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Foundation

In addition to its core focus areas, the Foundation is also responsible for matching employee giving to educational organizations, United Arts organizations and the United Way. Click here to access a PDF version of the Darden Foundation's 2006 KPMG auditors annual report.

Matching Gifts
The Foundation matching gift program is part of the company's commitment to enhance the quality of life in those communities in which its employees and retirees live and work. Three categories of matching gifts are supported:

1. Education Gift Matching Program. The Foundation matches employees' gifts to eligible educational organizations on a 2-for-1 basis at qualifying gift levels.

2. United Arts Gift Matching Program. The Foundation matches dollar-for-dollar by organization all funds contributed by employees during the annual workplace campaign. The campaign kicks off each spring and funds raised are granted to local arts organizations.

3. United Way Gift Matching Program. The Foundation is a long-time supporter of the Heart of Florida United Way, and matches dollar-for-dollar by category each dollar contributed by Darden employees. The campaign kicks off each October with DardenFest. In 2003, the Foundation matched $275,000 in employee gifts, making Darden's total contribution from the Foundation and employees over $550,000!


Community Alliance Program
Foundation giving is limited to Central Florida cities in the Community Alliance Program (CAP). The CAP supports our employees' involvement with diverse organizations across the United States . Darden participates in, and contributes to, over 500 events and programs in these CAP cities. These relationships ensure our ability to be a neighbor of choice and to positively impact the communities in which we operate. CAP cities include:

• Atlanta • Chicago • Cincinnati • Cleveland • Dallas • Detroit	• Houston • Los Angeles • Miami • Oklahoma City • Orlando