Employers Support Volunteers!
February 27th, 2008 by RJSweeney
I was encouraged by a headline in the February 11, 2008 Houston Chronicle: “Companies increasingly support “do-gooders” with time, money and organizing efforts as they aim to retain “Gen Y” workers with different priorities”. Although I am definitely NOT a Generation Y person, I am proud that ExxonMobil, the company from which I retired, has always valued and supported employee and retiree volunteer activity as well as financial contributions to cultural and educational organizations.
As with many companies, ExxonMobil directly supports the arts in the communities where they have facilities and employees. What is perhaps more unique, the ExxonMobil Foundation matches my contributions to non-profit cultural organizations, such as the opera, symphony, theater, or museums, dollar-for-dollar up to $2000 per year, and matches contributions to educational institutions three-to-one up to $7500 — excellent leverage!
Finally, for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations like Opera Volunteers International and most local opera support groups, ExxonMobil’s Volunteer Involvement Program contributes $500 per quarter for 20 hours of work for the organization, benefiting the organization with not only the effort of the employee or retiree, but income as well! Since 2006, OVI has received significant contributions from ExxonMobil, and is on track to receive more in 2008.
Other companies may have similar programs matching employee or retiree financial contributions or may make a financial contribution for employee or retiree work effort. Perhaps your contributions to OVI can be matched — it’s worth a look!
