At CRA, we are proud of the progress we made in 2024 to support communities through our Community Advancement initiatives, a key pillar of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. By enhancing access to education, providing pro bono support, and encouraging volunteerism, we’ve taken meaningful steps to positively impact the communities where we live and work.
Here’s a look back at some of the key moments that defined our Community Advancement work last year:
All-Access Initiative: Championing education and opportunity
The All-Access Initiative, launched in 2021, is at the center of CRA’s efforts to promote inclusion and engagement within our workforce and beyond. This program focuses on supporting educational access, particularly in traditionally underserved communities, and fostering future talent in the fields of business, economics, and STEM.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the All-Access Scholarship, which we launched in 2023 to provide financial support to students facing barriers to higher education. In 2023 and again in 2024, we awarded scholarships to 12 deserving students entering their junior year at universities in the U.S. or their final year in the U.K. By expanding this program globally in 2024, we have strengthened our ability to help students worldwide continue their academic journeys with the support they need.
We also strengthened our commitment to education and professional development through strategic partnerships and programs, including:
- American Economic Association Summer Program (AEA): For the third year in a row, CRA partnered with Howard University to host an AEA fellow, providing direct mentorship and practical experience to students pursuing PhDs and careers in economics.
- KIPP Rising Freshman Summer Internship Program: For the second consecutive year, CRA hosted interns as part of this program, supporting high school students transitioning to college by offering hands-on exposure to professional environments and mentorship opportunities. In 2024, we mentored eight talented students across two cohorts.
- QuestBridge Scholars Program: In 2024, we welcomed five exceptional scholars through this program, providing mentorship and research opportunities to high-potential students from underrepresented backgrounds.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to broadening access to education, developing future talent, and providing meaningful opportunities for students to grow.
CorporateGiving@CRA: Strengthening communities through corporate giving
CRA’s Global Corporate Giving Program empowers our employees to support causes they are passionate about, combining their recommendations with corporate resources to make a meaningful impact. Each CRA office receives an annual allocation of funds, proportional to its size, to support charitable organizations selected by employees.
In 2024, CRA employees and the Corporate Giving Committee collaborated to support a variety of impactful organizations, including:
- Horizons for Homeless Children: Providing educational and support services for homeless children and their families. (Boston)
- Hurricane Milton Relief Efforts: Providing aid to communities affected by the disaster. (Florida)
- The Legal Aid Society: Supporting access to legal services for underserved communities. (New York)
- The Trussell Trust: Helping combat hunger and food insecurity through a network of food banks. (U.K.)
This is just a selection of the many organizations supported through our Global Corporate Giving Program, highlighting our shared commitment to making a positive difference in the communities we serve.
By prioritizing employee involvement and aligning with CRA’s mission, this program ensures we can collectively support communities where it matters most.
ProBono@CRA: Supporting critical causes
Our Pro Bono Program empowers colleagues across all levels to use their professional knowledge and skillsets to help improve people’s lives. In 2024, CRA teams worked with nonprofit organizations to offer expert consulting services across a range of practices. Our collaborations included:
- Supporting the National Pro Bono Centre (NPBC) in London and its Pro Bono Expert Support (PBES) program by offering forensic accounting, investigations, and expert witness services.
- Partnering with the Pro Bono Institute (PBI) to help build out their consulting services business model, and we look forward to working with them in 2025 to provide pro bono services.
- Working with Sanctuary for Families to provide investigative and forensic accounting services that support victims of domestic and gender-based violence. We were especially honored to receive the Above & Beyond Award in recognition of our team’s outstanding contributions. CRA is the first and only consulting firm to be given this award.
- Continuing our long-standing partnership with Social Venture Partners (SVP) Boston, where we provide consulting support to local nonprofits, helping them strengthen their organizational strategies and maximize their impact.
Volunteer@CRA: Making a local impact
Volunteerism is an integral part of CRA’s culture, and in 2024, our Global Volunteer Committee and team members contributed their time and energy to projects that directly benefited local communities. Some highlights include:
- The Birthday Party Project: Organizing a magic-themed party for children in need through Cornerstone Community Outreach, bringing joy to families facing hardship. (Chicago)
- American Heart Association’s Lawyers Have Heart 10K: Supporting cancer research and promoting heart health through this annual event. (Washington, D.C.)
- b2run Corporate Race: Participating in the annual 6K race, with a portion of each runner’s registration fee donated to Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei (DKMS) in support of the fight against leukemia. (Munich)
- Jimmy’s Shelter: Refreshing the community garden to create a welcoming environment for shelter residents. (Cambridge)
- Munich Marathon Relay: Running as part of a team in the Munich Marathon Relay, raising awareness for cancer research while promoting health and fitness. (Munich)
- Isar River Cleanup: Volunteering to clean up the Isar River, removing waste and debris to help preserve the local environment and improve the community’s natural spaces. (Munich)
- Christmas Wrapping Event: Supporting families in need through the Petitesuisse Kinderhilfe’s “Angels Give Away Christmas Parcels” project, spreading holiday cheer to those facing financial challenges. (Zurich)
- Holiday Donation Drive: Organizing a donation drive to support the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, collecting clothes, food, and essentials to assist veterans in need during the holiday season. (Chicago)
Looking ahead
As we reflect on 2024, we are proud of the contributions our global team has made and look forward to building on this progress in 2025. We remain committed to expanding our Community Advancement programs, fostering inclusion, and partnering with organizations to create positive change.
Thank you to all our team members, partners, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work in supporting these important causes. Together, we are making a difference in the communities we serve.