Grant Categories
The Reynolds American Foundation focuses its contribution resources in communities where its employees live and work. Our philanthropic efforts center on our hometown of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina and the surrounding area. The Foundation provides grants in the following categories:
Education
Programs preparing children to enter the public education system and programs focused on improving academic performance of low-performing and economically disadvantaged students. Except for business-partner relationships, school grants are made through superintendents’ offices.
Community
Local programs and capital campaigns in target communities for improving wellbeing, educational, and socioeconomic outcomes.
Wellbeing
Programs designed to address unmet needs of at-risk populations, focusing on overall quality of life and providing basic human needs.
Reynolds American has designated certain resources for other grants, sponsorships and in-kind contributions.
Grant Submissions
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding consideration, an applicant must generally be:
- A nonprofit agency with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or an appropriate government agency and is in good standing with the IRS;
- Serving residents in communities where significant numbers of Reynolds American employees live and/or work with primary focus given to Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina and surrounding areas; and,
- Operated and organized so that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability, in terms of hiring practices, service provisions or board-member selection.
Limitations
The Foundation will not generally consider funding requests for the following:
- Endowments;
- Support for individuals;
- General operating expenses;
- Requests from churches;
- Programs that promote religious doctrine;
- Requests for political candidates and organizations;
- Requests for travel expenses for individuals or organizations;
- Sponsorship of most special events; and,
- Request for programs that have already received support from the Reynolds American Foundation or Reynolds American for three consecutive years.
Reynolds American Foundation’s application form can be found in our Application Portal. You’ll need to create an account during your first visit. Once you have created your account, you may save and update your application as well as submit subsequent applications.
Proposal / Content: Within the application, we’ll ask that you clearly state the specific amount being requested, the purpose of the request, how the grant funds will be used and how those funds will advance the purposes of the organization, as well as a concise description of the organization. The proposal should also contain the following: Objectives of the project and how they will be achieved; method and criteria for evaluation; recent accomplishments of the organization (if not a new organization); and how the project will address the priorities of the Reynolds Foundation.
As part of the application, you’ll be asked to submit the following:
- Prior Fiscal Year’s Statement – showing actual general expenses and specific sources of income. (upload file)
- Current Year-to-Date Financial Statement – showing actual general expenses and specific sources of income against the current year-to-date budget. (upload file)
- Organizational Budget – one-page line-item budget showing anticipated income and expenditures for the total operations of the organization’s fiscal year(s) for which funds are being requested. (upload file)
- Project budget – one-page line-item budget showing anticipated income and expenditures for the full project budget. (upload file)
- Board of Directors – a list of the members of the applicant organization’s governing board.
- Tax-Exempt Status / IRS Letter of Determination – a copy of the applicant’s federal tax-exempt certification under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a letter of determination as to the organization’s status as a publicly supported organization. Governmental units need not submit these documents. (upload file)
- Recent IRS 990 Return (upload file)
- Optional Materials – additional information and materials such as pamphlets, flyers, and newsletters are not required but may be submitted to supplement the application.
As a responsible organization, Reynolds American Foundation invests in programs and initiatives that are measurable and demonstrate real impact. One year following the payment of each grant, the Foundation requires that the recipient organization submit a written report on what has been accomplished with the funds and the community impact.
The Reynolds American Foundation individually reviews applications and awards grants on a quarterly basis according to the following schedule:
| Quarter | Completed Proposal Received By | Final Review |
| Q1 | February 15 | Mid-March |
| Q2 | May 15 | Mid-June |
| Q3 | August 15 | Mid-September |
| Q4 | November 15 | Mid-December |
Eligibility / Rules
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding consideration, an applicant must generally be:
- A nonprofit agency with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or an appropriate government agency and is in good standing with the IRS;
- Serving residents in communities where significant numbers of Reynolds American employees live and/or work with primary focus given to Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina and surrounding areas; and,
- Operated and organized so that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability, in terms of hiring practices, service provisions or board-member selection.
Limitations
The Foundation will not generally consider funding requests for the following:
- Endowments;
- Support for individuals;
- General operating expenses;
- Requests from churches;
- Programs that promote religious doctrine;
- Requests for political candidates and organizations;
- Requests for travel expenses for individuals or organizations;
- Sponsorship of most special events; and,
- Request for programs that have already received support from the Reynolds American Foundation or Reynolds American for three consecutive years.
Application Instructions
Reynolds American Foundation’s application form can be found in our Application Portal. You’ll need to create an account during your first visit. Once you have created your account, you may save and update your application as well as submit subsequent applications.
Proposal / Content: Within the application, we’ll ask that you clearly state the specific amount being requested, the purpose of the request, how the grant funds will be used and how those funds will advance the purposes of the organization, as well as a concise description of the organization. The proposal should also contain the following: Objectives of the project and how they will be achieved; method and criteria for evaluation; recent accomplishments of the organization (if not a new organization); and how the project will address the priorities of the Reynolds Foundation.
