Owned by High Foundation, our work makes a difference.
Our profits are invested in transformative initiatives that help build more equitable and vibrant communities.
A Purpose Driven Ownership Structure
High companies is proudly owned by High Foundation, a nonprofit committed to strengthening the communities where we live and work. As our businesses perform, a portion of profits flows to the Foundation, which invests in organizations and programs that expand opportunity, education, and economic mobility. This unique model ties our long-term business success to long-term community benefit.
What This Means for Our Community
- Profits support local nonprofits and community development projects
- Investments strengthen economic mobility and educational pathways
- Resources stay local, supporting long‑term community well‑being
About High Foundation
With a heart of service and a spirit of collaboration, High Foundation builds bridges to opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities, striving for an equitable world of beauty, prosperity, and peace. Funded by proceeds from High companies, the Foundation invests in impactful organizations and initiatives that bring people together to deliver transformational change where needs are greatest.
Core values
Servant Leadership
Equity
Optimism
Boldness
Stewardship
How Ownership Shapes High Companies
Being owned by a foundation influences how we plan, operate, and invest in people.
- Long-term stewardship: We plan for generations, not quarters
- Responsible decisions: Choices rooted in values, integrity, and community benefit
- Coworker-centered culture: Growth, safety, belonging, and well-being
- Sustained regional impact: Business performance fuels community transformation
Impact in Action
High Foundation invests in initiatives that improve lives and build stronger communities.
Lancaster Housing Works
Lancaster County’s shortage of affordable workforce housing is putting pressure on families and the local economy. To help address this challenge, High Foundation supported the launch of Lancaster Housing Works, a new nonprofit dedicated to increasing the supply of affordable rental housing for residents earning 50–80% of the area median income, including teachers, healthcare workers, and skilled tradespeople.
Backed by a $10 million visionary investment from High Foundation, Lancaster Housing Works plans to create 325–360 new affordable housing units over the next five years. Its first acquisition, Stonecreek Court Apartments in Ephrata, preserved 60 affordable homes that were at risk of rapid rent increases.
Partners for Environmental Stewardship
Lancaster County plays a critical role in protecting the region’s waterways and natural resources, yet many local streams and rivers face longstanding environmental challenges. To help address these issues, High Foundation is the visionary funder of Partners for Environmental Stewardship, a nonprofit advancing clean water, environmental education, and community connection to nature in Lancaster City and beyond.
Partners for Environmental Stewardship is leading the development of a landmark environmental center and urban nature preserve on the Sunnyside Peninsula in Lancaster City, reconnecting the community to the Conestoga River and expanding public access to green space. In 2025, Lancaster City Council approved a 99‑year ground lease for the project, marking a major milestone in realizing the City’s vision for sustainable waterfront development.
Working in collaboration with leading conservation and water quality organizations, the future environmental center will serve as a hub for learning, innovation, and action, positioning Lancaster as a regional leader in clean water solutions and environmental stewardship.
Other Examples of Impact
- Educational access and scholarship programs
- Community development and neighborhood revitalization
- Economic mobility and workforce initiatives
- Strategic partnerships that promote equity and opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that High companies is owned by High Foundation?
It means dividends from High companies support High Foundation’s mission and community investments through a purpose-driven ownership model.
How does this benefit communities?
Funds are directed to nonprofits, programs, and partnerships that create meaningful, long-term change in areas such as education, workforce development, the environment, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization.
Are High Companies and High Foundation separate organizations?
Yes. They operate independently while aligning on shared values and a commitment to community impact.
How does this ownership support coworkers?
It promotes stability, values-based leadership, and a strong people-first culture focused on growth, safety, belonging, and well-being.
How are profits reinvested?
High Foundation uses proceeds to fund high-impact initiatives that advance social and environmental benefit in central Pennsylvania and other communities where the High companies provide economic investment and employment.