The Coca-Cola Foundation, the main international philanthropic arm of the multinational beverage company, has donated $84.5 million to almost 300 organizations during 2015 for the benefit of various communities in more than 70 countries and regions.
About 95 percent of the amount donated during 2015 focused on the company's core sustainability priorities, including women, water and well-being, Food News International reported. According to the foundation's chief sustainability officer, Bea Perez, since the inception of The Coca-Cola Foundation in 1984, it has given back over $820 million to improve the sustainability of local communities globally.
Bea said, while the foundation continues its 32nd year of giving back, they are proud of the more and more diverse assortment of projects they are supporting to make a significant difference for the communities as well as environment worldwide. The foundation gave back roughly $85 million to communities during 2015, she added.
During 2015, The Coca-Cola Foundation awarded about $5.5 million to support initiatives to support women's empowerment, $26.5 million for supporting its water and environment schemes and $48 million for initiatives for community strengthening programs, which include youth development, education and HIV/AIDS. In addition, the foundation donated $4.3 million for a number of other significant initiatives to support community improvement, humanitarian/ disaster relief and arts and culture.
The company is committed to returning 1 percent of its previous year's annual operating income to communities. A report on the company's website said that this commitment is made via The Coca-Cola Foundation in addition to company donations. During 2015, the foundation gave back over $84.5 million to benefit nearly 300 organizations across over 70 countries and territories directly. Click here for the complete list of beneficiaries in 2015.
The report further stated that since the inception of the foundation, has been supporting learning inside as well as outside the classroom. Addressing important community challenges as well as opportunities, however, is a developing process. In 2007, the Coca-Cola Foundation widened its support to incorporate global water stewardship programs, fitness and nutrition initiatives and community recycling programs. Currently, the foundation's strategies focus on the sustainability platform of the company and include women's empowerment and entrepreneurship.
