Whirlpool Foundation: Helping Our Communities Build a Better World

Whirlpool Foundation was established in 1951 by Whirlpool Corporation cofounders Louis and Frederick Upton as a promise – a commitment – to reinvest in the community. The Uptons realized the importance of giving back and helping others reach their fullest potential. Over the years, this promise has been embedded into the culture of Whirlpool Corporation.

Today, the Foundation addresses community issues with a global approach. Since its founding, hundreds of organizations and programs have benefited from more than $128 million in grants from the Whirlpool Foundation. In 2005 alone, the Whirlpool Foundation donated nearly $6 million to community organizations.

The commitment of Whirlpool Corporation and Whirlpool Foundation to helping others succeed is not just expressed by providing funds or products, but by inspiring our employees across the globe to make a difference in their own communities. The Whirlpool Foundation provides a venue for employees to demonstrate their spirit of giving through our employee-directed programs, such as the Matching Gifts program, United Way 1:1 Match program, and the Disaster Relief Initiative program. Whirlpool Foundation also recognizes the volunteerism of Whirlpool Corporation employees and their families through the Dollars-for-Doers program.

• Disaster Relief Initiative: When disasters devastate a community, Whirlpool responds through matching employee disaster relief contributions.
• Matching Gift: U.S. employees may donate to eligible U.S. nonprofit organizations, and Whirlpool Foundation will match this amount up to $10,000 annually.
• Dollars for Doers: To recognize Whirlpool’s employees for their volunteer service, Whirlpool Foundation donates a $500 grant in the employee's name to the eligible nonprofit organization where the employee has volunteered.
• United Way 1:1 Match: Whirlpool Foundation will match dollar for dollar pledges made by its U.S. employees to their communities' United Way organization.