Merck's philanthropic investments and program portfolio are guided by several key principles. We seek to:
- Address critical social issues and needs that matter to Merck's business and our stakeholders
- Collaborate effectively with key partners for optimal impact and success in changing outcomes around these issues
- Measure and report our progress in meeting these critical needs
- Leverage not only cash and product donations but also the knowledge and technical expertise across our Company
Governance
We recognize that our customers, communities, neighbors and investors have an interest in how we conduct ourselves and how we support our commitment to society. Our philanthropy must also reflect efficient, responsible and ethical judgment and behavior. In 2008, the Company established the Merck Philanthropy Advisory Council (MPAC), a senior management forum, to provide oversight and strategic counsel of Merck's overall corporate philanthropy portfolio. In addition, our corporate philanthropic activities are reviewed regularly by the Merck Executive Committee and the Board Committee on Public Policy and Social Responsibility. In July 2009, the Office of Corporate Philanthropy and The Merck Company Foundation underwent a voluntary internal audit to ensure uniform giving, accurate impact data, compliance and support for Company transparency efforts. Internal audits will be conducted on a regularly scheduled basis.
We manage our philanthropic giving through three mechanisms:
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Office of Corporate Philanthropy
Supports charitable work through cash donations and employee volunteerism that contributes not only to the health and well-being of people around the world, but also to Merck employees, our neighbors and others in communities where employees live and work, and where the Company conducts business. Members of the Office of Corporate Philanthropy, along with the Office of Corporate Responsibility and Global Policy Support, help guide the strategic direction of Merck's philanthropic efforts and, in collaboration with internal and external partners, participate in the implementation of charitable activities. Additionally, the Office of Corporate Philanthropy coordinates Merck's response to disasters throughout the world.
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Office of Corporate Responsibility and Global Policy Support
Engages with a range of stakeholders on initiatives that build health care capacity and provides donations of Merck's medicines and vaccines, primarily in the developing world. The group manages the Merck Medical Outreach Program, the primary mechanism through which Merck donates our pharmaceuticals and vaccines for humanitarian assistance in the developing world and in support of disaster relief and emergency situations worldwide. The Office of Corporate Responsibility and Global Policy Support also manages the Merck MECTIZAN® Donation Program, developing world vaccine access programs and our HIV and AIDS partnerships.
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A U.S.-based, private charitable foundation funded entirely by Merck, the Foundation serves as the Company's chief source of funding support to qualified non-profit charitable and philanthropic organizations whose initiatives address important societal needs and whose goals are consistent with Merck's overall mission to enhance the health and well-being of people globally. In 2007, the Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $560 million to projects and partnerships around the world. Merck's Board of Directors also serves as the Foundation's Trustees.
Working closely with our partners, we formulate specific goals and metrics for the major initiatives in which we are involved, and we track these over time. We have rigorous oversight mechanisms in place for all of our programs, including such major initiatives as the Merck Institute for Science Education, the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, the Merck MECTIZAN Donation Program, the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships in Botswana and the China-MSD HIV/AIDS Partnership. We routinely engage external advisory boards to help provide oversight and direction for many of our major initiatives and partnerships. We also commission third-party evaluations to assess the overall impact of these initiatives, such as assessments performed over a 15-year period, first by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education and subsequently by Horizon Research, Inc., to evaluate the Merck Institute for Science Education. Additionally, we aim to apply uniform guidelines and processes in our grant making and in the selection of program partners. We require our grantees to submit regular (usually annual) reports describing how Merck funds or products were used and the results achieved.
Strategy for Corporate Giving
In 2007, Merck conducted a comprehensive review of our philanthropic portfolio and giving strategy, which included interviews with more than 130 internal and external individuals who have a common interest in our philanthropic undertakings and the principles and strategies that guide them. This process helped Merck refine our approach, leading to the adoption of a new corporate philanthropy strategy in 2008 designed to help increase the effectiveness of Merck's philanthropy and achieve measurable social impact. The strategy includes four priority areas that will guide the Company's philanthropic activities:
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Increase access to health care for underserved populations through strategic partnerships and capacity building. Key initiatives include:
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Develop a world-class pool of scientists through strengthening educational opportunities. Key initiatives include:
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Encourage environments that foster and support innovation. Key initiatives include:
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Identify and initiate community projects that address critical quality of life issues within the communities in which we live and work. Key initiatives include:
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