As part of the application, you’ll be asked to submit the following:
- Prior Fiscal Year’s Statement – showing actual general expenses and specific sources of income. (upload file)
- Current Year-to-Date Financial Statement – showing actual general expenses and specific sources of income against the current year-to-date budget. (upload file)
- Organizational Budget – one-page line-item budget showing anticipated income and expenditures for the total operations of the organization’s fiscal year(s) for which funds are being requested. (upload file)
- Project budget – one-page line-item budget showing anticipated income and expenditures for the full project budget. (upload file)
- Board of Directors – a list of the members of the applicant organization’s governing board.
- Tax-Exempt Status / IRS Letter of Determination – a copy of the applicant’s federal tax-exempt certification under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a letter of determination as to the organization’s status as a publicly supported organization. Governmental units need not submit these documents. (upload file)
- Recent IRS 990 Return (upload file)
- Optional Materials – additional information and materials such as pamphlets, flyers, and newsletters are not required but may be submitted to supplement the application.
As a responsible organization, Reynolds American Foundation invests in programs and initiatives that are measurable and demonstrate real impact. One year following the payment of each grant, the Foundation requires that the recipient organization submit a written report on what has been accomplished with the funds and the community impact.
Proposal Cycles
The Reynolds American Foundation individually reviews applications and awards grants on a quarterly basis according to the following schedule:
| Quarter | Completed Proposal Received By | Final Review |
| Q1 | February 15 | Mid-March |
| Q2 | May 15 | Mid-June |
| Q3 | August 15 | Mid-September |
| Q4 | November 15 | Mid-December |
Board Members
Reynolds American Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization overseen by employees of the Reynolds American Inc. organization serving on the Board of Directors. The Board provides the Foundation’s strategy, oversight, and leadership. These employees represent different functions and tenures that ensure the Foundation is represented with diverse views and experiences to have the most significant impact on our community.
Dalton Fishel
Dalton is a Manager of Account Operations within the Reynolds American organization and joined the Reynolds American Foundation Board in 2024. In his role within the Reynolds American organization, he was awarded the 2023 Quarterly Field Leadership Award and uses those leadership and strategist skills to support our community with the Community Care Center as well as the Forsyth Humane Society. Dalton’s work with the Reynolds American Foundation fulfills his long-term goals of driving change in a meaningful way to our community and working towards a better future for those in need.
Derrick Manuel
Derrick is a Lead Manager of Production Management within the Reynolds Operation Center (ROC) and has served on the Reynolds American Foundation Board for 9 years. Serving on the Board for Reynolds American Foundation encompasses his passion for giving back to the community, which he has demonstrated effectively through his service as the Vice-Chairman of the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors, as a Volunteer Member of the Mountain Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, and as a Head Coach with the East Surry Little League. Derrick has earned several awards for his work with both the Reynolds American organization and the community, namely the RJRT Operations Leadership Award, Officer of the Year for the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department and Member of the Year with the Pilot Mountain Rescue and EMS.
Javier Suarez
Javier is the Vice President, Head of Tax within the Reynolds American organization and has served on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2023. Javier’s work on the Reynolds American Foundation delivers on his desire to be a leader to the community and embody the Foundation’s mission and values and make positive change in our communities. He uses his finance and strategic planning expertise to solidly guide the Foundation in our giving strategies where he passionately contributes to our impact discussions. When not at work, he spends time volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank.
Krystal Forbes James
Krystal is a Senior Director of Trade Planning and Deployment within the Reynolds American organization and has been on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2023. In her work within the Reynolds American organization, Krystal has received several awards, including 2021 Top Women in Convenience as a Senior Leader Honoree by Convenience Store News and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Beyond work, Krystal is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Black MBA Association. Krystal uses her interest in social advocacy and her leadership and communication expertise to serve the Foundation because she is passionate about making a tangible impact, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and championing initiatives that address the pressing needs of the community.
Lyndsey Fredericks
Lyndsey is a Senior Director, Human Resources Business Partner within the Reynolds American organization and has been on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2023. As a fervent advocate for the cycle of communal care, Lyndsey also spends time outside of work serving on the Forsyth Humane Society Executive Committee, aiding animals in need in our community. Lyndsey directly experienced the graciousness of the community she grew up in and believes that serving her community ensures that future generations benefit from the same support and guidance she has experienced.
Mandy Hasty
Mandy is a Senior Director of Manufacturing at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s plant in Tobaccoville, North Carolina and has served on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2023. Mandy is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the community where she both works and lives. Her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and communicate effectively positions her as a valuable asset in driving the Foundation’s mission forward. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Mandy serves as the Vice President of the College of AG & Life Sciences Research Foundation at NC State University, further demonstrating her dedication to fostering growth and innovation within her community.
