Alcoa Foundation ... strengthening communities worldwide

Areas of Focus

Guiding our funding decisions and engagement priorities are four investment themes that are aligned with Alcoa’s overall sustainability approach. We believe that as a mining, manufacturing, and innovation company, Alcoa can contribute to, and make a positive difference in, each of these areas to the benefit of our many stakeholders.

• Environment: Bring about meaningful and systemic improvements in environmental sustainability by supporting research, dialogue, standards, and actions.
• Education: Support educational endeavors where Alcoa, as an integrated mining, manufacturing  and innovation company, can offer expertise and make a difference. 

Partnership and Investment Structure

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 nonprofit 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.   

Metrics for Success

Alcoa Foundation’s goal is to develop multi-dimensional, holistic programming with key partners in their areas of competency that is also reflective of Alcoa’s sustainability, geographic, and industry priorities.  

In 2010, we rolled out an Impact Measurement System for all nonprofit organizations that apply for funding. These organizations must define their programs in terms of outcomes to be achieved, with milestones and specific plans to communicate the impact of their funding in their communities. 

Alcoa Foundation Success Metrics

• Align our nonprofit investments with Alcoa’s sustainability mission.
• Increase stakeholder engagement, including volunteerism and connection to Alcoa business and regional efforts.
• Promote diversity.
• Enhance our corporate reputation through greater public relations and internal communications.
• Emphasize and increase focus on outcomes.