Increasingly, companies are recognizing that they are part of larger communities and that active participation in those communities can form a critical part of their corporate citizenship. Employees are often attracted to organizations that "give back," and companies can benefit from increased community exposure as well as good public relations. Merrill Lynch is one such company that has a philanthropic aspect to its operations, and this research considers the mission, vision and values within the philanthropic operation of Merrill Lynch. Specifically, the company's grant and volunteer program that provides financial education to young people is considered in terms of its mission and values as well as how that mission might be restructured to improve the organization's effectiveness.
Background (Products/Services, Customers)
Merrill Lynch is perhaps best known as a financial services company offering investment products, but it also has a philanthropic group that provides a wide range of services to a diverse collection of communities. This group offers educational programs, grants to community organizations, health and human service assistance through employee donations, volunteer opportunities for employees, and the ability for individuals to call loved ones around the world during the holidays. This research focuses on the grant program called Investing Pays Off. This program is designed to help underserved become familiar with financial concepts and investment principles. Grants are awarded to community organizations that offer programs that are measurable in their results and which also provide an opportunity for Merrill Lynch employees to participate through volunteering ("IPO Grants," 2008).
The current mission statement, "Prepare young people for tomorrow by arming them with the knowledge and know-how essential for financial and
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