Since our founding, the Company has realized that it needs to play a positive role in its communities. To have a prospering business in thriving communities is the ideal we seek. The Company’s shared values are points of focus that are the essence of our corporate culture. One of those values is simply “Concern for One Another.” It is demonstrated in our approach to community service.
Giving: The Company has a formalized program of charitable giving that grants funds to worthwhile causes. Education, health, human services and civic projects receive the greatest attention. The Company has always supported the efforts of national and local food banks. Communities around the world have benefited from charitable donations from McCormick.
Doing: Our employees are the backbone of the Company’s civic efforts. Around the world, employees devote time and talent to civic causes as volunteers. From the plant floor to the executive offices, McCormick employees are compelled to serve those in need. This spirit of volunteerism carries on a legacy that speaks to the culture of McCormick.
Charity Day: Since 1941 the Company has held this special day that has become known as “C-Day.” Employees work eight hours with that pay donated to local charities, and that money is matched dollar for dollar by the Company. Employees worldwide participate with millions of dollars being donated to local charities as a result. It’s a great team effort.
Unsung Heroes: One noteworthy program that has been a part of the Company since 1940 is the McCormick Unsung Heroes Award program. Each year the Company honors Baltimore-area high school seniors who have been Unsung Heroes of their schools sports teams. They are honored for demonstrating high character and sportsmanship and are held up as role models for their peers. Two top Unsung Heroes are selected each year to receive a college scholarship valued at $36,000 each over four years. Over the years, the program has honored thousands of young men and women and given out approximately one and a half million dollars in college scholarships.
Community Service Award: In 2004, the Company created the McCormick Community Service Award. To recognize those employees who best exemplify McCormick’s commitment to communities, employees are nominated from around the world. Annually a grand prizewinner is awarded $25,000 to give to his or her charity of choice. Four runners-up are awarded $5,000 each for their charity of choice. This program is the newest chapter of our long-standing commitment to be a benevolent and involved member of the community.
Charitable Contributions: It is the responsibility of the Charitable Donations Committee (CDC) to make recommendations for donating directly from the Company. The members of the Committee are appointed by the Corporate Board of Directors and are authorized to make donations in accordance with corporate policy and guidelines.
In order to receive consideration from this Committee, an organization must be (1) non-profit, (2) organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, educational, or other humanitarian purposes, (3) supported in whole or in part by charity and (4) have tax exempt Sec. 501(c)(3) or Sec. 501(c)(4) status from the IRS.
Organizations given priority consideration by the CDC:
- Support food-related causes.
- Exist in communities where McCormick employees live and work.
- Have McCormick representation on their respective Boards of Directors.
Additionally, the Company may participate in major building fund campaigns in our communities for hospitals, colleges and museums.
The Company receives far more requests than it has monies to dispense. To ensure that the donations are used in accordance with corporate policies, McCormick does not donate to:
- Individuals
- Fraternal, veteran, or labor organizations
- Religious and sectarian organizations
- Political or lobbying organizations
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Travel funds
- Promotional activities
- Organizations that might in any way pose a conflict with the Company’s goals, products or employees