2018 Community Impact Report
MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM PHOTO CREDIT: FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Our Mission: The A. O. Smith Foundation is committed to make our communities a better place to live and to work. We achieve this by partnering with and supporting education, arts and cultural, medical and human services in the communities in which we operate. At the same time, the Foundation encourages A. O. Smith employees around the world to live the company’s values through volunteerism and community involvement.
Established in 1955, the A. O. Smith Foundation has been supported by donations from the A. O. Smith Corporation and has provided over $44 million in financial support to worthwhile community organizations, institutions and programs. In 1985, the Foundation established a Matching Gift Program to encourage employees of the corporation to financially support education. The Foundation believes education to be one of the most important investments individuals can make
in the future. Under the terms of the program, the Foundation matches dollar for dollar all employee contributions, up to a maximum of $3,000 per year, to qualified colleges, universities and high schools. The Foundation also supports a scholarship program to assist employees’ children who plan to continue education in college or vocational-technical school. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.
2018 Contributions Summary:
Health
15%
36%
13%
Education
United Way
6% Arts & Culture
30%
Human Services
Education
Human Services
Promote learning and intellectual development for all ages through a variety of programs.
A service that is provided to people to help them stabilize their life and find self-sufficiency through guidance, counseling, treatment and the providing of basic needs.
Health
Arts & Culture
Organizations concerned with the body or mind. Hospitals, substance abuse, treatment programs, diseases, medical research, mental health and crisis services.
Arts and culture bring the performing arts to the public; preserve and commemorate the events, places and cultures that created and continue to shape the nation.
A. O. Smith Corporation Scholarship Program: A. O. Smith Foundation, Inc. offers a scholarship program to assist employees’ children who plan to continue education in college or vocationaltechnical school. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an award ranging from $500 to $3,000. Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first.
82 scholarships awarded in 2018
29 new scholarships awarded
$41,500.00
53 scholarships renewed $82,900.00 Total awarded in 2018:
$124,400.00
Our Charities: The A. O. Smith Foundation is proud to support organizations and institutions that help to make our communities a better place to live and work. In the following pages, we’re pleased to share a few brief sample stories about the positive impact of the A. O. Smith Foundation and our partners.
Next Door
Milwaukee Art Museum
Next Door Milwaukee is celebrating its fiftieth year of helping children and families find longterm success through quality education and programming. For 30 of those years, the A. O. Smith Foundation has been a proud supporter.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is not only bringing people face-to-face with legendary works of art each day, it is also working to preserve and protect the more than 30,000 pieces of art in its collection. It is a dual role that museum staffers take very seriously.
Next Door focuses on the development of the whole child at the critical ages between birth and fiveyears-old, when 85 percent of brain development occurs. Research shows that children growing up in poverty are up to 18 months behind their peers academically when entering kindergarten. Next Door is the intervention that breaks this cycle.
“We try to provide as many opportunities for the community to make the Art Museum their own as we can,” says Amanda Peterson, senior director of audience engagement at the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM). “We truly pride ourselves on connecting people’s interests to art in a way that excites and motivates them.”
“We’re a leader in early education,” says Cristina Crogan, vice president of development and communication at Next Door. “We’re devoted to the critical nature of early childhood education, which can lead to the long-term health and wellness of children and a stronger community.”
The A. O. Smith Foundation has been a proud supporter of the Museum’s annual fund for more than a decade. The fund helps to cover general operating expenses and support discounted admission programs that draws in thousands of Wisconsin teachers and kids each month.
All of the services offered at Next Door are free.
“A. O. Smith’s steadfast support gives the Museum a chance to preserve the building, art collection and facilities around the Museum and welcome the local community in every single day,” continues Peterson.
“We do get federal dollars to help, but we couldn’t do it without donor support,” says Crogan. “The funding the A. O. Smith Foundation provides supports our programming—from what’s happening in classrooms and with the parents to our comprehensive services.” Learn more about Next Door at nextdoormke.org.
