Dow Company Foundation

Dow Company Foundation. Established in 1979, it serves as the primary philanthropic arm of Dow Inc., one of the world's leading materials science companies. The foundation is dedicated to leveraging the company's resources and employee expertise to address complex global challenges and strengthen communities where Dow operates. Its work is strategically aligned with Dow Inc.'s commitment to sustainability and innovation, focusing on driving systemic change through partnerships and targeted investments.

History and establishment

The foundation was created during a period of significant growth for Dow Chemical Company, under the leadership of then-CEO Paul Oreffice. Its establishment formalized and expanded the company's long-standing tradition of charitable giving and community engagement, which dated back to its founder, Herbert H. Dow. Initially focused on supporting local communities in key operational areas like Midland, Michigan and Freeport, Texas, the foundation's scope has evolved considerably. Over the decades, its strategy has shifted from reactive grant-making to proactive, impact-driven initiatives that align with broader corporate goals in sustainability and social responsibility.

Mission and focus areas

The mission is to be a catalyst for building sustainable communities and developing the STEM workforce of the future. Its philanthropic strategy is concentrated on three interconnected focus areas: advancing a sustainable planet, developing tomorrow's innovators, and thriving communities. The "sustainable planet" pillar supports initiatives in circular economy, climate change mitigation, and conservation. "Tomorrow's innovators" focuses on STEM education, with an emphasis on increasing diversity and inclusion in fields like chemistry and engineering. The "thriving communities" area aims to foster local economic vitality and resilience, often in partnership with organizations like United Way Worldwide and local community foundations.

Key programs and initiatives

Notable programs include the **DowGives** employee engagement platform, which matches employee donations and supports volunteerism with organizations such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. The **Dow STEM Ambassadors** program deploys employee volunteers to mentor students and support science fairs like the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. A flagship environmental initiative is the collaboration with The Nature Conservancy on projects promoting water security and biodiversity. In education, the foundation partners with institutions like North Carolina State University and the National 4-H Council to develop curriculum and pathways into materials science careers.

Governance and funding

Governance is overseen by a board of directors composed of senior executives from Dow Inc., including Chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling. The foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization and is funded by annual contributions from Dow Inc., with grant-making decisions guided by a strategic framework tied to the company's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Financial oversight and operational management are handled by a dedicated team within Dow Inc., ensuring alignment with both philanthropic best practices and corporate compliance standards set by entities like the Internal Revenue Service.

Impact and recognition

The foundation's impact is measured through long-term partnerships and outcome-based reporting. It has contributed significantly to community resilience projects in regions like the Gulf Coast following events like Hurricane Harvey and supports global efforts such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Its employee giving programs are consistently recognized, having received awards from Points of Light. The strategic focus on STEM education has helped increase student participation in advanced science courses and supported the development of future talent for the broader chemical industry.

Category:Foundations based in Michigan Category:Corporate foundations in the United States Category:1979 establishments in Michigan