Alcoa Foundation is a separately constituted not-for-profit U.S. corporate foundation with assets of approximately US$400 million. For over 50 years, it has been committed to supporting Alcoa communities worldwide, investing more than US$515 million since 1952.
At Alcoa, sustainability is an integral part of our culture and our core strategy, including how we work with the communities where we operate. We share a “mutual sustainability” with our communities to build economic success, environmental excellence and social responsibility.
In addition to responding to local needs identified by Alcoa communities, Alcoa Foundation seeks to find solutions to broader sustainability issues, like climate change. Its programs reflect the commitment it shares with Alcoa toward implementing global standards for excellence in corporate social responsibility.
Although the economic recovery was gradual and sometimes uncertain in 2010, our plants, Alcoa Foundation and especially our people succeeded in maintaining and even increasing their contribution and commitment toward dozens of initiatives and organizations dedicated to the environment, empowerment, education and sustainable design. More than half of its donations enabled Alcoa communities to face existing and future sustainability challenges.
The impact of Alcoa Foundation was magnified by the commitment of thousands of employee volunteers who, every day, play a dynamic role in making our communities safer, stronger and more innovative.
In Québec, Alcoa Foundation increased its support for communities where Alcoa Canada Global Primary Products facilities are located, awarding close to US$715,000 in grants in 2010. This compares to the US$362,000 granted in 2009, a particularly difficult year for the aluminum sector.
Aware and sensitive to the needs of the communities where they live and work, Alcoa employees carried out a record number of community and volunteer activities in 2010, thereby contributing to the well-being of their neighbors and friends. The concrete results of these actions, combined with a record 57% participation rate in the fifth Worldwide Month of Service last October, are an eloquent testimony to our people’s enduring commitment.
Approximately 50% of Alcoa Foundation’s 2010 budget was earmarked for our signature Advancing Sustainability global partnerships, with a focus on the following three elements:
Invest: Cultivate academic, non-governmental organization (NGO) and non-profit partnerships, specifically fellowships, research projects, events, competitions, training and development programs, and social enterprises that are action-oriented and produce tangible outcomes.
Involve: Partner with far-reaching and innovative organizations that engage Alcoa employees, retirees, families, friends, customers and communities through hands-on activities, skills-based volunteerism and leadership opportunities.
Inspire: Create ambassadors that advance our mission, support train-the-trainer programming, and provide teachers with resources and curriculums to reach students in creative and dynamic ways. Focus on diverse and underserved communities.
The other 50% was allocated to Alcoa business units and regions that developed localized plans to address specific community priorities and issues, some of which may not be reflected in our global strategy, to recognize the unique challenges posed in different markets.
