Last year, Cox Media gave over $1.6 million in cash and in-kind donations to Gulf Coast charities and non-profits with a primary focus on youth, education, diversity and conservation initiatives. Last November, Cox also presented the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast with a $20,000 grant to create a new Innovation Lab at the Pensacola Club.
In addition to the annual corporate giving, Cox Charities, a grant program 100 percent funded by local Cox Gulf Coast employees, awarded approximately $25,000 to local non- profits and schools. In 2022, Gulf Coast employees awarded Innovation in Education Grants to Beulah Elementary School, Bob Sikes Elementary School, Escambia Westgate School, Exceptional Student Educational Department in Escambia County, Plew Elementary School, Shalimar Elementary School, Shoal River Middle School and West Florida High School.
Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, Lutheran Services of Florida, Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem, Pensacola Little Theatre and the USO each received a Cox Charities Community Investment Grant. Along with the monetary support, employees served on over 50 local nonprofit boards and committees and volunteered over 1,500 hours to support community organizations. Finally, after a two-year move to virtual due to the pandemic, the 2022 Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards Ceremonies were once again held in person in Escambia and Okaloosa counties. Cox turned the spotlight on a record 90 students that were chosen by their school due to their inspirational journeys. Whether it was overcoming a disability, tragic life event or other obstacle in life, these children were celebrated for their impact on others.
