Home | Focus Areas | Grant Criteria | Contributions | Matching Gift Program | Foundation Board | Articles COMMUNITY SUPPORT Foundation Giving In the 2014 Foundation fiscal year, The Universal Leaf Foundation donated approximately $800,000 to the community. The Universal Leaf Foundation (the "Foundation") is a not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1975. The Foundation is the philanthropic institution of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. ("Universal" or "the Company") dedicated to social responsibility for the communities in which Universal and its subsidiaries have a physical presence or significant business interest primarily in the U.S. Universal currently has significant business operations in the following locations: • Oxford (Granville County), North Carolina • Rocky Mount (Nash County), North Carolina • Wilson, North Carolina • Lancaster, Pennsylvania • Richmond, Virginia • Kenbridge, Virginia Universal has a strong sense of social responsibility providing community support through programmatic support for 501(c)(3) organizations through the Foundation. The Foundation is committed to goodwill as is evident in its investment in the community and in addition to financial support, promotes employee volunteerism. The Company also provides support for events through corporate contributions. Richmond SPCA The relationship between Universal Corporation and the Richmond SPCA covers decades and reflects a longstanding commitment on the part of Universal and its leaders to supporting the Richmond SPCA and its lifesaving work. Company leader Jan Laverge was a member of the Richmond SPCA Board of Directors for decades, and he served as President of the Board. Mr. Laverge’s principled leadership of and devotion to the organization was legendary. His deep love of animals and dedication to the Richmond SPCA was shared by company leader Henry Harrell, who joined Mr. Laverge on the Richmond SPCA Board in 1975. Mr. Harrell carried on the tradition of Universal’s support and leadership, and in fact, was instrumental in initiating the Richmond SPCA’s vision to become the first organization in the country to embrace the progressive no-kill philosophy after the San Francisco SPCA and to replicate the SFSPCA operating model. The Richmond SPCA has continued to be on the forefront of the no-kill movement in this country ever since. Mr. Harrell’s great service on the Board of the Richmond SPCA was succeeded by Allen King, current Board chairman, who has set a standard for leadership for the organization that will be difficult for those who... READ MORE... Home Page : PO Terms & Conditions : Privacy Policy : Top User Agreement : Disclaimer : Copyright : Consent Notification P.O. Box 25099 : Richmond, VA 23260 US : 804-359-9311 © 1997-2014 Universal Corporation, All Rights Reserved