Caesars Entertainment and ImpactLV Launch Fund to Support Victims of Human Trafficking
January 23, 2019
In an effort to help Southern Nevada’s vulnerable populations, Caesars Entertainment has launched The Shared Future Fund, a first-of-its-kind investment model that will be used to create long-term positive change for adult and child victims of human trafficking.
The new fund will be controlled and managed by ImpactNV, a Southern Nevada nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing cross-sector leadership to address pressing social needs and building a better community.
Created as a self-sustaining model designed to catalyze solutions to core regional issues via grants, loans and investments, The Shared Future Fund will initially be funded by in-kind donations and direct financial support from Caesars Entertainment and an inaugural fundraising event in the spring of this year.
“The formation of The Shared Future Fund underscores Caesars Entertainment’s belief that every human being deserves an equal opportunity for a bright future and fulfilling life,” said Jan Jones Blackhurst, executive vice president of public policy and corporate responsibility at Caesars Entertainment.
She continued, “In our inaugural year, The Shared Future Fund will prioritize solutions centered on human trafficking, which is an issue that particularly affects women and children. As the first social impact fund for Nevada, we hope that our new venture can be a model for companies and communities collaborating to end (systemic) inequity.”
The Shared Future Fund aims to define a new pathway to achieve philanthropic goals by supporting a holistic, community-centered strategy that emphasizes advocacy and collective impact rather than the traditional approach of contributing financial resources to company-chosen causes.
Initially, the fund will focus on providing support for women and children affected by the trauma associated with human trafficking, an issue that intersects heavily with other crises that rise from social inequity including homelessness and immigration concerns, according to Caesars officials.
“ImpactNV has a proven track record for accelerating and deploying evidence-based solutions that solve for systemic challenges facing Southern Nevada’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lauren Boitel, executive director of ImpactNN. “However, we know change requires collaboration and are proud to be part of this innovative venture with Caesars Entertainment.”
She continued, “With The Shared Future Fund, we believe we can create a safety net for the local community where every person is seen, heard and valued, ultimately building a stronger community for us all.”
Caesars Entertainment and ImpactNV have identified three intersecting priority areas for The Shared Future Fund:
Human Trafficking: Human trafficking is one of the most predominant issues in the hospitality industry, with Nevada ranking second for the highest number of sex trafficking cases per 100,000 residents in the country – more than twice the national average. The Shared Future Fund will develop a strategy to reduce, treat and rehabilitate adult and child victims of sex trafficking.
Homelessness: Homelessness is one of the most consistently identifiable causes of inequality. Nevada has the third-highest rate of unsheltered individuals in the nation, with more than 300 families with children homeless every night. The fund will design and develop a plan for long-term impact by 2020.
Immigrant Integration: Immigrants make up 20 percent of Nevada’s population and a quarter of its workforce. More than 100,000 U.S. citizens in Nevada live with at least one undocumented family member. The Shared Future Fund will develop an approach to provide new Nevadans with pathways to crucial community connection, education, employment, language access, naturalization and healthcare.
In addition to The Shared Future Fund, the casino-entertainment company is launching an Economic Equity Tour, a six-stop tour that will visit communities where affiliates of Caesars Entertainment operate. This initiative will focus on financial literacy, workforce development, entrepreneurship and potential business opportunities for diverse suppliers.
The company is also advancing its Gender Equity Initiative, which will focus on reaching an equal representation of women and men in leadership by 2025.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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