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Volunteerism


A Way of Life at 3M


The 50th anniversary of our employee Volunteer Program was celebrated in 2003. Volunteers come from all levels of the company, and participate in more than 25 3M-affiliated ongoing programs plus hundreds of one-time service opportunities. 3M CARES was launched in 1984 to help employees continue their good works into retirement. In 2006, more than 1,500 retirees participated in more than 70 3M volunteer activities, serving over 26,000 hours.


2006 U.S. Results


  • 1,600 volunteers had their time matched by the 3M Foundation with $320,000 awarded to 630 organizations in 36 states.
  • 25 employees and retirees received the Community Volunteer Award; $25,000 donated to their charities.

3M Volunteer Pledge to Employees and Retirees


Community participation is especially encouraged at management levels. In turn, management should support volunteer service by employees.


To encourage volunteerism to enhance the quality of life in our communities.


To support their efforts by sharing information about community needs and volunteer opportunities.


To recognize the sharing of their time and talents to make a difference in our communities.


Volunteer Recognition


  • 3M Volunteer Match

    The 3M Foundation donates $200 to qualifying U.S. nonprofit organizations, matching 25 hours of volunteer service.
    • In its first seven years, the 3M Foundation has donated more than $1.9 million in the names of more than 7,000 employees and retirees who volunteer.

  • 3M Community Volunteer Award

    Now in its 20th year, the 3M Community Volunteer Award salutes 25 U.S. employee and retiree volunteers who make exceptional community contributions. Along with the honor comes $1,000 donated by the 3M Foundation to a qualified nonprofit organization of each awardee's choice.

Employee Inspired Volunteerism


What makes 3M's award-winning Volunteer Program unique is that many of our programs are grassroots, employee-inspired efforts:


  • 3M Visiting Wizards get kids excited about how science affects their lives with hands-on experiments. Almost half a million students have been educated and entertained since 1985.
  • 3M's Science Training Encouragement Program (STEP), since 1973, has provided mentors to coach students and summer employment for high school students.
  • 3M Teachers Working in Science and Technology (TWIST) program has invited 554 teachers since 1984 to spend six weeks of their summer vacations working in 3M labs.
More Volunteerism

In addition, 3M employees and retirees volunteer with:

Junior Achievement, MATHCOUNTS, Minnesota FIRST™ LEGO® League, Destination ImagiNation®, National Engineers Week and other worthwhile efforts year-round.

3M volunteers build Habitat for Humanity homes, deliver Meals on Wheels, participate in Stewardship Days for the Nature Conservancy, and lend assistance through the American Red Cross when disaster strikes