Each year, our NCP Cares initiative supports nonprofit organizations across the country with charitable donations that help advance their missions and programs. We’re pleased to announce the two recipients of this year’s donations.
The two organizations were selected based on results of a nationwide survey of NCP’s panel members. Panel members nominated hundreds of organizations that provide critical services to older residents in their areas to receive this one-time donation.
After reviewing the nominations, NCP staff members narrowed the list to five semi-finalists. We then asked panelists to vote for their top two choices.
2025 NCP Cares recipients:
Council on Aging in Union County
The Council on Aging in Union County is a private nonprofit agency that has been serving adults aged 60 and older in Union County (part of Monroe, North Carolina) since 1973.
The agency’s mission is simple but powerful: advocate for the well-being of older adults by providing services and resources that promote independence.
Their work includes:
– Home safety modifications (like ramps and grab bars)
– Mobility and transportation support
– Assistance for caregivers
Executive Director Andrew Friend said “Your generosity helps fuel everything we do. Because of you, more seniors will receive safe in-home care, more families will get the support they need, and more homes will be safer and better equipped for aging. You’re helping our neighbors live with dignity, independence, and the comfort they deserve. That’s something to celebrate.”
The mission of Capital Area Agency on Aging is to advocate and provide services to enhance the quality of life for aging adults. It is a nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
The Agency’s primary purpose is to develop systems designed to assist older persons in leading independent, meaningful and dignified lives in their own homes and communities as long as possible.
In 2024, the agency served more than 664,000 meals and provided more than 131,000 rides for clients among many other services provided.
“At NCP, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us,” says John Toomey, National Consumer Panel’s chief operating officer. “What makes this effort so special is our panel members — they’re the backbone of this initiative. Each year, they nominate nonprofit organizations in their local communities that are truly making a difference.”
NCP Cares is National Consumer Panel’s special community outreach program serving on both a local and national level through charitable donations and volunteer initiatives. The mainstay of the program is an annual charitable donation to organizations in our panel members’ own communities.
The National Consumer Panel is an operational joint venture between the two leading longitudinal consumer insights providers in North America – Circana and NielsenIQ. By recruiting, incenting, and equipping a representative sample of U.S. consumers with a variety of methods for data collection, NCP provides the highest quality, actionable consumer data to support the needs of both Circana and NielsenIQ. For information on joining the NCP Panel, visit http://join.ncponline.com/
The first permanent English settlement in America was established at Jamestown in 1607. Virginia became a colony in 1624 and entered the Union as the tenth state on June 25, 1788. The state was named for Queen Elizabeth I of England, known as the “Virgin Queen.” It is one of four states, along with Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, to be designated as a Commonwealth.
Virginia’s estimated population in 2024 was 8,811,195, making it the 12th most populous state. The capital of Virginia is Richmond, while the largest city is Virginia Beach. It is the 35th largest state in area.
More U.S. presidents were born in Virginia than any other state, including four of our first five presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.
Virginia is the only state in the country to have opened an entire state park system at one time. On June 15, 1936, the Virginia State Park system opened to the public with six parks covering 19,000 acres.
One of Virginia’s top natural resources is its forests, which cover 62 percent of the state.
Originally settled by colonists in 1610, Hampton is the oldest continuously-inhabited English settlement in North America.
Naval Station Norfolk is the world’s largest naval base, with more than 78 ships from the Atlantic fleet using the station as a home port.
Virginia contains 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail, more than any other state.
Famous people from Virginia include tennis player Arthur Ashe, Pat Benatar, Warren Beatty, Katie Couric, and Shirley MacLaine.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in Virginia! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in Vermont
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
Vermont was the 14th state to join the union on March 4, 1791. Montpelier is the state capital and Burlington is its largest city. Vermont is bordered by Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York and is the 45th largest state.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of Vermont is 648,493 (July 2024 est.); it ranks as the 49th most populous state.
Vermont is known for its forests, which cover about 78% of its land area. Vermont is often ranked the top state in the U.S. for fall foliage, thanks to its high percentage of forested land and vibrant maple trees.
Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States.
The first ski tow in the U.S. was built in 1934 in Woodstock, Vermont, using a Model T engine. This innovation made skiing more accessible and helped launch the ski industry in the U.S.
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory is in Waterbury, and it’s open for tours and tastings.
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S.
Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any other state.
