Strategic Wealth Designers Mobilize Communities Through Operation Gifts of Goodness
Visit one of the many offices of Strategic Wealth Designers (SWD) during the Christmas season, and you’ll witness employees actively participating in the financial planning firm’s annual Operation Gifts of Goodness initiative. This heartfelt program, part of the broader SWD Cares charitable efforts, unites employees to give back to their communities during the holiday season, embodying the spirit of generosity and service.
Matthew Dicken, Founder and CEO of Strategic Wealth Designers, explains the origin and purpose of this initiative: “We started Operation Gifts of Goodness three years ago in an effort to directly give back to those in our communities that need it most.” Each SWD office receives a dedicated budget to adopt families, support local organizations, or make donations aimed at providing essential holiday support. Employees come together not only to shop for gifts but often to volunteer their time, creating meaningful connections with those they assist. Over the years, the initiative has supported dozens of organizations, spreading the joy of Christmas across SWD’s extensive footprint.
Operation Gifts of Goodness exemplifies how SWD, through its SWD Cares program, transforms local offices into vibrant community hubs dedicated to positive and lasting change.
SWD Cares: Building Sustainable Community Impact
Recognizing the importance of a structured approach to philanthropy, Dicken established SWD Cares to formalize the charitable activities he, his wife, and the company were involved in. His vision was to sustain long-term efforts within the communities where SWD provides its financial planning services, rather than limiting support to one-off events.
Initially, SWD Cares hosted quarterly events across its markets, but Dicken challenged his team to deepen their impact. “We had done some events that resulted in those with needs in our community being fed for a day, or even a week,” Dicken recalls. “But I asked the team to try and come up with ways we could reduce the number of needy and hungry people permanently.” This mindset shift inspired innovative programs, such as support for schools in high-risk areas where student attendance and accountability are ongoing challenges. SWD funded critical resources like iPads and implemented reward programs to encourage positive student behaviors like punctuality and consistent attendance.
Today, SWD Cares concentrates its efforts around four core pillars: children, animals, veterans, and medical-related causes. The program also seeks partnerships with organizations that resonate deeply with clients and employees alike, ensuring the charity work remains relevant and impactful.
Investing Locally: Empowering Communities Where Employees Live and Work
While SWD Cares supports initiatives with a broad reach, its primary focus remains on the 19 cities across 11 states where its employees reside and work. This localized approach allows the company to cultivate meaningful change that employees can witness firsthand, reinforcing their commitment to the cause.
Moreover, SWD actively involves its clients in these charitable endeavors. Dicken notes, “We love to find opportunities to get our clients involved. Marketing opportunities to our clients not only gets more volunteers out in our communities, but also brings additional awareness to the organizations we’re supporting.” This client engagement amplifies the impact of SWD Cares and fosters a shared sense of purpose.
Hands-On Support: Beyond Financial Contributions
Financial donations are only part of the story for SWD Cares. The program emphasizes active participation and time commitment to the causes it supports.
For example, when SWD donates to Ronald McDonald House, employees also prepare meals and spend quality time with families staying at the facility. Similarly, with Wish For Wheels, a nonprofit providing bicycles to second graders at Title I schools, SWD employees build the bikes themselves and teach children how to ride them. This hands-on approach not only makes the experience more rewarding but also strengthens the bonds between the volunteers and the community members they serve.
Dicken expresses optimism about the program’s growth and hopes to inspire other companies to create similar initiatives. “When a company is successful, I believe it has a responsibility to give back to the communities that have given it so much support,” he says. “We are striving to set a good corporate example that other companies can emulate and follow, showing that, regardless of your size, you can still make a meaningful impact in your community.”
Learn more about how SWD Cares is turning local offices into community hubs by visiting Here.
