Our Founding and Forever Mission Partner since 1974
The partnership between McDonald’s Corporation and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and its programs dates to the inception of the charitable organization. In 1974, when an unlikely partnership was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, between an NFL team, a children’s hospital, and McDonald’s Restaurant, none of its members could have imagined that their dream of a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children would grow to have international reach. They simply wanted to create a place where parents of sick children could be close to their children and others who could provide emotional support.
Today McDonald’s franchisees, along with the McDonald’s Corporation play an active role two ways:
Supporting and organizing fundraising events, volunteering their time, and providing valuable in-kind donations.
McDonald’s franchisees often participate in in-store programs that raise funds for RMHC. For example, the donation boxes found at McDonald’s counters and drive-thru windows support RMHC’s initiative year-round.
It’s important to note that while McDonald’s Corporation and its franchisees have a strong partnership with RMHC, RMHC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. The organization operates independently, has its own governance structure, depends on local funding sources, and support from the community to raise the majority of our budget.
Overall, the relationship between RMHC and McDonald’s franchises is collaborative and focused on supporting children and families during challenging times.