Some of the famous people born in Vermont include U.S. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Chester Alan Arthur, Mormon leader Brigham Young, and inventor and farm equipment leader John Deere.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in Vermont! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in Utah
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
Utah, also known as the Beehive State, was admitted to the Union on January 4, 1896, as the 45th state. It is one of the Four Corners states along with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico; this is the only location in the country where four states meet. Utah also shares a border with Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada. It’s the 13th largest state by area.
Utah’s estimated population in 2024 was 3,503,613, making it the 30th most populous state. The state capital is Salt Lake City, which is also the largest metro area.
Utah is the only state where every county contains at least part of a national forest.
55% of the people in Utah are Mormons. With more than 2 million members in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Utah has more Mormons than any other state.
Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the largest terminal lakes (lakes with no outflow) in the world.
An average of 500 inches of snow falls every year in the mountains around Salt Lake City.
Frank Zamboni of Utah invented the Zamboni (the machine that drives around and polishes ice rinks).
The first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant was opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952. The founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, was, of course, from Kentucky.
Famous people from Utah include Butch Cassidy, Roseanne Barr, Jewel, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Chrissy Teigen.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in Utah! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in Texas
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
Texas was the 28th state to join the union on December 29, 1845. Austin is the state capital and Houston is its largest city. Texas is bordered by the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of Texas is 31,290,831 (July 2024 est.); it ranks as the 2nd most populous state.
Texas was the 28th state to join the union on December 29, 1845. Austin is the state capital and Houston is its largest city. Texas is bordered by the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
According to the U.S. CensusTexas is the only state to have the flags of six different nations fly over it: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States, and the United States. This is often referred to as the “Six Flags of Texas”. Throughout its history, various nations have held sovereignty over the territory that is now Texas.
Texas has more counties (254) than any other state in the U.S.
King Ranch in Houston is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island. It is home of 35,000 cattle and over 200 Quarter Horses.
The soft drink Dr Pepper was invented in Waco, Texas in 1885 by a pharmacist named Charles Alderton (there is no period after “Dr” in the name).
Texas is known for “Tex-Mex” food, a combination of Texan and Mexican cuisine.
Texas is the only state with its own separate power grid.
Texas is a major producer of oil and natural gas.
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World.
Famous people born in Texas include actors Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, Steve Martin, Woody Harrelson, and Eva Longoria, among many others. Musicians Willie Nelson and Buddy Holly were also born there. Former Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson were born in Texas; George H.W. Bush moved to Texas after graduating from Yale, and George W. Bush grew up in Texas. Bureau, the estimated population of Texas is 31,290,831 (July 2024 est.); it ranks as the 2nd most populous state.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in Texas! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in Tennessee
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
Tennessee was admitted to the Union on June 1, 1796, as the 16th state. It is located in the southeastern region of the country and borders Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. The state is divided into three grand divisions of East, Middle, and West Tennessee.
The state’s estimated population in 2024 was 7.22 million people, making it the 15th most populous state. Nashville, the state capital, is also the largest city. Tennessee is the 36th largest state in land area.
Mountain Dew was invented in Knoxville in the 1930s as a new drink to mix with whiskey.
Machine-made Cotton Candy (fairy floss) was invented in Tennessee by a dentist and a candy maker in 1897.
The beloved Southern treat, MoonPie, was invented in Chattanooga in 1917; it is a treat as big as the “moon.”
The tallest underground waterfall in the United States is Ruby Falls, an impressive 145 feet.
Nashville has its very own Batman Building. Technically, it is the AT&T building, but it has been nicknamed the Batman Building. At 617 feet tall, the building is the tallest skyscraper in Tennessee.
Tennessee has more caves than any other state. There are over 9,200 caves and caverns throughout the state.
Famous people from Tennessee include Morgan Freeman, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, and Justin Timberlake.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in Tennessee! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in South Dakota
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
Several employees of National Consumer Panel attended the “Best Companies to Work for in New York” awards ceremony on April 10 in Albany, New York.
Already honored to be a recipient of the award for eleven years in a row, the team was thrilled to learn that NCP placed in the top ten for the second year in a row.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized in the top ten again this year.” said National Consumer Panel COO John Toomey. “This wouldn’t be possible without our employees’ dedication to our mission and our clients. Congratulations to the NCP team and all the companies recognized.”
About Best Companies to Work for in New York State
The annual list of the 2025 Best Companies to Work for in New York was created by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management (NYS-SHRM) and Best Companies Group.
This statewide survey and awards program is a research-driven program from Best Companies Group designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The assessment process examines company practices, programs and benefits and also surveys employees for their perspective. Businesses that meet certain criteria are then considered the Best Companies to Work for in New York.
