Xcel Energy Foundation
We know our company's success is directly related to the vitality of the communities we serve. It is our mission to use our collective knowledge, resources and skills to meet the needs of our communities and ensure that Xcel Energy's service area is a desirable place for all people to live, work or own a business.
Our Community
The Xcel Energy Foundation invests in local communities throughout our service territory through focus area grants supporting education, the environment, economic sustainability and arts and culture. In 2009, we contributed $3.8 million in grants to organizations across our service territory.
Focus area grants are just one way we support our communities. Our employees are actively engaged in the community as donors, volunteers, board members and community leaders. We are especially proud of our nationally recognized United Way campaign, in which employees' and retirees' contributions are matched dollar for dollar to more than 150 United Way organizations across the nation. In 2009, we contributed $5.2 million to local United Way efforts.
Our Environment
We support environmental projects that can benefit from the experience, expertise and other resources associated with our operations. The Xcel Energy Foundation awards $800,000 in environmental focus area grants each year. In addition, hundreds of employees volunteer annually for Earth Day projects and energy conservation efforts, provide free energy efficiency workshops for nonprofit organizations, and support employees on boards and committees of environmental organizations. These initiatives provide us the opportunity to promote a culture of sustainable practices with our nonprofit partners and customers. Learn more about energy efficiency programs in your community at ResponsibleByNature.com.
Our People
We engage our employees and retirees both at work and at home, providing company-sponsored volunteer activities and programs. Our employees contribute tens of thousands of volunteer hours per year through both employee-driven and company-sponsored efforts, such as Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity or Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Xcel Energy Foundation matches employee charitable contributions dollar for dollar through its Matching Gifts program, administered by partner EasyMatch.com. We match volunteer time with Dollars for Doing and provide other incentives to employees active in their communities. Volunteer opportunities are offered both through the company and VolunteerMatch.org. In 2009, matching gifts for employees’ financial and volunteer contributions totaled $657,884.
About Us
Formed in 2001 as the philanthropic arm of our company, Xcel Energy Foundation oversees more than $15 million in funded charitable activities of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries. View our 2009 Corporate Responsibility Report.