Learn more about the Milwaukee Art Museum at mam.org. PHOTO CREDIT: FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Ronald McDonald House
The ARK Meals on Wheels
On the back of a door, in a building devoted to keeping families together during illness, hangs a sign bearing the A. O. Smith Foundation name and mission statement. The sign signifies to visitors that their stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin is fully funded by the A. O. Smith Foundation, which recently committed to sponsoring one of 70 guest rooms at the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin for six months.
Several times a week, homebound seniors look forward to a nutritious lunch and friendly visit from the volunteers at ARK Meals on Wheels in South Cheatham County, Tennessee, who deliver five meals during three visits.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin is a place that exists solely to keep families together and close to the medical care they need when their child is sick or injured. The house was built on the foundation that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child. “One of the best things about staying in the Ronald McDonald House is living in a community with other families going through a similar journey,” says Bridget Kesner, development director at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. “We are so grateful to companies like A. O. Smith, because when they say ‘yes’ to our mission, it allows us to wrap our arms around families in need.” Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities at rmhc-easternwi.org. PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH STATHAS
“Meals on Wheels is essential to our seniors. Some don’t have family or friends nearby to check on them, making the visit as important as the food,” says Anne Carty, program director at ARK Community Resource Center, which runs the Meals on Wheels program. ARK Meals on Wheels recently encountered a funding shortfall when it nearly doubled the number of seniors it serves. With a donation from the A. O. Smith Foundation, ARK Meals on Wheels was able to cover the deficit and continue feeding and assisting close to 100 seniors in the South Cheatham community. “The Meals on Wheels representatives were so grateful to receive this support,” says Lisa Williams, human resources manager at A. O. Smith in Ashland City. “A. O. Smith and the Foundation helped The ARK ensure that their Meals on Wheels seniors continue receiving nutritious meals and invaluable contact with their friendly, caring volunteers. It means so much to all of us to be able to help such a great cause.” Learn more about The ARK Community Resource Center at ark-noahs.org.
McBee Rescue Squad
Marathon Kids
A call to serve the community drives the volunteers of the McBee Rescue Squad in South Carolina. The Squad is made up of EMTs and paramedics who donate their time to respond to local emergencies when the county’s ambulances are busy, too far away or need additional assistance.
Marathon Kids is on a mission to get kids moving. And the A. O. Smith Foundation and Aquasana are proud to help pitch in to make that happen.
All of the 15 members of the McBee Rescue Squad have full- or part-time jobs in addition to their volunteer duties and earned their EMT and paramedic certification on their own time. After completing training, they stay connected to county ambulance calls through walkie-talkies and text messages, responding whenever they can. All the services of the McBee Rescue Squad are provided free-of-charge. Financial support from the community helps to cover the Squad’s medical supplies, equipment, training and operating expenses. “A. O. Smith donates annually to the McBee Rescue Squad,” says Katie Reaves, human resources supervisor at the A. O. Smith facility in McBee. “Many A. O. Smith employees or their family members live in McBee, and we want to support the organizations that are here to assist them.” To learn more about the McBee Rescue Squad, visit mcbeerescue.org.
“Research shows that when kids participate in Marathon Kids, they have a much better chance of getting enough daily physical activity,” explains Heidi Gollub, Marathon Kids’ chief marketing officer. “Active kids do better in every way. They are happier, healthier and more likely to succeed in school and in life.” The A. O. Smith Foundation and Aquasana provide financial assistance to Marathons Kids, which allows the organization to make its programming available in underserved communities. “Thanks to generous donations from community partners like the A. O. Smith Foundation, Marathon Kids provided $1,300,000 in grant funds to 568 run clubs for the 2017-2018 season,” says Gollub. “These funds got 86,046 kids moving in 44 states.” “Running means speed and freedom, healthy competition and accomplishment,” explains Gollub. “Our program teaches kids the joy in running a distance. Before they know it, they’ve achieved more than they ever thought possible.” Learn more about Marathon Kids at marathonkids.org.
Mercy Community Healthcare
Mustard Seed Ranch
What started as a children’s clinic in a modest home in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, has grown into a healthcare organization serving all ages with multiple locations, 150 staff members and nearly 10,000 patients per year. Twenty years after opening, Mercy Community Healthcare remains dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care to its patients, regardless of their income. Seventy percent of Mercy’s patients are uninsured or underinsured or on Medicaid or Medicare.
