Community Programme
Our philosophy
At 3M we believe that commercial success and corporate responsibility are inseparable, so we are committed to making a fitting contribution to the communities in which we have plants or offices.
Our community programme is not about reacting to general requests for cash donations - it is a proactive programme focused on those areas where we believe our contribution can make a real difference. We aim to support organisations that help communities help themselves.
We do this through donations and in-kind gifts of 3M products and services, the use of 3M facilities, encouragement of employee volunteering and through matching our employees' fundraising achievements.
Our national programme
As a technology company, 3M understands the importance of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) in schools and we work closely with educational specialists in order to provide teaching resources that help make these subjects real and relevant to pupils.
We have developed a free web-based educational tool, 3M Streetwise, to help schools the length and breadth of the UK to teach road safety messages, as well as looking at the scientific principles that underpin those rules - light, sound and forces - all part of the National Curriculum. Teachers can access a great teaching medium at a click of a button. The website, which is designed for use with 7-11 year-olds, features interactive activities, an animated film and a game to encourage pupils and parents alike to learn and check their level of understanding of road safety issues.
We have also created a version of the website specifically for use in the Republic of Ireland. 3M Roadwise is endorsed by the Irish Road Safety Authority and meets NCCA guidelines relevant to SPHE and science.
In 2009 we introduced another brand new site. This time designed for use with 11-16 year-olds, 3M Worldlywise is designed to help young people learn about sustainability and the environment. The site is set in a generic town that pupils can travel round, to engage with different aspects of sustainable living. Designed to be very interactive so that students engage with learning, the aim is to show students that society needs scientists, engineers and new technology to help solve the problems of the future.
We hope to engage, enthral and motivate students to choose science, technology, engineering and maths when it comes to selecting qualifications and careers.
In recent years our Community Programme has been recognised with a "Big Tick" from Business in the Community; was shortlisted for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (in both 2007 and 2008) and reached the regional finals of the National Business Awards.
Our local programmes
Different communities have different needs, so each of our UK locations has some limited funding available so they can direct support to the areas of greatest need.
Recognising that we cannot possibly support all the many worthy causes which might seek support, our local campaigns are focused on two areas:
- Education
We believe in bridging the gap between classroom and work place by forging links with local schools through activities relevant to the academic curriculum. As a company with innovation at its heart, we are particularly keen to support the science and technology curriculum and help stimulate young minds.
- Environment
We are committed to promoting healthier, safer and more environmentally aware communities, in line with our strong reputation for environmental responsibility, which for more than 30 years has focused on preventing pollution at source.
In order to be considered for support, projects must fall within one or both of these topic areas and relate to a community in which 3M has a site presence (view map (pdf 113KB)).
Proposals must also fulfil one or more of the criteria:
- be a registered UK charitable concern (no individuals/teams/third party fundraisers or requests for funds for overseas can be considered)
- address a specific identified local community need
- involve 3M volunteers
- on completion, be able to demonstrate measurable results.
For more information, please Contact Us and reference Community
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