Greenville Community Shelters has been approved for an Allstate Agency Hands in the Community $1,000 grant. The Allstate Foundation grant comes in recognition of the community service of Agent Derek Perry.Allstate Foundation grants are awarded to community leaders like Derek and their partnering agencies in order to help make our hometowns better, safer places to live.As a Personal Financial Representative, Derek has worked with many local families. His knowledge and understanding of the people in our community help him provide customers with an outstanding level of service.Allstate Foundation grants benefit organizations like the Shelter by proving operating support or program funding where Allstate agency owners volunteer. The work of the Allstate Foundation takes many forms, including national programs, grants, community partnerships, and teams to support safer lives and stronger communities. Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has championed two signature causes: improving the safety of teens on the road, and financially empowering domestic abuse survivors.Corporate grants like Hands in the Community are on the rise, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Corporate giving is expected to rise 6 percent in 2015, and 4.8 percent in 2016. In comparison, gifts by individuals are projected to rise 4.4 percent and 4.1 percent during the next two years.The growth in philanthropic giving expected this year and next still falls short of the 5.1-percent average rate charted over the past 40 years. The current rate of giving is still an improvement over the steep declines suffered during the recession—like a 14 percent drop in 2009, according to one estimate.We salute Agent Derek Perry and Allstate for their contribution to the battle against homelessness and domestic violence in our local community and nation. They are an example to us all.