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2004-07-02
Alcoa Foundation awards $50,000 Grant to Beacon Group
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NEWBURGH, IN: July 1, 2004 - As part of Alcoa Foundation’s Social Venture Initiative (SVI)/International Learning Circle (ILC) program, the beacon group of Evansville has been awarded a $50,000 grant to build sustainability in regional non profit organizations.
The SVI program was launched in June 2003 when international experts, funders, and Nonprofit organizations convened via videoconference with Nonprofit leaders in nine Alcoa communities across the world. During the videoconference, participants discussed and learned ways for Nonprofits to utilize social venture/enterprise strategies and develop practices for sustainability. Approximately 25 Nonprofit leaders participated from the regional community surrounding Warrick Operations.
The initiative was created and designed to provide expert advice and hands-on experiences to assist Nonprofits in Alcoa communities to strengthen their planning, knowledge, funding and operating capacity through mission-based, earned income business ventures. The International Forum and videoconference was the launch of the initiative followed by the awarding of the grant to the beacon group for the ILC work. Outcomes of the ILC’s will be the dissemination of the learnings and best-practices with others in the region.
For the ILC effort, each of the nine participating Alcoa locations selected an organization that would use the grant to help plant the seeds of social venture/enterprise activities and provide the support that Nonprofits might need to develop strong and sustainable activities.
“When Warrick Operations was asked to find a group to support area Nonprofits in planning and creating sustainable success, the beacon group was the obvious choice to do the work,” said Sally Rideout Lambert, Communications & Community Affairs Manager. “They have a long history of bringing together community leaders to work with regional Nonprofits and small businesses to evaluate organizations, determine strengths and opportunities, and recommend changes that ensure sustainable operations for years to come.”
Jim Coy, President of the beacon group added, “The beacon Evaluation System combined with the strength of beacon boards has been used with many groups in the community and has resulted in significant positive impacts for these organizations. We are thrilled to partner with Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation to extend the reach of these tools and enable even greater potential and sustainability for the nonprofit community.”
“Alcoa Foundation and Alcoa have a long history of making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. This one-time grant to the beacon group will touch our community in countless ways as area Nonprofits are strengthened and given the tools to touch even more lives through the continued devotion to their mission,” said Mike Lucas, Vice President and General Manager.
Area nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about how the beacon group might be able to assist them, can contact Tim Robards, Project/Process Director at 812-473-8088.
About Alcoa Foundation
Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in more than 32 countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages the ACTION and Bravo! employee volunteer programs. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com , under Community.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 120,000 employees in 41 countries. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
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