Moving people forward toward their goals
and dreams.
Moving people forward toward their goals and dreams.
For nearly 100 years, Wills Group has been committed to serving and caring for our diverse communities, making meaningful contributions through all aspects of our business.
The purpose of our company – Lives in Motion – is how we express this commitment, working closely with nonprofit, community organizations, and our neighbors to create pathways for impact.
$7 million+
donated since 2006
$628,000+
raised through Employee Match Campaign since 2016
$3.1 million+
raised at Blackie Wills Golf Classic events since 2017
49
local organizations supported across the Mid-Atlantic region
3,400+
team member volunteer hours since 2017
Our areas of focus
and impact.
We are dedicated to nourishing, reimagining, and advancing local communities.
In collaboration with local nonprofit partners and our neighbors, our goal is to create meaningful and coordinated initiatives that support and strengthen our communities.
Nourishing Children
and Families
Well-balanced meals nourish growing bodies, nurture minds, and support healthy families.
We partner with regional and local food banks and pantries to increase food security for children and their families by providing resources to increase food access, community gardens that produce fresh fruits and vegetables, and programs that teach people the skills and knowledge to prepare healthy meals.
Reimagining
Outdoor Spaces
Vibrant, welcoming outdoor spaces help bring people together. Connected neighbors create stronger communities and support thriving families.
Whether it’s transforming walkways into connected paths, basketball courts into murals, or concrete areas into picnic destinations, we collaborate with organizations and communities to envision and bring to life reimagined community spaces.
Advancing Waterways and Watersheds
Healthy waterways are essential to our well-being, supporting everything from the food we eat to the outdoor spaces where we connect and play.
We work with organizations to address waterway conservation with an immediate focus on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, working to connect environmental health with community well-being to drive solutions that benefit both our environment and people.
Wills Group launches new Advancing Waterways and Watersheds initiative
2024 Community Engagement Report announces $1 million+ in giving in 2024
Wills Group and Dash In partner with Oasis Fresh Foods Market
Melwood partnership addresses nutrition education and access to healthy food
What is keeping Lives in Motion?
Lives in Motion means we believe every interaction is an opportunity to help people move forward toward their goals and dreams. It starts with meeting basic needs, but it takes more than that. It takes a belief that all of us are worthy of a full and rewarding life and have a contribution to make to our communities. This idea inspires our Community Engagement efforts and our two primary areas of focus.
The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund
Wills Group’s Community Engagement Program is supported by the Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund, created in 2016 to honor Wills Group President Julian Blacklock “Blackie” Wills and his commitment to giving back to local communities. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund actively reinvests in our local communities to support our collective vision to create stronger communities. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund is a component fund within Chesapeake Charities, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Community Engagement Project Updates and News
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17 March, 2025
How Convenience Stores Can Build Stronger Community Ties
Stronger community ties start with local businesses. Read how Dash In convenience stores build connections beyond the checkout counter.
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11 February, 2025
Wills Group Releases 2024 Community Engagement Report, Announced More than $1 Million in Giving Across Mid-Atlantic Region
The 2024 annual impact report, “One Vision, Many Pathways,” highlights a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity, enhancing outdoor spaces, and supporting the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
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26 September, 2024
How and Why We Introduced Waterway and Watershed Conservation Into Our Community Engagement Program
Advancing Waterways and Watersheds joins our other signature community engagement programs focused on Nourishing Children and Families and Reimagining Outdoor Spaces, creating a comprehensive approach to addressing community needs.