Community

Tomkins recognises its responsibilities to the wider community in which its businesses operate to provide balanced and targeted charitable assistance. In addition to charitable giving, Tomkins' businesses have long supported community and corporate citizenship projects in their local areas. Further information on our charitable giving and community involvement can be found below:

Charitable Giving

Guidelines

Tomkins has well-established guidelines that determine the nature of organisations to which support is given. The charities given assistance cover a wide range of activities including health and welfare, education, civic and community projects, culture and the arts. Tomkins prefers to spread its charitable giving across many smaller local charities that usually do not have the organisation, structure or resources to compete with the marketing skills of the larger, high-profile charitable bodies. Tomkins makes further donations through advertising, sponsorship, products for prizes and volunteers or other in-kind support.

UK donations

In the UK, applications are normally made to Tomkins’ corporate office in London. Requests for donations are made from a variety of charities and Tomkins tries to respond positively to as many requests as possible, provided they come from smaller local charities and are registered with the Charity Commission.

US donations

In the US most requests for support are made locally and donations can be made in a number of ways. The Tomkins Foundation makes matching gifts, foundation gifts and contributions to United Way, an external charitable organisation that distributes funds to charities.

Special donations

Each year, upon the initiative of the Board of Tomkins, consideration is given to making a single donation to a registered charity of an amount exceptional to Tomkins’ normal level of giving. Normally, such single donation is made in response to an appeal with a special purpose and the Board, in its absolute discretion, determines whether or not such appeal is eligible for consideration and the amount of the donation.

Political Donations

It is Tomkins’ practice not to use shareholders’ funds to make political donations either in the form of monetary donations or other in-kind benefits.

Total giving

Overall in 2007 we donated £424,904 for community and charitable purposes, of which £97,979 was in the UK and £241,278 in the United States.

Community Involvement

In addition to their charitable giving activities, Tomkins’ businesses run a range of initiatives for the benefit of local communities. Many members of our staff and management serve their local community through work on boards, committees and other bodies covering a wide range of activities, giving their time and expertise free to the local community – something Tomkins encourages and supports. These include allowing employees time off to participate in community activities and other charitable support.