Philanthropy Programs
A long-standing value of UPS is giving back to the communities we serve. Having the appreciation and concern for those whose life circumstances are less fortunate and giving when we can – lending a hand to someone who needs a little extra strength – is what living a generous life is all about. It’s what matters. Following are some of UPS’s signature philanthropy programs that demonstrate our legacy of giving.
United Way
Each year UPS encourages employees to make a lasting impact in their communities through volunteerism and charitable giving. It’s so important to the legacy of our company that our support of United Way, in particular, is included in the UPS Policy Book.
Our leadership with United Way as a two-time Spirit of America® Award winner confirms that UPSers care about what matters most: improving lives, building communities and sharing our strength with others in need in communities around the country and the world.
UPS and its people are traditionally leading contributors to the annual United Way campaign. In 2010, more than 229,655 UPSers participated in the campaign, contributing US$48.7 million. UPS regions and districts also supplied Loaned Executives to local United Way offices across the United States to help with the campaign. Over the years, UPS and its people have contributed more than US$1 billion in support of the non-profit activities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Toys for Tots Literacy Program
The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc.® locations together comprise the nation's largest franchise network of retail shipping, postal and business service centers. With approximately 4,400 The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations in the United States, we see firsthand the needs of those communities. While many of our centers engage in community activities specific to their location, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is one initiative widely supported throughout the U.S.
After supporting Toys for Tots since 2005 and raising $1.3 million to help brighten the lives of thousands of children nationwide, in March 2008 The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. network launched the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, a year-round initiative, to expand upon its existing partnership.
While the Toys for Tots Literacy Program maintains the Toys for Tots mission of delivering hope, it extends the organization's reach and impact in a meaningful way by providing children in need with the gift of a book. Since 2008, the program has delivered more than 1 million books to hundreds of thousands of less-fortunate children, made possible through corporate contributions and local fund drives. In-store donations stay within local communities to benefit children in need in those areas. This program not only brings the joy of reading to these children but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Scholarships & Endowments
For most of its first 30 years, The UPS Foundation focused its resources on supporting higher education through endowments and scholarships. Today, the legacy of that programming continues to provide ongoing opportunities for young people across the United States.
Although The UPS Foundation no longer establishes endowments, we are proud of the continuing impact of our education and literacy programs. Our initial investments are now valued in excess of $270 million and remain a significant cornerstone of the foundation’s philanthropic legacy.
Scholarships
Throughout its history The UPS Foundation has helped students address the rising costs of higher education through a variety of scholarship programs. Designed to provide opportunities for students primarily from under served and disadvantaged populations and communities, The UPS Foundation provides no direct scholarships to the public, but continues to support leading nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.
Among the more prominent scholarship programs supported by The UPS Foundation are the American Indian College Fund, Foundation for Independent Higher Education, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, National University of Singapore and the United Negro College Fund.
Scholarships for UPS People
The UPS Foundation also supports The James E. Casey and George D. Smith Scholarship Programs for the children of UPS employees.
In honor of our founder, the James E. Casey Scholarship was established in 1963 for the purpose of offering scholarship support to children of full-time and part-time UPS employees. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $6,000 per academic year, to children of who plan to enter four-year degree programs at colleges and universities.
Each year, 100 scholarships are awarded to the children of full-time employees in the United States, plus 25 scholarships to children of part-time employees in the United States, and one scholarship each to children of full-time employees in Canada and Mexico.
Since the inception of the program, over 3,100 Casey Scholarships have been awarded, totaling more than $33 million. In 1998, UPS opened the program to children of part-time UPS employees. As a result, the company will award 25 scholarships to these students, in addition to the 109 scholarships for children of full-time employees.
Established in 1983, in honor of a former CEO responsible for many milestones at UPS, the George D. Smith Scholarship provides support for children of full- or part-time UPS employees who plan to enroll in full-time courses of study of two years or less. Since 1983, 964 scholarships have been awarded, totaling more than $2.5 million. For scholarship details and applications, UPS employees can contact their local Human Resources or Employee Relations representative.
Endowments
In 1951, when The UPS Foundation originally was established, its primary focus was the support of higher education. For the next three decades, The UPS Foundation set up a number of endowments with organizations, colleges, and universities.
Over the years, these endowments have grown in value, with current assets of more than $270 million. In 2007, these endowments generated more than $12 million to education-related programs and scholarships. While the efforts of The UPS Foundation have moved beyond endowments and are strategically focused under the current guidelines, past support is still yielding a positive impact.
