The AMR/American Airlines Foundation is a corporate foundation that works to help meet the needs of non-profit organizations in the communities that American serves, especially our hub cities of Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami, and San Juan. We support organizations with air transportation as well as cash.

Guidelines For Grant Consideration

What we support

No single donor -- whether a corporation, foundation, government agency or individual -- can respond effectively to the enormous needs and opportunities we see in all our communities. Needs are extensive and resources are finite. To be effective, we must make difficult choices.

We make a concerted effort to focus our resources more strategically so that our participation will make a difference. We concentrate on those communities where we operate a hub or have a major facility and/or employee base. In places where we employ a large number of people, we also look for opportunities to involve American employees in the organizations and projects we support.

In general, we focus our contributions and support on programs, projects and institutions in the following areas:

Community Development

educational programs aimed at increasing awareness and involvement in recycling and other environmental protection activities

partnerships and initiatives that promote economic development in AMR communities

Arts and Culture

activities that exemplify excellence in the visual and/or performing arts

performances or programs that promote a higher level of understanding of visual and performing arts from countries where AMR/American Airlines has a presence

specific programs designed to highlight the world's diversity of cultures, ethnic backgrounds and national origins

Education

programs aimed at providing higher education and business career training opportunities to minorities

activities that support American's existing national partnership with the United Negro College Fund

specific efforts to create greater understanding and cooperation between ethnic groups

programs aimed at improving educational output

Health and Welfare

United Way, which receives the highest percentage of foundation grants in this area

corporate partnerships with:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Susan B. Komen Foundation and other select organizations that
support breast cancer research

limited travel, provided through the Miles for Kids in Need program, for seriously ill children needing emergency medical treatment or special wishes. Special preference is given to official charities, The Starlight Foundation and Variety Children's Lifeline.

What we don't support:

AMR does not contribute to the support of:

organizations lacking proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Service code

endowments

annual operating support fund drives

organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex or national origin

religious, fraternal, social or veterans' organizations

political or partisan organizations or candidates

organizations established to influence legislation or specific elections

individuals

organizations receiving support from United Way fund drives

basic academic or scientific research

athletic events or sponsorships

social functions or advertising in commemorative journals, yearbooks or special event publications (these requests are forwarded to the appropriate local sales office for consideration)

How we give

Proposals are reviewed on an on-going basis and grants are awarded throughout the year. There is no calendar deadline for applications.

Requests for travel are reviewed separately, but are granted according to these same guidelines. Limited travel assistance for children facing medical emergencies or requesting special wishes is provided through Miles for Kids in Need.

Offered through American Airlines' AAdvantage frequent traveler program, Miles for Kids in Need provides travel as miles are available on a first-come, first-serve basis through qualified non-profit organizations and partner charities. Travel is awarded to dependent children up to age 18 and to two relatives or guardians who will accompany the child. Financial need must be certified by the requesting organization.

Foundation and corporate contributions proposals are evaluated primarily based on their national or regional reach and impact on specific American locations. Local American offices may provide modest grants based on needs and priorities in those individual locations. When appropriate, requests for local grants are referred to these offices.

Multi-year grants are not usually made, unless there is a compelling reason to do so. All such grants are subject to annual review and evaluation.

How to apply

The following information should be included in all requests for grant support:

a description of the overall structure, purpose and objectives of your organization

list of names of officers and key staff members, and list of board members and their professional affiliations;

a description of the project for which the funds are being requested, including specific objectives, purpose of the project, and audiences to be served

specific reasons why you believe AMR/American Airlines would be an appropriate donor

project budget, including break-out of costs and sources of funding already committed or expected

size and demographic information about population to be served by the project

timetable of the project

method of measuring success of the project

proof of the organization's tax-exempt status and a copy of your certification as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, or preferably your 509 (a) (1), (2) or (3)

most recent audited financial statement

primary funding sources, including United Way or other unified fundraising campaign support

detailed description of how AMR/American Airlines Foundation's grant will be acknowledged

any additional support materials that may provide a more thorough understanding of the organization.

Please send all grant proposals to:

AMR/American Airlines Foundation
P.O. Box 619616
M.D. 5575
DFW Airport, TX 75261-9616

or by FAX to:

817-967-9784

For more information, call:

817-967-3545

For details, see