the World Childhood Foundation, including Childhood USA and Brazil, to advance their efforts in this important work.

We support and participate in several initiatives focused on harnessing the power of technology to fight sex trafficking. In 2024, we participated in the Tech Against Trafficking Summit in November as part of its ongoing involvement with Global Business Coalition Against Human Trafficking (GBCAT).

Carlson proudly works alongside other companies as part of GBCAT (Global Business Coalition Against Trafficking) - the first cross-sectoral business alliance dedicated to eliminating human trafficking in company operations and supply chains. Its mission is to leverage the power of businesses across sectors to prevent and reduce human trafficking while supporting survivors.

We’re proud to continue our long-standing support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities through the Beyond School Walls program. For more than a decade, this in-person mentorship initiative at our headquarters has empowered young people and fostered meaningful, lasting connections.

Our ongoing partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity brings colleagues together to support affordable homeownership across the Twin Cities. During our annual build week, teams contribute their time and skills on-site, making a tangible impact and helping create stable, thriving communities.

We continue to partner with BestPrep eMentors, connecting high school students with mentors via email to provide valuable advice on college, business, and future career paths.