Justin Godur
Justin Godur
President
President
Justin Godur lives by the belief that generosity is a daily action rather than a single event. His giving is measured not just in dollars but also in time, effort, and a steady commitment to ensure that people and animals are treated with dignity. He builds, he gives, and he shows up, reflecting these values through his volunteer work and philanthropic projects. For him, generosity is not about recognition—it is about making a real difference wherever the need exists.
At the heart of his mission is a clear truth: people matter. He works to create opportunities because every community deserves hope and a chance to thrive. He continues to act because, in his own words, “When you can change the outcome for someone else—even a little—you do it. That’s what I’m here for.” These words guide his actions and define the purpose behind every effort he undertakes.
When Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas in 2019, destroying homes and displacing more than 70,000 people, he did more than offer financial support. He organized a mission trip, led a team, and delivered food and essential supplies to families in need. He helped rebuild damaged areas, secured housing for those who lost everything, and rescued animals left behind in the chaos. He and his team also created resources to help local communities care for the rescued animals long after the headlines disappeared.
This mission marked a turning point in his life. Being present on the ground showed him the power of action and confirmed his lifelong commitment to helping others. It reinforced his belief that meaningful change happens when someone is willing to step forward and do the work, no matter how challenging the circumstances.
His approach to giving is wide-reaching and practical. He funds what keeps people alive and moving forward—food on the table, a roof overhead, transportation, medicine, healthcare, education, and clothing. These supports create stability and open the door to a better future for families and individuals facing hardship.
Through his company’s work in private lending consulting, he views lending and investing as more than business opportunities. Each deal is a chance to support communities as much as businesses. He treats every loan as a way to help a family stay secure, a student remain in school, or a neighborhood clinic keep its doors open.
When structuring loan terms, he works hard to help others succeed because the impact multiplies when people are given room to breathe. One client needed a loan to be completed within 48 hours to save his business. He went the distance to ensure the funding was secured on time, allowing the client to keep the company alive and protect jobs.
Animals have always held a special place in his heart. Over the years, he has rescued and supported thousands of them. He provides ongoing funding for food and medications at Abandoned Pet Rescue and has even built an entire dog park, allowing the dogs to run, play, and heal instead of remaining behind bars. He calls the park “freedom engineered,” a space designed to turn stress into joy and give potential adopters the chance to see each dog’s true personality.
His work with animals is a reflection of his broader belief that all living beings deserve kindness and care. By creating safe spaces and ensuring ongoing support, he gives animals the chance to live healthy and happy lives.
His philanthropy reaches a wide range of causes, all aimed at meeting real needs and helping real people. He supports hunger relief, disaster response, children’s health, medical research, housing, veterans’ services, education, environmental protection, global aid, civil liberties, and wildlife protection.
He has contributed to efforts connected to Feeding America, Good360, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, United Way Worldwide, Direct Relief, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity International, Americares, Goodwill Industries International, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA of the USA, Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse, MAP International, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American Red Cross, The Arc of the United States, UNICEF, World Vision, Mount Sinai Health System, Lutheran Services in America, The Nature Conservancy, Doctors Without Borders USA, HealthWell Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Cru, Convoy of Hope, the American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, CARE USA, Task Force for Global Health, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Catholic Relief Services, Make-A-Wish, Midwest Food Bank, Providence St. Joseph Health, Feed the Children, Easterseals, International Rescue Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Cross Catholic Outreach, Food for the Poor, Cedars-Sinai, Wounded Warrior Project, Save the Children, Heart to Heart International, World Wildlife Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, ACLU & Foundation, Scholarship America, Giving USA Foundation, Forbes/Forbes Media initiatives, World Central Kitchen, and the Ray of Hope Foundation, among many others.
For him, supporting such a diverse range of causes is not about checking boxes. It is about responding to real challenges faced by individuals and communities across the globe and helping wherever he can.
In addition to his philanthropic work, he dedicates time to mentoring young people who feel they are starting with nothing. He shares practical advice, provides guidance, and opens doors when possible. His message is simple but powerful: there is hope, talent matters, and circumstances do not define a person’s future.
His greatest reward comes from seeing first-generation graduates, new business owners, and volunteers who now lead their own projects. Through mentorship, he helps build the next generation of leaders who will continue the work of service and generosity.
Everything he does reflects the values he strives to uphold: integrity, honesty, personal responsibility, compassion, kindness, gratitude, self-respect, and a commitment to continuous growth and learning. Generosity is part of his character, visible in the way he listens, negotiates, and supports others.
When asked about his proudest moments, he does not talk about numbers or recognition. Instead, he tells stories of the family who moved into a rebuilt home, the dog running freely in the grass instead of pacing in a kennel, or the teenager who applied to college with new confidence. These are the successes that matter most to him.
Justin Godur continues to show that generosity is not a one-time act but a way of living. Through steady action, honest effort, and a deep respect for people and animals, he proves that helping others creates real change and inspires those around him to do the same.