An organization must meet the following requirements to be considered for participation:
· Be a publicly or privately held business
· Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity
· Have a facility in the state of New York
· Have a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in New York
· Must be in business a minimum of one year
Best Companies Group is an independent firm that manages Best Places to Work programs on state, regional and national levels around the world. It conducted the survey, and then evaluated the results and determined the best places of employment in the Empire State. The 2023 Best Companies to Work for in New York list is made up of 90 companies.
For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in New York State program and to register to attend the awards dinner, please visit
www.BestCompaniesNY.com.
About National Consumer Panel
The National Consumer Panel is an operational joint venture between the two leading longitudinal consumer insights providers in North America – Circana and NielsenIQ. NCP’s panel – comprised of U.S. consumers carefully selected across a multitude of key demographics – provides the highest actionable consumer data available to support the needs of both Circana and NielsenIQ.
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South Dakota was the 40th state to join the union on November 2, 1889. Pierre is the state capital and Sioux Falls is its largest city. South Dakota is bordered by Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of South Dakota is 924,669 (July 2024 est.); it ranks as the 46th most populous state.
South Dakota is home of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial which features colossal sculptures of four U.S. Presidents; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the side of a mountain. Nearly three million people visit Mount Rushmore each year.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle owners (and others) take over Sturgis, South Dakota every year in August for the largest motorcycle rally in the world.
There are currently seven National Park Service sites throughout the state, as well as 63 state parks and recreation areas that showcase the state’s diverse terrain and landscapes.
There are more than 1,300 free-roaming bison in Custer State Park.
Black Elk Peak (part of the Black Hills National Forest in Custer State Park) is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains.
Started in 1948, the Crazy Horse Memorial is still being carved today in the Black Hills.
Some of the famous people born and/or raised in South Dakota include Bob Barker, Tom Brokaw, Mary Hart, Cheryl Ladd, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in South Dakota! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in South Carolina
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
The Province of South Carolina was formed in 1712 and it became a royal colony in 1719. It was one of the original thirteen colonies and became the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on May 23, 1788. After voting to secede in 1860, South Carolina was readmitted to the Union on July 9, 1868, after the Civil War ended.
South Carolina borders North Carolina, Georgia, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the 40th largest state in area and the 23rd most populous state, with an estimated 2024 population of 5,478,831. The state capital is Columbia, and the largest city is Charleston.
South Carolina is home to the US’s first commercial tea farm, and is the birthplace of that most delicious of icy, refreshing drinks: sweet tea.
Angel Oak on John’s Island is thought to be the oldest living tree east of the Mississippi River. It’s believed to be more than 1,500 years old.
Frogmore stew is a traditional South Carolinian dish that is not actually a stew, and doesn’t actually use frogs.
The first game of golf played in the U.S. took place in Charleston, SC.
Morgan Island, aka Monkey Island, is an uninhabited island that is home to the only free-ranging colony of rhesus macaque monkeys in the United States. There are around 3,500 monkeys on the island.
Myrtle Beach is the Golf Capital of the world, and South Carolina has more than 300 public and private golf courses in total.
Famous people from South Carolina include James Brown, Chubby Checker, Pat Conroy, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Darius Rucker, and Vanna White.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in South Carolina! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in Rhode Island
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
Rhode Island was the 13th state to join the union on May 29, 1790. Providence is the state capital and its largest city.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. and is bordered by the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts. It shares a maritime border with New York in the south, specifically near Block Island.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of Rhode Island is 1,112,308 (July 2024 est.); it ranks as the 43rd most populous state.
Rhode Island is known as the sailing capital of the world.
Newport was the site of the first circus in the United States in 1774.
Newport is world-famous for its Gilded Age mansions, which once served as summer homes for America’s wealthiest families, like the Vanderbilts.
The U.S. Open, initially known as the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships, began in Newport, Rhode Island, specifically at the Newport Casino in 1881, which is now the location of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Although it’s the smallest state at about 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island boasts 400 miles of coastline. You’re never more than 30 minutes from the water anywhere in the state.
Block Island, accessible by ferry, is a popular getaway spot featuring cliffs, beaches, and bike trails.
Famous people from the state include Viola Davis, Meredith Vieira and Debra Messing who all grew up in Rhode Island and R&B and soul musician Jeffrey Osborne who was born and raised in Providence.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in Rhode Island! Here’s how our panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in Pennsylvania
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!