Moneta Group Puts Its Money Where Its Heart Is

Amid the economic downturn, Clayton-based financial services company Moneta Group has continued moving forward with a charitable giving program that makes each employee a fund administrator.

Founded in 1999, Moneta Charitable Trust was set up to provide funding to St. Louis-area organizations and programs that focus on children, the elderly and community needs. The money comes from company principals, grants and employee contributions.

“As a group, we had a desire to give back to the community in some way,” said Don Kukla, a principal in Moneta Group. "We had the goal to raise $1 million, which we did in the first 10 years.”

Originally, the company accepted solicitations for funding from charities and groups. But going through piles of letters became a daunting task. The group's creative solution shaped the way the trust operates and empowered employees to become involved in determining how funds are allocated.

Anyone can organize a project, get colleagues involved and then apply to the foundation for a grant.

“We used to accept requests from the community, but it became overwhelming,” Kukla said. “Now we focus on the things Moneta employees want to get involved with.”

The firm has grown to 180 employees since the program's inception, and the events bring them together.

“People get to know each other better,” Kukla said. “We have happier employees, and it's good public relations.”

Most recently, a group of Moneta employees helped out at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis Bike Ride. Employees also have gone to Ronald McDonald House to cook for families who are in St. Louis while their children, who are seriously ill or injured, receive treatment.

“When you see the impact—the kids and parents at Ronald McDonald House—you hear some touching stories,” Kukla said. “It's meaningful.”

The list of charities and organizations that have benefited from Moneta Charitable Trust since its founding is lengthy, including National MS Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Junior Achievement and Habitat For Humanity. There's never any worry about which charities will benefit in the future.

“You never know what's going to come around the corner,” Kukla said. “An employee will come in with something.”

Looking back on the history of Moneta Charitable Trust, Kukla sees nothing but positive results.

“I think in general the foundation has been a very good thing,” Kukla said. “It's a feeling of satisfaction. It's about being a good corporate citizen. Hopefully, our program serves as a blueprint for other companies to get involved.”