Investing in Communities

Ford has a long history of investing in the communities in which we operate. Ford's commitment to supporting local communities through charitable contributions and volunteer efforts remains unchanged, despite our recent business conditions. Ford delivers on this commitment through the Company's community relations arm, formally known as Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.

Founded as a not-for-profit organization in 1949, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is responsible for the Company's philanthropy and volunteerism efforts. Made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, the organization makes contributions to qualified U.S. not-for-profit organizations that enhance and improve opportunities for those who live in the communities in which Ford operates. It supports organizations in three strategic areas: auto-related safety, education and American heritage.

In addition to donations from the Fund, Ford also makes direct corporate contributions to a variety of charitable organizations and causes.

In 2009, Ford contributed a total of $29 million. Of that amount, $20 million was in the form of grants awarded by Ford Motor Company Fund; the remainder was direct corporate giving. The total amount is less than in previous years, reflecting the challenging business conditions that affected the Company's core automotive business in 2009.

In addition to grants, we encourage our employees to participate in programs that build stronger communities through the Ford Volunteer Corps. During 2009, some 20,000 Ford employees and retirees in 44 countries provided more than 100,000 hours of work on more than 1,000 community service projects – the equivalent of $2 million of in-kind corporate contributions. Many of these volunteer projects received mini-grants to provide resources to complete the project.

Increasingly, Ford is expanding abroad with its community relations. In 2009, Ford continued its partnership with the GlobalGiving Foundation, an organization that has worked with Ford Motor Company Fund to expand our giving to international communities affected by major disasters.

During 2009, Ford provided immediate assistance to victims of Typhoon Morakot, which struck Taiwan in August 2009. In addition, Ford's Asia Pacific Africa personnel, in cooperation with GlobalGiving and the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation, expanded Ford's Driving Skills for Life Program in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Mexican Center for Philanthropy recognized Ford of Mexico in 2009 as a Socially Responsible Company for the eighth consecutive year. The award is given to companies that encourage quality of life in the workplace, strong ethics, environmental care in its operations and close involvement in the community. Ford and its dealers were lauded for rebuilding eight of 209 schools that Ford and Ford dealers have built throughout Mexico during the last 43 years.