Corporate Contribution Guidelines

NOTE: The following guidelines apply to organizations and programs in the Greater Dayton/Miami Valley area. The Berry Company supports charities in other cities where we operate, but those requests should be submitted to the local office.

Vision:
The Berry Company supports community activities that contribute to the economic, social, cultural, educational and health needs of the communities in which we live and work. Our mission is to develop and execute community relations strategies designed to support the achievement of company goals and respond to community needs. With a long, rich tradition of giving back to the community, charity is ingrained in Berry’s corporate culture.

Structure:
Berry has established a Corporate Giving Committee made up of members of the senior leadership team who develop goals that both enhance Berry’s image in the community and fit with the company’s core values. This committee researches, reviews and determine those charitable organizations for which The Berry Company will provide corporate funding.

To gain input and ideas from Berry employees at all levels, our community relations structure also includes numerous sub-committees representing each of Berry’s core giving areas. These committees are made up of employees at all levels who take on the responsibility of executing various company-sponsored community projects.

Berry’s corporate giving budget is reviewed against the company’s financial performance each fiscal year.

Types of Contributions:

• Cash grants
• In-kind donations
• Sponsorships
• Volunteer hours

Core Giving Areas:
Berry supports organizations that operate in the following categories and allocates the specified percentage of the annual budget for corporate giving.

Health & Human Services:
The Berry Company supports United Way each year with an employee campaign and a corporate contribution. Berry was selected to lead the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area campaign as a pace setter company, which “sets the pace” by running a campaign before the official United Way Community Campaign Kick-off typically held at the end of August. Pace setter companies usually run condensed, high energy campaigns that focus on having fun while supporting a wonderful cause.

Berry’s partnership with United Way is its principle vehicle to providing assistance in this area, but other agencies that work to meet health and human service needs in our community are also considered for funding.

Education:
Berry contributes to educational programs at all academic levels, but places particular focus on programs and support services for youth. We support educational activities that encourage employee involvement and help students understand that education is vital to their future.

Economic Development:
Berry supports economic development and government activities that enhance the economy of our community. We fund programs that support business development and expansion, commercial revitalization, and job creation.

Arts & Culture:
Berry supports those organizations and programs that promote the performing and visual arts and encourage creative environments.

Other:
Berry realizes that there are other opportunities that may not fit these areas of focus and will consider these requests.  

Eligibility Requirements:

• The Berry Company makes corporate grants to tax-exempt, not-for-profit organizations as defined under Section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code.
• Organizations and programs must be consistent with the core giving interest areas of Berry’s community relations program.

Limitations:
The Berry Company does not support the following:

• Projects that do not align with Berry’s corporate values
• Individual needs
• Private foundations
• Legislators, political organizations, or campaigns
• Fraternal, sectarian organizations or religious groups

How to Apply:
While The Berry Company generously supports many nonprofit organizations and projects in our community, it is impossible to fund every request received. Denied requests do not imply that it is not a worthy cause, but simply that it does not fall within our giving guidelines or priorities, or funds are not available.

Organizations and programs that wish to be considered for a charitable contribution must submit the following:

• A completed “Corporate ContributionRequest “ summary
• Formal request on organization letterhead, including contact information
• Copy of IRS designation of nonprofit status*
• List of current corporate sponsors (where available)
• Promotional materials supporting the project

*Does not apply to educational institutions.

The Review Process
Written requests are accepted year-round and are submitted for review on an ongoing basis. Acceptance of proposals is based on cost-effectiveness, measurable outcomes, and consistency with the company’s business and core values. If your request meets our criteria, the following steps will occur:

• Requests are reviewed by the community relations team for initial recommendation of acceptance or denial. You may be contacted if additional information is required.
• Your proposal will then be forwarded to the Corporate Giving Committee, composed of members of Berry’s senior leadership team, who will make the final decision.
• During evaluation, a Berry representative may wish to arrange a site visit or meeting to discuss the opportunity in more detail.
• Please note: requests must be made each year for review. Annual and ongoing support cannot be assumed.

PDF Form Corporate Contribution Request Summary
Online Form