Not every child gets a perfect childhood, but at Mustard Seed Ranch in Cookeville, Tennessee, kids find the peace, love and support they need to build happy and successful futures.
“We believe that everyone should have access to healthcare regardless of their ability to pay,” says Kristi Sylvester, Mercy’s director of marketing, events and development. “We rely on donations and the patients who do have the ability to pay to help offset costs.” “APCOM chose Mercy Community Healthcare as a charity of choice ten years ago,” says Tina McKeithan, APCOM’s human resources manager. “The annual support from the A. O. Smith Foundation allows them to continue providing care to so many in need.” Mercy provides the community with integrated care for every age — pediatrics, adult primary care, mental and behavioral health and chronic care for those with pre-existing or long-term illnesses. Learn more about Mercy Community Healthcare at mercytn.org.
“Kids here have an opportunity to just be kids, often for the first time in their young lives,” says Tammy Depperschmidt, executive director of Mustard Seed Ranch. Mustard Seed Ranch is an interdenominational home for children, ages five through 18, who are recovering from trauma. The 113 acres currently has two homes for boys and one for girls, with each home accommodating up to eight children. The A. O. Smith Foundation discovered Mustard Seed Ranch through the employees working at APCOM, a subsidiary of A. O. Smith in Cookeville. Annually, APCOM hosts employee events to raise money for the ranch and provide the kids Christmas presents. “We provide a loving and healing environment where kids grow into the young men and women they were intended to become,” says Depperschmidt. “And we couldn’t do it without friends like APCOM and the A. O. Smith Foundation.” Learn more about Mustard Seed Ranch at mustardseedranchtn.org.
SCHLITZ AUDUBON NATURE CENTER PHOTO CREDIT: SCHLITZ AUDUBON NATURE CENTER
2018 Community Partners
$1.6m
$1.6 million donated to nonprofit community organizations
189
189 nonprofit organizations funded
American Red Cross
Brightstone
Cumberland River Challenge
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Bristol Speedway’s Children’s Charities
Curators of the University of Missouri
Brooks House
Darlington County Sheriff’s Office
Camp Ernst Middle School
Davidson College
Carolina Kids
Dawn of Hope Foundation
Carroll University
Discalced Carmelitas Monastery
CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates
Discovery World Science and Technology Center
Catholic Charities
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Adventure Science Center Agape Al Menah Shriners Allen DeShields OrganizationIdent-A-Kid Alliance for Strong Families ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter Alzheimer’s AssociationClarksville Chapter American Cancer Society American Heart Association Americans In Wartime Museum Aquinas Academy Arthritis Foundation Artists Working in Education Ashland City Firefighters Fund Ashland City Police Department Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement Augustana College Aurora at Home Benedictine College Bethesda Center Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Big Brother Big Sisters of America Books from Birth Boy Scouts of America Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Centro De La Comunidad Unida Cheatham County Battered Women’s Shelter Cheatham County Schools Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department
Downs Syndrome Clarksville Association East Tennessee State University Economics Wisconsin Empower Me Day Camp
Chesterton Academy of Milwaukee
Fairview High School
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
First Stage
Children’s Miracle Network
Fisher House
COA Youth & Family Centers
Fordham Preparatory School
Coalition For Kids
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 81
College Possible
Girl Scouts
Columbia Central High School
Goodwill Industries of SE Wisconsin
Communities in Schools
Grand River Conservation Authority
Community Sports & Entertainment Support, Inc.
