Bombardier Aerospace Foundation
Overview
The Foundation meets four times a year and considers requests from Northern Ireland based charities.
In many cases, foundation donations are relatively small but directed to charities that do not have large funds and where they can make a real difference. The foundation also supports charitable initiatives undertaken by Bombardier employees and plays a key role in the company’s equal opportunity outreach programme.
Areas supported by the Bombardier Aerospace (NI) Foundation within Northern Ireland:
Education
Projects which promote greater interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in upper primary, secondary and higher/further education; Cross-community projects; Projects in areas of social deprivation and disadvantage; Local bursaries and scholarships, and university chairs; Specialist projects with external educational bodies, where these have relevance to our business.
Environment
Projects to conserve, restore, protect and improve urban and rural environments, with particular emphasis on those areas adjacent to our various site locations.
Entrepreneurship
Charitable projects which promote the development of entrepreneurial skills and spirit through training and mentoring for individuals who would not otherwise have such opportunities.
Community Regeneration and Support
Local community regeneration projects through: family support; enterprise/job creation; training/education; environment; disability; and festivals/celebrations.
Community Relations
Appropriate charitable or community organisations, including where there is indirect benefit to our relationships with customers.
Equal Opportunity
Projects which advance equal opportunities in the areas of education, training, community regeneration, community sponsorship.
Major initiatives supported by the foundation include the Citywide Employers’ Forum and The Flight Experience educational outreach.
In 2003, Bombardier played a key role in the formation of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill following its involvement with task forces set up locally by government to address poverty. During the company’s nine-year chairmanship of the forum, it helped around 1,400 unemployed people find jobs. Due to its success, the forum was extended in 2013 to the Citywide Employers’ Forum with input from Belfast City Council and the Department for Employment and Learning. Bombardier continues to chair the new forum, which is reaching out to unemployed people across the city.