The Coca-Cola Foundation is giving the National Council of Negro Women a multi-year $1 million award to support the group’s operating infrastructure and Economic and Entrepreneurial Development Center, which provides technical and business development assistance to more than 4,000 women annually.

The award was made as part of a retirement celebration for longtime Coca-Cola leader Ingrid Saunders Jones, who will leave as chairwoman of the Coca-Cola Foundation at the end of May. Jones, who is also senior vice president of global community connections for Coca-Cola, has been with the beverage giant for 31 years.

Last year, Jones was elected chairwoman of the NCNW.

“Ingrid has always had a passion for serving others, lifting them up, and making a positive difference,” Muhtar Kent, Coca-Cola’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in announcing the award. “At the same time, Ingrid has a special affection and passion for helping women, economically disadvantaged individuals, and people from an African-American background.

“We could think of no better way to honor her Coca-Cola career and her legacy of service to others than by continuing our support of the National Council of Negro Women through a $1 million donation,” Kent said.

Founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women leads, develops and advocates for women of African descent through research, advocacy, and national and community-based services.