Gray Middle School
Concordia University
Groves Memorial Hospital
Cookeville High School Cooper Middle School Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Habitat for Humanity Hands On! Discovery Center Hope Christian Schools
Hunger Task Force
Mountain States Health Foundation
Texas A&M University
Imagination Library
Muscular Dystrophy Association
The ARK Meals on Wheels
Jericho Shriners
Mustard Seed Ranch
The Ohio State University
Johnson City Firefighters Association
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Water Council
Johnson City Senior Citizen Center Foundation
Neighborhood House of Milwaukee New Leash on Life
Trent Hill Center for Children and Families
Joseph’s Storehouse Journey House Junior Achievement Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kids Battle Diabetes Golf Classic Lace Up for Pink, Incorporated Leadership Spark Leadership Wilson Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Life Point Solutions Literacy Services of Wisconsin, Incorporated Loaves and Fishes Long Brach Elementary School Lourdes Academy of Oshkosh Make A Wish Foundation Marathon Kids Marquette University High School McBee Elementary School McBee High School McBee Rescue Squad Medical College of Wisconsin Mercy Community Healthcare Messmer Catholic Schools Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee Montessori School Gala Milwaukee Public Library Milwaukee Public Museum Milwaukee Public Television Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Next Door Pat Summit Foundation PAVE Schools That Can Milwaukee Pee Dee Coalition Against Criminal & Domestic Violence Pegram Volunteer Fire Department Penfield Children’s Center
Two Rivers Volunteer Fire Department United Performing Arts Fund United Way University of Illinois Foundation University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club
University of Tennessee Foundation, Incorporated
Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Prospect, Incorporated Rees Scholarship Foundation Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing Riveredge Nature Center Ronald McDonald House Rotary Club Rutherford County Foster Parent Association
University of Wisconsin Foundation Upper Grand Learning Foundation UWM Foundation Veterans Memorial Park War Memorial Center Water Mission Waves Welmont Foundation Wilson Chamber Building Fund
Safe & Sound
Wilson County Christmas for All
SaintA
Wilson County Community Help Center
Salvation Army Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Second Harvest Food Bank Serenity Inns, Incorporated
Wilson County Promotions Wilson Trousdale Resource Parent Association
Sharp Literacy
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges & Universities
Sherry’s Run
Wisconsin Business World
Sojourner Family Peace Center
Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund
Southern Starrs, Incorporated
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Southside Elementary
Wisconsin Lutheran High School
St. Ann Center
Youth Frontiers
St. Francis Children’s Center
Youth Leadership Cheatham County
St. Joan Antida High School
Zoological Society of Milwaukee
St. Marcus School
Milwaukee School of Engineering
STEM Forward-Engineers & Scientists of Milwaukee
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Teen Challenge
Milwaukee Women inc
Tempo Milwaukee
Application Process: We encourage organizations requesting financial support from our Foundation to submit materials that help tell the story of their organization. This will allow the Foundation to assess their request holistically because we know organizations are more than just forms and numbers. There is no standard application form, but we have a few requirements to get you started. Please make inquiries on your organization’s official letterhead and include the following: •
Verification of IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
•
Exact name and location of the organization
•
Description of the organization, including objectives and purpose
•
Geographic area served by the organization
•
Explanation of the activity for which support is requested
•
Description of benefits to be achieved and who will receive benefits
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Amount of support being requested
•
Budget information, including resources of income
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Plans for reporting results
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Any brochures, pamphlets or other material that describes your organization in greater detail
Administration: The A. O. Smith Foundation is governed by a sixmember Board of Directors, and its operations are administered by the Foundation’s Secretary, who is a member of the Board. The Foundation Board of Directors meet regularly in June and December. Special meetings are held periodically throughout the year as deemed necessary by the President or Secretary. The Foundation’s fiscal year is January 1 through December 31.
Please mail application inquiries to: Rita Schwalbach Foundation Manager A. O. Smith Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 245008 Milwaukee, WI 53224-9508 Requests are reviewed in the order in which we receive them. To be considered for the following year’s Foundation budget, applications should be received by October 31. Note: The bylaws of A. O. Smith Foundation prohibit contributions to politically active organizations or any other organization whose chief purpose is to influence legislation.
Board of Directors:
Officers:
Edward J. O’Connor
Bruce M. Smith President
Mark A. Petrarca Ajita Rajendra Bruce M. Smith Roger S. Smith Kevin J. Wheeler
Mark A. Petrarca Secretary John J. Kita Treasurer Patricia K. Ackerman Assistant Treasurer
A. O. Smith Corporation 11270 West Park Place Milwaukee, WI 53224-9508 www.aosmith.com Copyright © 2019. A. O. Smith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.