Philanthropic Vision
Corporate Philanthropy
Menasha Corporation’s history of serving goes back to its very roots. Through the Foundation, it takes social responsibility seriously and works diligently to promote human welfare. We invest in our communities patiently and for the long term, recognizing that progress is often measured over the long run.
The Foundation will give preference to communities in which Menasha Corporation maintains businesses and the state of Wisconsin. This is in light of the Foundation’s deep roots in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin area and the state.
Because the needs of society are so great compared with the financial resources we are able to allocate, the Foundation focuses corporate philanthropic giving in the following categories:
- Safe and Healthy Citizens
The Menasha Corporation Foundation strongly believes that it has a responsibility to help people meet basic needs for safe living, food and health care. It supports organizations and programs that raise the awareness of social needs and work to facilitate change. The Foundation proactively seeks ways to provide hope and encouragement by helping those in need improve their lives.
The Foundation encourages programs that create and expand learning experiences and opportunities. Education is an essential element in helping individuals become knowledgeable and productive citizens and in assisting them in reaching full potential in our ever-expanding global economy. The Foundation can make an impact and fulfill its responsibilities as a corporate citizen by addressing one of society’s greatest needs -- helping provide quality learning opportunities to both children and adults.
The Menasha Corporation Foundation values the enrichment of quality of life that the arts and cultural activities bring to communities, as well as the worth of community improvement programs.
- Environmental Sustainability
There are many challenging and difficult issues facing the world today that have the potential to impact generations to come. The Foundation supports programs that encourage the understanding, protection and sustainability of our natural resources.
Employee Program Giving
In an effort to support the volunteer efforts and financial donations of its employees, the Foundation provides three areas of Program Giving: College Scholarships, Dollars for Doers and Matching Gifts.
College Scholarships
Since 1959, the Menasha Corporation Foundation has awarded one- and four-year scholarships to eligible dependents of Menasha Corporation employees. Scholarships are for a minimum of $3,000 per academic year. Any natural, adopted or legally placed children of eligible employees may participate. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors.
Winners are chosen by a scholarship committee based on high school academic performance, test results, financial need, an application form and letter, personal references, and potential for success in future academic and career endeavors.
Dollars for Doers
The Dollars for Doers program was established to encourage employees to get involved in schools. Through the program, if an employee volunteers a minimum of 20 hours at any elementary or secondary school of their choice during the school year, the school will receive a $250 donation from the Foundation. Volunteer activities can include, but are not limited to, assisting with classroom activities, mentoring, parent boards, school recreational clubs and activities, school-sponsored activities and Junior Achievement.
At the end of the school year, all schools that have an employee volunteer from the Dollars for Doers program are eligible for a drawing of $2,500, which is to be used for educational materials.
Matching Gifts
The Foundation supports Menasha Corporation shareholders, employees and retirees and their personal philanthropic efforts by increasing their giving power. The Matching Gifts Program encourages employees to support educational institutions they feel are worthy of donations. The Foundation will match employee gifts on a one-to-one ratio with a maximum match of $1,000 per year, per employee. Matched donations must be personal gifts of $25 or more and can be given to any public or private K-12 school, university, college or technical school. Alumni funds, foundations or associations whose exclusive purpose is the support of such schools are also included in the program.
Field of Interest Award
From year to year, the Foundation may choose to support a project or need that will allow it to make a significant impact on the community at large.
The Field of Interest Award is not constrained by the Corporate Philanthropy guidelines and may or may not be awarded outside the four categories. The Award was established in 1997.
In 2007, the following organizations were supported with a Field of Interest Award:
$100,000 to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center to support operations, ensure community access and support community engagement activities.
$100,000 to the YMCA of the Fox Cities for its capital campaign.
Business Unit Philanthropy
The locations where Menasha Corporation operates are made better by the generosity of its employees. Because it recognizes the leadership and commitment that our employees bring to their communities, the Foundation provides funding to its Business Units as a means of encouraging and supporting employee efforts to improve their communities.
Employee committees work with community organizations that understand the varying needs of citizens and, on a facility-by-facility basis, match resources to those needs. Business unit philanthropy follows the four categories of corporate philanthropy in awarding grants.
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