Mary Elizabeth Tillman Barwick
Mary Elizabeth is Vice President of Strategic Engagement, Legal & External Affairs within the Reynolds American organization and has served on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2021 where she is currently the President of the Board. Mary Elizabeth’s work in policy and advocacy guides her as an important community connection and team builder. Mary Elizabeth takes pride in her work on the Board, giving back to our communities and providing a needed financial resource to many organizations advancing the causes of those in need within our community. She also enjoys the opportunity to see the passionate contributions from her colleagues on the Board.
Monique Petree
Monique is a Senior New Product Introduction Manager within the Reynolds American organization and has been a Director on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2016, where she also served as Board Secretary for 7 years. Monique’s strengths with business planning and fundraising have led her to also spend time outside of work volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, her church, and as many opportunities as her family can attend during the holidays. Monique appreciates giving back to causes that she genuinely cares about while making the community a better place. She has welcomed the Board’s diversity of allowing members to explore issues, while also effectively evaluating, developing, and implementing financial management.
Nathan Bohon
Nathan is Vice President of Traditional Categories Commercial Finance within the Reynolds American organization and has been on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2023. As a finance, business and strategic planning expert, Nathan puts his skills to use with the Reynolds Foundation Board giving insights as a lifelong Forsyth County resident. He volunteers as a coach for the NC Fusion Youth Soccer League during his free time. Nathan is delighted to help foster and steward investment in the Forsyth County community, especially as a member of the organization which helped build Winston-Salem.
Patrudu Makena
Patrudu is a Senior Principal Scientist in Regulatory Science within the Reynolds American organization and has been on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2024. In his work, Patrudu has received the Charles Ellis Award, which recognizes the best emerging scientist, technologist, or innovator in the global Research & Development community. He has also received the 2023 Best Publication Award from the Global R&D Community Awards. He is pleased to work on the Foundation Board as it presents a remarkable opportunity to serve the Reynolds American community and provide support to vulnerable populations — particularly children and underprivileged community members — and is excited about the potential to make a positive impact and help shape a more inclusive and supportive community.
Ray Paulin
Ray is a Senior Director of Treasury within the Reynolds American organization and has been on the Reynolds American Foundation Board, serving as its Treasurer, since 2023. In his role as a financial leader within the organization and a well-established investment manager. He also serves on the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (SFNTC) Foundation as its Treasurer. He ensures that the financial and investment oversight of funds for both Foundations is properly used and managed, ensuring that we can continue giving generously and building our supported communities well into the future.
Shahzeb Malik
Shahzeb is Senior Vice President of Operation within the Reynolds American organization and has served on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2024. With his talents in business and strategic planning, Shahzeb believes that a business can only be successful if the community supported by it is also successful and it’s imperative for business leaders to consider how to make a positive impact to the community around us. When he’s not serving the Reynolds American organization and the Winston-Salem community, he also spends time serving on the Admissions Committee for Columbia Business School and is a member of the Leadership Council Advisory Committee for Seton Hall University, demonstrating his commitment to influencing a better future for the future business leaders of America.
Shashi Kaikini
Shashi is a Senior Director of Digital Business Systems for both Corporate and our Global Business Solutions partner within the Reynolds American organization and has served on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2023. Shashi’s expertise in technology and security solutions is paralleled by her leadership skills in finance and governance; she enjoys contributing these skills to the Foundation in giving back to the community. When not at work, Shashi volunteers her time at the Forsyth County Humane Society.
Shay Mustafa
Shay is the Senior Vice President of Business Communications and Sustainability for Reynolds American Inc. and has served as the Chair of the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2021. Serving her community, Shay is also on the Board for Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., on the Board for TruAge– the provider of age verification technology for retailers delivering on the Reynolds American, Inc.’s Underage Access Prevention principles, and a Board of Advisors Member for the REACH Women’s Network. In her role with Reynolds American Inc., she has been awarded the Empower Top 100 Senior Executive Role Models of 2023 and SAVOY’s 2024 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America. Shay is proud to serve our community through the Foundation, ensuring that we continue supporting impact-driven initiatives that better the lives of our citizens today and for future generations.
Stephan Bonaparte
Stephan is a Senior Director of Commercial Finance within the Reynolds American organization and has served on the Reynolds American Foundation Board since 2023. Beyond his work, Stephan holds a position on the Board of the Winston Salem Urban League and is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as well as the Morehouse College Alumni Association. Stephan’s skills in finance and fundraising and his ability to develop connections has led him to seek opportunities to give back throughout his life, individually or within a group from college through business school and into every job he’s held. His dedication to community-focused and charitable endeavors have made him a valuable asset to the Reynolds American Foundation.
Contact
Email for questions or help
RAIFoundation@rjrt.com
Reynolds American Foundation
P.O. Box 891
Plaza Building – 13th Floor
Winston-Salem, NC 27102
Foundation Giving
focuses on supporting communities where Reynolds employees live and work; scholarships, employee matching, capital campaigns, health and education.
focuses on preservation, promotion and advancement of American Indian self-sufficiency and culture.
makes employee-directed donations in communities where ASC operates.