Social Investment Guidelines

 

Be responsive to the needs of the communities in which we operate and live through community activities and partnerships that align with the company beliefs and goals.

 

Solectron Social Investment Program Guidelines

• Solectron sites may consider direct requests for grant funding from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, exclusively public institutions (e.g., local school districts, universities, etc.) or comparable organizations outside the U.S.
• Requests from associates who are volunteers with the benefiting organization are also considered.

 

Funding Criteria

To benefit from the Solectron social investment program, qualifying organizations must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, an exclusively public institution or a comparable organization outside the U.S.
• Keep administrative overhead expenses at or below generally accepted best practices.
• Be able to report results from a social investment by Solectron.
• Provide services within the communities in which our associates live and work.
• Understand that approval for funding does not guarantee subsequent funding.

 

Non-Qualifying Organizations and Activities:

• Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) nonprofits, exclusively public institutions, or comparable organizations outside the U.S.
• Religious (sectarian) groups
• Political groups
• Organizations whose policies contradict Solectron’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies.

 

Focus Areas

Solectron sites will consider programs that fit the specific needs of their community. Solectron’s commitment to the community is usually expressed through the investing of time and funds that support three broad categorical areas:

 

1. Education

Education is one of our highest priorities and the foundation of a strong society, renewable workforce, and healthy community.  Qualifying organizations that meet the challenge of improving education are encouraged to seek our assistance. 

• Higher education.  This includes grants to junior colleges, community colleges, public and private four-year colleges and universities, graduate and professional schools, and technical and specialized schools. It also includes departmental grants, and special project or research grants.
  
  
• Pre-college education.  This includes grants to K-12 public and private schools as well as to pre-kindergarten centers.  Programs of particular interest are related to math, science, and technology.
  
  
• Scholarships and fellowships.  This includes scholarships for higher education in majors related to Solectron’s business and fellowships funded through intermediary organizations, such as Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME).

 

2. Health and Human Services

Solectron understands that a healthy community benefits both the residents and businesses within the community. This includes a productive learning environment for our children, a sense of well-being at work for our associates, and a quality home life for all members of our community. We are particularly interested in helping those with the greatest needs and fewest personal resources. Some examples include:

• Federated giving.  This includes the United Way and other federated campaigns.
   
• Health and human services support.  This includes grants, donations, or volunteerism to local and national health and human service agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Second Harvest Food Bank, and the American Heart Association.

 

3. Civic and Community

Civic and community activities contribute to the quality of life in our community. Some examples include:

• Environment and ecology.  This includes grants to wildlife and conservation organizations, sponsorship of recycling programs, and other programs that protect the environment.
• Community development.   This includes grants to economic development councils, regional development groups, chambers of commerce, community foundations, and groups such as the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County.

 

How to Apply

• Before submitting a proposal for funds, qualifying organizations should first contact the local Solectron Community Relations or Human Resources administrator to determine if new proposals are currently being accepted and the procedure for submitting a proposal.
  
  
• Applicants must submit their proposal and all required documentation to be considered.
   
• Applicants must submit a copy of their IRC 501(c)(3) letter, a current financial statement and itemized budget, including funds committed for the project you wish Solectron to support.  

 

Questions about the organization:

1.    Describe your organization and its objectives.

2.       How long has the organization been in existence?

3.       Describe the organization’s history of accomplishments or milestones.

4.       Detail the funding sources for the organization.

A.        Is this organization associated with any other (i.e. a spin-off or chapter) organization?

B.       If yes, which organization?

C.       Specifically, is there a religious affiliation?

D.       If yes, what denomination? 

E.       If there is a religious affiliation or requirement to attend sermons or religious classes to use the services?

5.       What requirements must one meet in order to use the services of this organization?

6.       Are any Solectron employees active in your organization?

Questions about the project:

Describe the project in detail by addressing the following:

1.      What will the impact of this project be on the organization’s objective or charter?

2.      What specific problem is this project addressing?

3.      Will the project contribute to a long term or short-term solution?  How?

4.      Who will benefit from the project?

5.      How many people will benefit from the grant?

6.      How will the success of the project be measured?

7.      What percent of the total funding needed for the project will Solectron funding represent?

8.      What happens if the total funding requirement isn’t reached?

9.      Amount of grant requested?

10.  What requirements does a potential participant need to meet in order to use the services of this project?        

11.  What is the cost to the participant?

12.  When do you need a commitment from us to fund or not?

13.  When do you need the funding?

 

Other: 

Please include any news articles, brochures, or other helpful information.

 

For more information about these guidelines, please contact the local Solectron Community Relations or Human Resources administrator.