Company: Granite Telecommunications, LLC, Quincy, MA
Company Description: Granite delivers advanced communications and technology solutions to businesses and government agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada. The $1.8 billion company serves more than two-thirds of Fortune 100 companies and has 1.75 million voice and data lines under management, supporting more than 650,000 locations. Granite has been repeatedly named the most philanthropic company in Massachusetts.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year - At Organizations With Up to 2,500 Employees
 Nomination Title: A Rock-Solid Commitment to Corporate Philanthropy
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2023, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 199 words used.
Founded in 2002, Granite Telecommunications has grown from a small startup into a $2 billion provider, transforming the landscape of business communication across the United States and Canada. Known for developing custom technology solutions, Granite has established itself as a trusted partner for thousands of businesses, including 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, including Amazon, Wal-Mart, and CVS. Additionally, Granite plays a pivotal role in providing solutions to essential government entities that U.S. citizens rely on, such as the US Postal Service, Department of Homeland Security, White House, and IRS. With a dedicated team of experts and a 24/7 /365 U.S.-based customer service center, Granite ensures that every client receives the highest level of support.
Granite's diverse range of products, encompassing voice, data, networking, and managed services, are tailored to meet the specific requirements of each client. This customer-first approach challenges the industry norm of rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions, which often leave businesses grappling with inefficiencies. Granite focuses on curious, forward-thinking design, ensuring that businesses benefit from technology that is not only high-performing but also flexible and adaptable. Granite’s dedication to creating solutions that are poised for the future distinguishes it in a marketplace often constrained by.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 248 words used.
Since 2023, Granite Telecommunications has upheld its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility through impactful philanthropic programs, innovative initiatives, and the thoughtful leadership of CEO Rob Hale.
At Granite, giving back isn’t an obligation—it’s a defining principle. Under Hale’s leadership, philanthropy is embedded in the company’s DNA, shaping its culture and driving meaningful community impact. This dedication has not gone unnoticed; Granite was named Massachusetts’ No. 1 Leading Charitable Company for the third consecutive year and fourth time overall, having donated over $50 million to local charities based on prior-year giving.
A cornerstone of Granite’s charitable efforts is its annual Saving By Shaving event, where employees shave their heads to support pediatric research at Boston Children’s Hospital. For each participant, Granite donates $2,500, matched by the Hale family, totaling $5,000 per shaved head. Last year, the event raised $3.5 million, bringing the cumulative total to $55 million. The 12th annual event in March 2025 is expected to surpass $60 million, with special guests including New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Granite’s culture of giving extends beyond individual events. Through its 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, Granite Gives Back, the company has donated over $300 million and contributed over 20,000 volunteer hours to charitable initiatives. It supports local, national, and international causes, with a focus on healthcare, while also offering paid volunteer time and donation matching. Under Hale’s leadership, Granite’s philanthropy continues to uplift communities and drive meaningful impact.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 236 words used.
Granite Telecommunications distinguishes itself in the telecommunications industry through its exceptional commitment to corporate social responsibility. Despite being smaller than industry giants [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION], Granite has outpaced them in charitable giving, earning recognition as Massachusetts' No. 1 Leading Charitable Company for three consecutive years and four times overall.
In 2023, Granite donated $51.2 million to local nonprofits, surpassing major corporations [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION]. This reflects the company’s dedication to driving meaningful community impact.
Rob Hale, Granite’s President and CEO, leads by example. At the 2024 Boston Marathon, after an injury postponed his lifelong goal, he not only finished the race but also donated $26.2 million to over 70 local charities, contributing to a record $71.9 million in total marathon fundraising. Running alongside 25 Granite teammates, he helped raise an additional $1.2 million for Boston Children's Hospital. His philanthropy extends to organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester, Fenway Health, and the Newton Fire Department, to which he donated $100,000 in appreciation of their support for marathon runners.
Granite’s “Saving By Shaving” initiative has raised $55 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, reinforcing its commitment to life-saving medical research.
Through these efforts, Granite redefines corporate social responsibility, proving that true leadership is not just about business success but about making a lasting difference in the communities it serves.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 89 words used.
Granite Gives Back: https://www.granitenet.com/giving-back/
Saving by Shaving in 2024: https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2024/03/06/nba-boston-celtics-heads-shaved/77116975007/
Saving by Shaving 12, happening in less than 1 week: https://savingbyshaving.godaddysites.com/
Massachusetts’ No. 1 Most Philanthropic Company: https://www.prweb.com/releases/granite-maintains-perch-as-massachusetts-most-philanthropic-company-for-third-consecutive-year-302250147.html
Association of Outstanding Professionals Corporate Philanthropist Award:
https://www.prweb.com/releases/granite-awarded-association-of-fundraising-professionals-outstanding-corporate-philanthropist-award-302000469.html
Syndey Farber Medical Research Award:
https://www.dana-farber.org/newsroom/news-releases/2023/the-hale-family-receives-dana-farbers-sidney-farber-medical-research-award
Boston Marathon 2024 Giving (1):
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhessekiel/2025/02/26/top-us-marathon-charity-programs-break-fundraising-records/
Boston Marathon 2024 Giving (2):
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/04/20/business/boston-marathon-charity/
Boston Marathon 2024 Giving (3):
https://www.baa.org/128th-boston-marathonr-presented-bank-america-raises-record-breaking-719-million-charitable-causes
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