- Ford launches Operation Goodwill in Arizona, increasing 2008 funding to more than $1 million for the company’s philanthropic and community works in the state
- Ford is partnering with its area dealers in new ways to increase the focus on the needs of local communities
- Education and automotive safety related programs, including the award winning Driving Skills for Life, which targets teen driving safety, are planned for Arizona
DEARBORN, Mich., May 7 - Ford Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company Fund announced today that they plan to invest more than $1 million in Arizona community programs and charities in 2008, an increase of more than $600,000 over last year.
The added funds are primarily from Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford’s philanthropic arm, as part of its Operation Goodwill initiative. Dedicated to increasing outreach in Arizona, the new funding will support a number of efforts, including: increased grants to non-profits, conducting automotive safety and educational programs, and increasing Ford volunteer activities in the community.
“Operation Goodwill gives us the opportunity to better target our philanthropy and community outreach activities in such places as Arizona, and to solidly demonstrate that Ford has been, and will continue to be, a supportive corporate citizen in the community,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We have more than 300 employees and 2,000 retirees who work and live in Arizona; in the past five years alone, Ford has contributed more than $3 million to local charities. We actively committed to Arizona, and now we’re increasing that level of involvement.”
Operation Goodwill soon will be evident to the community with a new ad campaign that includes television spots, roadside billboards, marketing materials such as posters and brochures and increased community relations. A community and media event is planned for May 7 at the Firebird Raceway to demonstrate some of Ford’s automotive safety programs.
Ford Motor Company Fund has long been a major supporter of education and teen driver safety in Arizona. The company has donated millions of dollars over the years to fund scholarships and sustainability programs at Arizona State University. Ford's Partnership for Advanced Studies is helping high school students prepare for the future with a unique, real-world curriculum that connects high schools with colleges and businesses. And Ford’s Driving Skills for Life, a teen driving safety program is now a partner with the State of Arizona to help kids stay safe behind the wheel.
Ford and its area dealers are working together to increase the impact of the company’s philanthropy in Arizona. Ford’s dealers identified safety as a top priority the area, and going forward, they will participate at the local level in decision making about the allocation of Ford’s philanthropy. And the company and dealers are pooling resources like never before to support the community outreach effort.
“Arizona Ford dealers are joining forces with Ford Motor Company to regionalize its philanthropic giving,” said David Kimmerle, owner, Sanderson Ford. “We think this is the right thing to do because the needs within our communities have never been greater, and we can help Ford target how and where they donate funds.”
Funds are available to nonprofit organizations in Arizona as part of our Arizona Community Grant Program. For a grant application, nonprofits should log on to www.ford.com and click on the Ford Motor Company Fund & Community Services link under Our Values.
Following are some of the programs and agencies supported by Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Company Fund, and Ford dealers and employees in Arizona:
Automotive Safety:
- Driving Skills for Life: Ford’s award winning teen safe driving program has teamed up with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to help kids develop safe driving practices.
- Car Care Clinics: Ford dealerships in Arizona offer these free clinics to educate young women on basic car maintenance and safety as part of our partnership with SafeSmartWomen (S2W).
- Corazón de mi vida (You are the center of my life): Ford is a key partner in this bilingual child passenger safety campaign that teaches the proper use of child safety seats.
Education:
- Arizona State University: Ford has been a major supporter of ASU for years. The company has donated millions of dollars to fund programs that enrich the learning experience for students at ASU and create a better living environment for people in Arizona.
- Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (PAS): This innovative program is helping Arizona high schools provide students with a challenging, real-world education that will give them an advantage in the workplace.
- Hispanic Women’s Conference: Ford is a valued partner and leading sponsor of the largest gathering of Hispanic women in the nation. Held annually in Phoenix, the conference provides opportunities for education, motivation and professional development.
Human Services:
- Rebuilding Together - Valley of the Sun: Ford supports this effort to spread the spirit of volunteerism in the Phoenix area by helping the elderly and disabled with home repairs.
- United Food Bank in Mesa: Ford has supported this hunger relief agency with financial contributions for six years, and Ford volunteers have donated their time to help feed the hungry.
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF): Ford raises more money nationally for JDRF than any other corporate sponsor. Our commitment includes the Desert Southwest Chapter of JDRF.
- Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure: Ford sponsors this grassroots effort that plays an important role in advancing breast cancer research and awareness projects in Arizona.
- Global Week of Caring: Ford volunteers in Arizona help in their local communities to benefit organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way and other agencies.
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford does business. Established in 1949 and made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster innovative education, auto-related safety, and American heritage and legacy. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st century learning experiences, and Driving Skills for Life, a teen-focused auto safety initiative. The Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, continues Ford's legacy of caring worldwide. Through the Volunteer Corps, salaried employees, union members, retirees and their families participate in a wide range of volunteer projects in their communities. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, visit www.ford.com.
###
May 7, 2008