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Contributions
Dow's Corporate Contributions Committee implemented a global plan that not only ties contributions made to non-profit organizations more closely to Dow's Mission, it also strengthens existing networks and processes relating to how and where we give money. The plan, using a Sustainable Development framework, was developed in response to what the Committee felt are “stretched” expectations of global companies to be more accountable for improving quality of life where they have a presence, while at the same time, assuring business success. Five geographic contributions committees now oversee Dow's global plan to significantly improve global reach, spending oversight, employee involvement in decision-making, and public awareness.
Unfortunately, because of our need for financial frugality in 2003, we felt that we had to reduce donation funding to a "maintain" level. This required working closely with non-profits on timing of payments. Rather than across-the-board decreases, spending was maintained at 2002 levels for those non-profits that demonstrated excellence in meeting community needs. The reductions were accomplished by not making new commitments and not extending or replacing commitments that were completed. Emphasis on personal outreach and alliances with community groups has helped stretch scarce funding. By the end of the year, all commitments were met. We did not extend any commitments as we had in 2002.
An internal Company audit identified the need for a number of improvements relating to how we process and report donations spending. As an example, for the first time, donations were tracked in an accounting system using the Triple Bottom Line this year. We also made good progress in meeting our goal to give fewer donations but in larger amounts.
Here are some examples of Dow donations in 2003:
Canada
- Recognizing the City of Fort Saskatchewan's 100th Anniversary and Dow's 40-year history in the community, the Company has donated $670,000 and enough STYROFOAM* insulation to help build a community recreation and cultural center. The facility will be named the Dow Centennial Center when it opens in 2004.
- As part of Dow's commitment to Sustainable Development, the Company supports Ducks Unlimited's mission to protect and preserve habitat and build awareness and understanding of the importance of wetlands to biodiversity. Dow will contribute $500,000 (Canadian) over three years (2003–2005). To date, two wetland projects have been identified – the Stewart property near Sarnia and the West River’s Edge urban wetland in Fort Saskatchewan. Additional projects are currently being evaluated using selection criteria developed jointly by Dow and Ducks Unlimited, reflecting a partnership approach to environmental protection and conservation.
Europe
- Working with a network of regional universities, Dow initiated a research and education program centered around sustainable transformation management in central Germany. The program includes application of the concepts of Sustainable Development. Dow is supporting professorships focused on sustainability and global ethics and sustainability and global politics. This program benefits the academic community as well as society at large through a better understanding of the importance of balancing the economic, environmental and social elements of Sustainable Development. The project also benefits the new member states of the European Union through the sharing of Dow's experiences in central Germany.
Pacific
- Working with the Dow Liquid Separations Business and a local science institute, Dow has donated water purification systems to several hospitals in Vietnam to provide a reliable source of clean water.
- In collaboration with the Korea Chemicals Management Association and the Korea Responsible Care Council, the Company has established the Dow Academy of Sustainable Development. The Academy sponsors a series of seminars promoting the integration of the Triple Bottom Line into the business practices of small- and medium-size companies in Korea. Customers and potential customers are among the targeted participants in the program.
Latin America
- Dow employees are volunteering to improve the quality of education programs offered at a school near our Cartagena, Colombia plant site. Areas for improvement are: communication, conflict resolution, leadership, money management, and job search. The Company has made improvements in the school infrastructure such as playgrounds, floors, and roofs and has donated computers to start an information systems center.
- "Trained For Life" is a unique education program for 9-12 year olds that uses motivational learning tools in such areas as self-esteem, teamwork, conflict resolution, staying in school, and environmental caring. The program reaches 1100 children at 10 schools close to our Bahia Blanca, Argentina, site. At the end of the program, parents are invited to share the experiences of the students. Dow has donated a 300-book library to each of the 10 schools.
United States
- A competitive community grant program designed to address specific community needs, solve problems, and improve quality of life for residents of communities surrounding our Plaquemine, Louisiana, site has helped a large percentage of the population. The program emphasizes community relationship building and interaction, particularly involving Dow volunteers. Project examples include home repair for the disadvantaged, restoring wildlife or recreation areas, park or waterway cleanup, community health projects, and expanding educational and workforce development programs for local students.
- Dow has committed $5 million to Habitat for Humanity in donated STYROFOAM brand insulation through 2005. Also, we are halfway through our four-year $2 million foundation commitment to build Habitat homes at our site communities around the world. These builds involve hundreds of employee volunteers.
- Our total corporate gift to United Way in 2003 was $1.8 million spread among our communities. Employee giving was $4.1 million. Dow was the recipient of the United Way Summit Award in 2003 for excellence in corporate giving programs.
*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
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