Borders Group Foundation

No matter how large or seemingly small the crisis—from a natural disaster to an unexpected death in the family—Borders is there to support its employees through the Borders Group Foundation.

The mission of the Foundation is to strengthen the Borders Group family through programs that support employees and their communities. Now in its eleventh year, the Foundation has issued more than $2.3 million in grants to over 2,200 employees facing financial hardship for circumstances beyond their control. This effort has earned the description "the heart of Borders Group."

"Just when I thought I had nowhere else to turn, the Borders Group Foundation came to my rescue. My kids and I are so grateful."
—Tom, Foundation Grant Recipient

"The last seven months since my husband's death have been a living nightmare. Thanks to the Foundation… I realized I was not entirely alone. My 'family' at Borders has helped me."
—Mary, Foundation Grant Recipient

Scholarships
In January 2002, the Borders Group Foundation and Borders Group established a merit-based Scholarship Program to assist employees and eligible family members with the cost of higher education, including undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical studies.

Since its inception, over $450,000 in scholarships has been awarded.

Bereavement Outreach
The Foundation makes a caring response when any regular full or part-time employee experiences the death of an immediate family member. At the request of an employee's manager, this response is made in the form of a special food basket and condolence card delivered to the employee's home or other appropriate address. The Foundation annually coordinates the order placement and delivery of approximately 400 bereavement baskets.

Support
Support for the Foundation's programs and services comes primarily from Borders Group employees, who show their compassion for fellow employees in need by electing Foundation payroll deductions, and supporting Foundation-sponsored events such as bake sales, prize raffles, arts & crafts fairs, and the organization's annual golf outing. In 2006, employees contributed $565,000 to the Foundation.

To encourage employee giving and provide additional support for the Foundation's programs and services, Borders Group matches each employee's contribution to the Foundation in the amount of 50 cents for every dollar donated.

Inspired to help?
For more information about the Borders Group Foundation, you can email the Foundation at bgf@bordersgroupinc.com or call (734) 477-4226.