Western Digital believes in our responsibility to be a good neighbor in the communities in which we operate, and a steward of our world’s resources. The quality of life and education, the well-being of our employees and their families, and the economic health of our society are of vital interest to Western Digital. As a corporation, we support organizations that improve education, support hunger relief, as well as programs protecting the environment and our communities according to the following giving guidelines:
I. Criteria
WDC requires that non-profit organizations and schools seeking support meet specific criteria to be considered:
- Be a tax-exempt non-profit organization or public school in good standing with the IRS or global equivalent
- Show program capability, sound fiscal policies, responsible management, and evidence of long-range planning and effective use of volunteers
- Have a competent, active board of directors or similar governing body providing sound policies and guidance to the organization and its members
- Produce a budget, financial statements and a plan for funding beyond the period covered by the proposed contribution
- Show a method of evaluating the results of the proposed project
In addition, we require:
- The charity is not being recommended by a foreign official
- The charity is not owned/operated by a foreign official or close relative
- There are no deals that are contingent (either in fact or in appearance) upon the granting of the charitable aid
- Normal due diligence has been conducted to verify that the charity is legitimate and reputable, and financially stable
- The charity’s mission is consistent with the philanthropic priorities of the Western Digital Corporation (Education, Hunger Relief, Environmental Issues)
Western Digital reserves the right to make funding and contribution decisions within its sole and absolute discretion and may alter these criteria without notice at any time.
II. Limitations and Exclusions
Western Digital’s charitable contributions are not automatically renewing in nature. If an organization receiving current or previous support from Western Digital desires additional funding, it must submit a new grant request. Such requests will be evaluated in relation to other submitted requests and budgetary considerations at the time of the new request, and may not be approved.
We will not provide grants or other charitable contributions under circumstances that are not permitted by or are in conflict with the policies of the Western Digital Corporation, applicable law, or budgetary considerations, which include but are not limited to requests made by the following:
- Individuals
- Customers or other business partners/providers
- Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or national origins
- Grant-making foundations
- Political organizations
- Organizations whose primary function is the proselytization of specific religious beliefs
- Private educational institutions
- Organizations failing to meet Western Digital’s corporate standards for ethical operation and social value
III. Anti-Bribery and Corruption
As discussed more fully in Western Digital’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy (the “Policy”), which is available by request, Western Digital is committed to winning business through honest competition in the global marketplace. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption wherever we operate and enforce effective systems to prevent it.
Accordingly, Western Digital and its officers, employees, agents, contractors and all others who perform services on its behalf are prohibited from promising, authorizing, giving or offering money, a financial or other advantage, or anything of value directly or indirectly to (a) a Public Official (as that term is defined under the Policy) with the intention of influencing that official and with the intention of obtaining or retaining business or any business advantage, or (b) a private person with the intention of inducing that person to perform his or her functions improperly where those functions are expected to be performed in good faith, impartially, or in circumstances where the person is in a position of trust. No cash, cash equivalents, or anything of value can be provided to a Public Official on behalf of Western Digital. Any contribution or support involving a Public Official, government agency or government institution requires the approval of the Western Digital Legal Department.
