Each time Moss & Associates adds its work to the fabric of a community, company leaders think a great deal about the people who will be affected and the lives it will touch. So, it’s only natural that they remain dedicated to these communities long after the work is done. They believe in the concept of “giving back,” encouraging employees to strengthen the relationships they have in the areas where they work and live, and finding ways to enhance the environments around them.
From its inception in 2004, Moss has been very involved in philanthropy both as a company and a family, so they decided to put a name on their efforts; thus, the Moss Foundation was born. The Foundation partners with organizations that share similar values, including HANDY (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth), United Way, March of Dimes, Give Kids the World, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club of America and Wounded Warrior Outdoors, along with Operation Lift Hope.
In addition to helping local nonprofits, the Moss Foundation has also become involved in helping shepherd a new generation into the construction industry. In 2017, the Foundation donated $10 million to Florida International University, a gift that created FIU’s Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure and Sustainability as well as the Sasha Seco Women in Construction Scholarship and the Kevin Love Fostering Success Scholarship.
“Our family has always felt connected to the communities in which they work,” says Chad Moss, executive vice president. “We not only build buildings; we build communities. That’s something we really believe in. Whether we’re in Hawaii or Fort Lauderdale, we always try to give back.”
Each month, the Foundation’s board, comprised of 15 volunteers from within the company, meets to review requests from various charitable organizations to determine which requests fall within their guidelines. Once chosen, the organizations are fully vetted to ensure all contributions are appropriately and fruitfully used.
The Foundation’s hallmark fundraiser is the annual Plumb Bob Classic, a golf tournament held at the Trump National Doral Miami. The event raises more than $250,000, on average, to support the Foundation’s efforts, which are heavily focused on education, supporting disadvantaged youth, first-generation college students, veterans and more.
This fall, with support and contributions from employees, subcontractors and vendors of Moss Construction, the foundation collected $47,670 worth of school supplies for its 14th annual back-to-school drive. The supplies were delivered to 18 Title I schools and organizations in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Donations included backpacks, uniforms, aftercare pantry items, standard school supplies, ear phones, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, socks and underwear.
“We are continually inspired by the dedication and generosity of our business partners who answer the call every year to give to this great cause,” Chad Moss says.
In addition, the company’s offices across the country joined in the Foundation’s back-to-school efforts, which resulted in Title I schools and organizations in Hawaii, California, Texas, Tampa and Orlando also receiving donations.
“At our core, the Moss Foundation is about giving back to the communities that have welcomed us and that we call home,” Moss says. “We are honored to be able to help these students start off their school year on a positive note.”
