https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAWX5D_fODQ

2024

Annual Report

Dear friends,

In 2024, the KFC Foundation celebrated 25 years of changing lives. Our roots trace back to a moment of generosity—when Colonel Sanders gave a hitchhiking student a ride to school and, upon learning of his financial struggles, awarded him a full scholarship on the spot. That act of kindness sparked a legacy that led to the creation of the KFC Foundation in 1998.

Since then, we’ve carried that spirit forward, providing over $39 million in support to help thousands of KFC restaurant employees take steps toward a brighter future—whether by earning a degree, overcoming a hardship, or giving back to their communities.

This year, we:

  • Expanded our impact with Harvest, connecting U.S. KFC restaurants with local hunger relief organizations to donate unsold, surplus food.
  • Reached a milestone of $2 million granted through Hardship Assistance, aiding over 1,000 team members in their time of need.
  • Launched our first-ever coupon book fundraiser, fueling even more dreams.

These achievements are only possible because of the unwavering support of KFC franchisees, restaurant teams, and customers who Round Up their change. Your generosity makes this work possible, and we are deeply grateful.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another 25 years of changing lives, together!

With gratitude,

Emma Horn
Executive Director
KFC Foundation

Together, We’re Making Education Accessible

2024

Highlights

Celebrated 25 years of changing lives

Awarded $2.5 million in scholarships

Funded $1 million in community projects

Launched a coupon book fundraiser

Expanded impact with the Harvest food donation program

Together, We’re Supporting Families in Crisis

2024 by the Numbers

25

Years of changing lives

The KFC Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary.

$2.5M

Scholarships awarded

450+ KFC restaurant employees received a scholarship to pursue their educational dreams.

$1M

Granted to community projects

100 grants were awarded to local non-profit organizations through Kentucky Fried Wishes.

2.1M

Pounds of food donated

KFC restaurants collectively donated more than 2.1 million pounds of food through Harvest to more than 860 charities nationwide.

$337,000+

Invested into savings

1,125 KFC restaurant employees boosted their financial skills and emergency funds with a $1 for $1 savings match.

$366,000+

To aid those in need

165 KFC restaurant employees received financial support through Hardship Assistance to help make it through a crisis.

312

Started tuition-free college

312 KFC restaurant employees pursued bachelor’s or master’s degrees at WGU.

686

Unlocked their potential

686 KFC restaurant employees enrolled in Become Your Best Self, a personal development program.

56

Earned GED credentials

56 KFC restaurant employees earned their high school credential for FREE through GED Achievement.

Together, We’re Building Stronger Communities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8C_pG6mgv8

Financial Breakdown

How we raise money

Round Up Donations

67%

Fries Sales

25%

Investment Income

5%

Fundraisers & Misc. Donations

3%

How your giving helps

Education Accessibility

68%

Community Impact

17%

Financial & Crisis Assistance

15%

Thank You to Our Donors

Annual Donation Program Participants

Convention Sponsors

Individual Donors

Every KFC customer who rounded up

Thank you for Rounding Up your KFC order total for the KFC Foundation. Your spare change changes lives!

Thank You to Our Board

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BTra-CcW-Q

Continuing the Legacy

For 25 years, the KFC Foundation has been rooted in generosity, empowering KFC restaurant employees and strengthening communities. In 2024, we expanded our impact—adding a food donation program, Harvest, and fueled more dreams through new fundraising initiatives.

But we’re just getting started. With the continued support of franchisees, restaurant teams, and customers who Round Up their change, we’re building a future filled with even more opportunities.

Here’s to the future—and to another 25 years of changing lives together.