Borders Group Foundation

Strengthening the Borders Group family

through programs that support employees and their communities

No matter how large or seemingly small the crisis—from a natural disaster to an unexpected death in the family—the Borders Group Foundation is there to support Borders employees.

Financial Assistance
The main focus of the Borders Group Foundation is to provide charitable financial assistance to the employees of Borders Group, Inc. and their immediate families living in the same household. Eligible Borders Group employees include those from all US subsidiaries of Borders, Specialty Retail/Waldenbooks, Distribution Centers and the Corporate Office, who have a demonstrated, short-term financial need, arising from a specific, unforeseen life event. This assistance is made in the form of a tax-free grant.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Foundation has issued more than $2.8 million in grants to over 2,341 employees facing financial hardship for circumstances beyond their control. This effort has earned the Foundation the description as "the heart of Borders Group."

"It feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. It is amazing that (the Foundation) can help out employees when they are facing a financial crisis." — Marcy, Foundation Grant Recipient

"This is one of the reasons that I work for BGI. It's been really difficult to see such a great employee go through what he has experienced and to see the quick response and offer of support really helps." — Steve, General Manager

Scholarships
In January 2002, the Borders Group Foundation established a merit-based Scholarship Program to assist employees and eligible family members with the cost of higher education, including undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical studies.

Since its inception, over $649,000 in scholarships has been awarded.

Bereavement Outreach
The Foundation makes a caring response when any regular full or part-time employee experiences the death of an immediate family member. At the request of an employee's manager, this response is made in the form of a special food basket and condolence card delivered to the employee's home or other appropriate address. The Foundation annually coordinates the order placement and delivery of approximately 400 bereavement baskets. The Memorial Contribution Program was established in 2007 to provide a tangible memorial to honor the memory of any Borders employees who pass away. A contribution is made in that employee's name, to a charity chosen by the family or store.

Military Outreach
The Foundation sends special care-packages to family members of Borders Group employees, who are actively serving overseas in the Armed Forces. Those eligible receive a care-package which includes phone cards, books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs, snacks and toiletries.

Foundation Funding
Support for the Foundation's programs and services comes primarily from Borders Group employees, who show their compassion for fellow employees in need by electing Foundation payroll deductions, and supporting Foundation-sponsored events such as bake sales, prize raffles, merchandise sales, and the organization's golf outing. In 2008, employees contributed $550,000 to the Foundation.

Inspired to help?
For more information about the Borders Group Foundation, you can email the Foundation at bgf@bordersgroupinc.com or call 734.477.1025.