The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GE, has a rich history of building a world that works better. The foundation empowers people by helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in a global economy. They also equip communities with the technology and capacity to improve access to better health and education. Moreover, they elevate ideas that are tackling the world’s toughest challenges to advance economic development and improve lives. The GE Foundation is powered by the generosity and talent of our employees, who have a strong commitment to their communities.
Programs
GE Health
Developing Health U.S.: The GE Foundation is committed to addressing this problem by equipping communities with the technology and capacity to expand primary care for underserved populations. In 2009, the GE Foundation created Developing Health™ (DH US) by fostering partnerships with independent, non-profit community health centers (CHCs). DH US is a multi-year, $50 million program that underscores GE’s healthymagination commitment to deliver better health to more people at lower cost.
Developing Health Globally: In 2004, the Foundation launched the program Developing Health Globally™ (DHG) which aims to improve healthcare delivery for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. The program focuses on simple interventions and works to improve access to healthcare through capacity-building initiatives in 16 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
The DHG program is built around four core pillars: clinical practice, capacity-building, social determinants and infrastructure and technology. GE creates sustainable impact through smart investing, leveraging GE expertise and engaging committed partners. GE Foundation collaborates and partners with ministries of health to identify public hospitals and clinics most in need, and then provides tools, technology and training to upgrade these district-level facilities.
GE Education
Developing Futures: The Developing Futures™ in Education Program supports high-impact initiatives that improve the equity and quality of K–12 public education in the U.S Together with our partners, we work to give more students a solid educational foundation and the requisite skills to compete successfully in the global economy.
Launched in 2005, the Developing Futures™ program has focused its work in seven urban school districts, home to significant GE businesses. In Louisville, Ky.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Stamford, Conn.; Erie, Pa.; Atlanta, Ga.; New York City, N.Y. and Milwaukee, Wis., GE employees play a critical role helping educators to accelerate change and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and accountability to improve student achievement.
Scholarship Programs: As part of GE’s commitment to support higher education, the GE Foundation has invested in scholarship programs that help promising students from around the world gain access to quality education.
Skills
GE Garages—Nigeria: GE is supporting economic growth in Nigeria by building a skilled workforce and driving entrepreneurial development in the region. GE announced the launch of a Manufacturing Garages program in partnership with the Dangote Foundation, among other core partners. The program debuted in Lagos in June 2014.
With the help of GE Foundation’s partner, Points of Light, GE plans to activate its 400+ employees in Nigeria, as well as the global African American Forum. Together, we’ll create a network of mentors, coaches and teachers, helping each other grow the future of power generation and healthcare in Africa. These programs complement the breadth of skill-building underway through Developing Health Globally™, including nurse anesthetist training, biomedical engineering training and other advanced employable-skills training programs.
Public Policy
The GE Foundation funds initiatives that enhance public policy dialogue. Its support in this area encourages constructive dialogue with key stakeholders. This involvement helps the GE Foundation identify and learn about the next generation of policy issues in order to work toward effective solutions for significant policy dilemmas.
Giving Programs
Matching Gifts Program: The GE Foundation created the concept of a corporate matching gift program in 1954 to support employees in their personal philanthropy/charitable giving by providing a 1:1 match. Since then, many companies have started similar programs. Today, the GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program continues to serve as an important element of the Foundation’s portfolio, with gifts matched in 2013 totaling more than $39 million.
United Way Giving Campaigns: GE employees and retirees support nearly 600 United Ways and many other charities through the annual giving campaigns. In 2013, total giving amounted to more than $28 million—$18.7 million from employees/retirees, $9.1 million from the GE Foundation and nearly $400,000 from GE businesses—which places GE among the top United Way supporters. In 2014, GE was recognized by United Way Worldwide as one of its “Outstanding Strategic Partners,” celebrating its long-term commitment, giving, volunteering, leadership and employee engagement, which is making a lasting impact to improve lives and communities.
