Edward Jones’ annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report emphasizes action and impact

Reflecting on nearly three decades, two purpose impact areas guide the firm's future

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Mar. 11, 2022 - Financial services firm Edward Jones today released its fourth annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report, “Partnering for Positive Impact.” The report showcases Edward Jones' year-ended 2021 achievements, and how it partners for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better its communities and society.

The report details meaningful progress Edward Jones made in three important areas: Partnering for Lasting Financial Strength, Promoting Healthier Futures and Advancing Inclusive Growth. In 2021, the firm furthered a place of belonging for its associates and advanced its diverse representation goals, educated more than 175,000 individuals through its Financial Fitness program, and donated more than $26 million to 259 organizations through corporate, Edward Jones Foundation and philanthropic giving.

"Our nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients in approximately 3,000 communities across North America every day," said Penny Pennington, Managing Partner of Edward Jones. "Through our purpose and partnership for positive impact, we are able to extend our reach into the communities we serve, providing access to financial knowledge for our clients and helping people connect to their own purpose and achieve things in their lives they might not have known were possible. Our efforts to partner for lasting financial strength, promote healthier futures and advance inclusive growth in our own workplace extend into society through the dedication of our approximately 50,000 associates who give of their time, talent and treasure to improve people's lives in their communities."

Highlights from this year’s report include:

Promoting Healthier Futures

Edward Jones remains committed to making investments and supporting organizations that will have a true impact on clients, associates, and communities – specially to address the pervasive health issues the firm believes stand in the way of building, maintaining and enjoying wealth in life. The firm has made significant strides in helping build healthier and more sustainable futures for all.

The firm’s efforts include:

• Providing Edward Jones associates with the care and support to address their own physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being by offering comprehensive benefits and flexible work options. Utilizing a global well-being solutions provider, the firm gives all associates and their spouses/partners access to resources to help improve their quality of life. The firm also provides a number of free mental health visits for all associates.
• Offering sustainable investment opportunities to help clients achieve their financial goals and invest with purpose. The firm has taken steps to help clients leave a legacy through the Edward Jones Charitable Gift Fund, a donor-advised fund. As of December 31, 2021, in North America, Edward Jones' clients invested $225 million in the Edward Jones Charitable Gift Fund in 2021, and more than $7 million has already been granted to charities, enabling them to make an impact in their communities aligned to their own purpose.
• Continuing the firm's commitment to finding cure for cancer working together with The Terry Fox Foundation, our contribution of more than 200,000 Canadian dollars, raised through both corporate and associate giving, will support the organization’s mission to find a cure for cancer by funding outstanding research.

Advancing Inclusive Growth

Edward Jones’ focus on inclusive growth demonstrates the firm’s belief that every person deserves an opportunity to thrive. With a deep focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, Edward Jones makes intentional investments to lift communities and foster a place of belonging for everyone.

The firm’s efforts are underscored by commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including a five-point commitment in the U.S. and a four-point commitment in Canada and diverse representation goals. In Canada we are committed to giving everyone a voice, continued focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices and policies, equitable pay, and racial-equity-training and anti-racism personnel policies. As of Dec. 31, 2021, 22% of Edward Jones financial advisors are women and 9% are people of color in the U.S. and Canada, increases for both over last year – demonstrating progress toward achieving diverse representation goals by 2025. Edward Jones Business Resource Groups, mentorship programs, and other initiatives help the firm to be a place of belonging for all.

The firm’s annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report is available here.

About Edward Jones

Edward Jones is a full-service investment dealer with more than 850 financial advisors in Canadian communities from coast-to-coast. A member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, the firm is also a participating organization in the Toronto Stock Exchange. Edward Jones is a proud supporter of partners in the health and wellness space such as The Terry Fox Foundation, whose mission supports initiatives positively impacting cancer research. For more information, visit edwardjones.ca.