Corporate Giving

Disney contributes millions of dollars each year in cash donations, in-kind support and public service airtime, with an aggregate value of more than $209 million globally in fiscal 2008. These contributions support local and global nonprofit organizations focused on children and families, community service, arts and culture, environment and conservation and disaster relief. In-kind contributions and employee volunteerism often enhance cash donations.

Cash Donations

In 2008, Disney contributed more than $41 million in cash donations to organizations, communities and causes around the world. We have long been a supporter of:

  • Wish-granting and other uplifting programs for severely ill children
  • Children's hospitals
  • Programs fostering the positive development of children and families
  • Youth and family volunteerism
  • Environmental conservation and education
  • Art and creativity programs
  • Disaster relief

In addition, Disney provides financial and administrative support to The Walt Disney Company Foundation, which oversees special philanthropic initiatives separate from Disney's own businesses. In 2008, the foundation awarded college/university academic scholarships for children of 50 Disney employees and provided matching gifts for qualified higher-education organizations supported by Disney cast members and employees. The Foundation also made several contributions to local and national organizations supporting the arts and the well-being of children.

Product Donations

In addition to cash donations, Disney is specially positioned to contribute products and experiences that brighten the lives of children and communities around the world. In 2008, we contributed more than $41 million in Disney products and experiences. We provide toys, DVDs, books and gifts to charitable organizations for children and families in need, as well as tickets to Disney theme parks for charitable fundraising purposes.

Other In-Kind Donations

As a media company, some of our most valuable assets are our intellectual property and airtime. We often provide these creative resources and media presence to support the public good. In 2008, we provided airtime and creative services valued at $126 million for public-service announcements across our media networks and home entertainment segments.

ABC is a leader in this effort through ABC's A Better Community initiative. Many facets of the network deliver messages encouraging volunteerism in local communities. Talent from ABC programs such as Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives highlight community participation opportunities such as coaching, mentoring and helping the environment. This campaign runs nationally and locally among ABC affiliates. In addition to A Better Community, ABC programs occasionally offer helpful information related to storylines such as emergency preparedness or domestic abuse.

At ESPN, public service is part of the culture, with commentators involved in both on-air discussions and journalism on community issues, as well as lending their talent to public-service messages. In addition to working with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, ESPN launched an acclaimed Men's Preventive Health public service campaign in 2008. Working with the Ad Council and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ESPN stars contributed their talent to public service announcements that ran on ESPN networks, radio and interactive services, and in print.

Public-service themes on Disney Channel encourage kids to express themselves and follow their dreams. Cast Members from the hit High School Musical movies have been featured in The Music In You campaign highlighting the positive effects music and self-expression can have in the lives of children. Supported by short-form, long-form programming and public service announcements, the campaign in 2008 partnered with the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation to award 10 schools with a license and a $5,000 grant to present their own production of High School Musical. Disney Channel also supports the Imagineer That! campaign with public service announcements that encourage viewers to engage their imaginations and hone their creative skills.

Each Radio Disney station broadcasts approximately 1,000 public service announcements each year, in addition to weekly local community-oriented programming. One popular campaign features Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King teaching kids about safety. Each monthly "Safety Smart" segment provides a safety tip relevant to kids, such as water safety in July or holiday cooking safety in November. In addition to campaigns like these, Radio Disney is active in encouraging its listeners to volunteer in their communities.

We also actively share our beloved stories to increase awareness around critical public issues such as environmental preservation, public safety, and health and nutrition. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment often includes public service announcements in its DVD launch campaigns, using its marketing presence and the appeal of our characters to drive attention to critical public issues. In 2008, two campaigns were launched in collaboration with the Ad Council. One featured characters from The Jungle Book highlighting the "bear necessities" of healthy living - "Eat right, be active, have fun"- and another featured characters from Sleeping Beauty reminding viewers to do their part to prevent wild fires.