Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) recently completed the first of three funding cycles for 2008, awarding more than $1.4 million to nonprofit organizations. Sixty-two grants were made under the company’s three funding platforms: Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality and Volunteer Driven Causes.
“We refocused our grantmaking to support programs that help people meet the basic needs of food, shelter and self sufficiency last year. In the current economic environment, the important services these nonprofits provide have become even more urgent,” said Brian Pietsch, head of community relations at Ameriprise Financial. “We are committed to supporting organizations that bring these necessary resources to at-risk populations, and help improve the vitality and livability of our communities.”
Highlights from the company’s first funding cycle include:
> Providing funding for the Brown Bag Distribution Program at Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Ga. Once a month, eligible senior citizens living on a fixed income receive a free 20-pound box of groceries. Seniors have the option of picking up their groceries at a nearby distribution site or having them delivered to their home, depending on their health and mobility. Ameriprise financial advisor Will Rogers serves on the organization’s Board of Directors, and a large number of advisors from the company volunteer for the food bank.
> Supporting Scientists in Action, a distance learning program at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The program addresses a pressing need to provide middle school students with access to science education by linking participating students directly with scientists in their labs or in field site settings.
> Helping Habitat for Humanity provide affordable homes for deserving families. In addition to providing financial support, more than 800 employees from the company’s Minneapolis headquarters will be building the company’s sixth home through Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Employees from Ameriprise Auto & Home will be volunteering at a Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity build site on a weekly basis during August, September and October. Ameriprise financial advisors also support Habitat for Humanity and participate in builds in their local communities.
Ameriprise Financial is currently accepting grant applications for its third funding cycle. The deadline for receiving applications is September 1, 2008.
About Ameriprise Financial Community Relations
Ameriprise Financial is dedicated to using the firm’s resources, talents and volunteer time to improve the lives of individuals and build strong communities. Through grantmaking, volunteerism and employee and advisor gift matching programs, the company supports a diverse group of over 5,000 nonprofits across the country. Additional information on the company and its Community Relations initiatives can be found at ameriprise.com.
About Ameriprise Financial
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. is a diversified financial services company serving the comprehensive financial planning needs of the mass affluent and affluent. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.
© 2008 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Grants Awarded: 1st Cycle 2008
Meeting Basic Needs – 28 grants: Admission Possible; American Indian OIC Inc.; Asian Media Access Inc.; Bestprep; Bridging Incorporated; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis; Chicago Christian Industrial League; CommonBond Communities; District 202; Emerge Community Development; Emergency FoodShelf Network, Inc.; Golden Harvest Food Bank, Inc.; Goldies Place; Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity, Inc.; Housing Opportunity for Women; Jeremiah Program; Junior Achievement of Maine, Inc.; Junior Achievement of Rock River Valley; Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest; Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center; Neighbors, Inc.; Person To Person, Inc.; Professional Association of Treatment Homes; Resource Inc.; Sabathani Community Center, Inc; Southeast Asian Refugee Community Home; Tubman Family Alliance; Twin Cities RISE!
Supporting Community Vitality – 26 grants: Aeon Homes; Ballet Works, Inc.; CalPhil Foundation; Centro Legal, Inc.; Children's Theater Company and School; Denver Museum of Nature & Science; Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum; Guthrie Theatre Foundation; Heard Museum; Intiman Theatre; Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, Inc.; Kids Voting Minneapolis; La Oportunidad,; Metropolitan Economic Development Association; Minnesota Opera Company; Minnesota Orchestral Association; Minnesota Shubert Center; Riverview Economic Development Association; The Shakespeare Theatre; South Queens Boys & Girls Club, Inc.; St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Society; Stages Theatre Company, Inc.; Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus; Walker Art Center, Inc.; Youth Farm and Market Project; Youth Performance Company
Volunteer Driven Causes – 8 grants: Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Association; Arkansas Special Olympics, Inc.; Community Hospice Foundation, Inc.; Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery; Gads Hill Center; People Serving People, Inc; Twin Cities Juneteenth Celebration, Inc.; Whatcom Volunteer Center
Contacts:
Stacy Housman, 612-678-7215
Media
Relations
stacy.m.housman@ampf.com
