COMMUNITY SERVICE
Encouraging Community Service Where Our Employees and Customers Live and Work

"Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time." - Marian Wright Edelman

Whether it is feeding the hungry, mentoring students, building homes for the homeless or cleaning up the environment, tens of thousands of American Express employees are inspired to serve their communities through volunteerism and personal financial contributions, and we view this activity as an extension of the service ethic that lies at the heart of our business.

We encourage good citizenship by supporting organizations that cultivate meaningful opportunities for civic engagement by our employees and members of the community.

We also serve our communities by supporting immediate and long-term relief and recovery efforts to help victims of natural disasters. Funding also goes to support preparedness programs that allow relief agencies to be better equipped in responding to emergencies as they occur.

Criteria:
Supported programs must encourage community service and civic participation by:

• Engaging American Express employees in ongoing community service activities that have a measurable impact.
   
• Demonstrating leadership and meaningful results in our communities by engaging a broad range of members of the community in civic participation. This may involve a variety of activities from promoting individual philanthropy, volunteerism or participation in local civic organizations.

RECENT GRANTS

Arizona Foundation for Women, Phoenix, AZ
The Walk to End Domestic Violence raises public awareness and much-needed funds for domestic violence shelters across Maricopa County. Last year, hundreds of employees participated alongside 4,000 of their fellow community members in support of the organization and its work.

City Year New York, New York, NY
The Corps Member Training Program trains a diverse group of 17 to 24 year olds to complete 2,000 hours of service within New York City public schools annually. This work promotes citizen service and civic leadership among students, teachers and parents in high-need communities across the city.

Community Service Volunteers, London, UK
The "Go Green" UK Environmental Volunteer Program is a year-long series of environmental volunteering projects organized by Community Service Volunteers -- the UK's largest volunteering and training charity. This program aims to encourage employees to play an active part in protecting the environment for future generations, and to encourage environmental initiatives in their communities.

Harlem Children's Zone (HCF), New York, NY
As part of HCF's efforts to bridge the digital divide, American Express provided funding for the development of two technology laboratories to offer students, teachers and community residents in Harlem access to instruction on computers. During 2007, the facility served more than 127 teachers and 328 students with regular and ongoing access to technology classes, instruction in math, reading, writing and research skills. American Express employees have contributed their time and technological expertise on a regular basis to assist with the installation and ongoing maintenance of computer equipment.

League of Women Voters Education Fund, Washington, DC
The "Helping America Vote" program will empower the general public to vote and to have that vote counted in Election 2008. The goal of this program is to increase electoral participation by: educating voters about the importance of voting, how to navigate the sometimes complex electoral system, and what to expect at the polls; asking citizens to vote; providing them with the tools they need to feel empowered to participation in the electoral process; and, looking at ways to improve the voter's experience on Election Day through improved poll worker service.

New York Restoration Project (NYRP), New York, NY
New York Restoration Project works to restore, develop and revitalize underserved parks, community gardens and other open spaces across New York City. Our grant supported community programs including workshops, music performances, and outdoor learning sessions in the parks and gardens that NYRP has restored. In 2007, 366 American Express employees volunteered with New York Restoration Project for a total of 2,196 hours.

The Points of Light & Hands On Network, Washington, DC
The Points of Light & Hands on Network works to effectively engage people and resources in volunteer service to help address important social issues. Employees partner with the organization and key business partners to promote meaningful civic engagement programs and mobilize employee volunteers.

Sussex Community Foundation, Sussex, England
Sussex Community Foundation provides expert advice and services to make sure that local charitable funds are directed where they are needed most. American Express and the Sussex Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $90,000 to 17 local charities in Brighton and Hove and Burgess Hill during 2007. Projects benefited approximately 3,000 local residents and included skills training for marginalized members of the community and assistance with finding employment; social and recreation programs for the elderly, and education programs for youth with special needs. Employees from our Brighton office participate in the steering committee that reviews grant applications and determines where funds are directed.

 

INITIATIVES

American National Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund