TDS Cares is a vibrant illustration of our commitment to the communities we serve. From hands-on volunteering to in-kind and direct financial support, TDS takes a vested interest in the growth and success of our communities. Community involvement is so imperative to our core beliefs that TDS has a “Be Good Citizens” program, which provides associates with 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer.
Since the “Be Good Citizens” program was established in 2009, our associates have collectively contributed over 22,000 hours of volunteer time in their communities. In 2024, associates supported 311 organizations with over 1,800 volunteer hours—marking a new annual high.
“Supporting impactful organizations in our communities through volunteerism is part of the fabric of our company, and one of our core values,” said Drew Petersen, TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “We believe that by actively engaging in volunteer activities, we not only contribute to the betterment of our communities, but also foster a sense of community pride and purpose among our associates.”
Through TDS’ Hometown Hero and Most Valuable Educator programs, we honor and support educators, first responders, veterans, and volunteers who make a difference in their communities. These programs recognize community leaders with a TDS award and include donations to the impactful organization or school with which they are associated.
Every summer since it became a charity fundraising event in 2011, the company has held the TDS Open, a golf event for associates and business partners to come together and support high-impact organizations in our communities. In 2025, the annual event surpassed $1 million in total funds raised when we awarded a record-breaking $90,000 to Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center (Madison, Wis.) and Tumbleweed Runaway Program (Billings, Mont.).
Community Outreach
