Our approach
Our sole funder, Anglo American prides itself on being a responsible business partner. The company seeks to ensure that its impacts contribute to sustainable livelihoods in the communities where it operates. The Anglo American Group Foundation was founded on the same principles in 2005.
Disbursements for projects in South Africa are generally handled by the award-winning Anglo American Chairman's Fund whilst the Foundation focuses on the other geographies where Anglo American operates.
The Foundation's medium to long term strategy is to make a positive impact on society through sustainable support and to gain knowledge of recipients' fundamental needs. In addition the Foundation seeks to improve the quality and purpose of giving and proactively seeks projects to support.
The aim of the Foundation is to create sustainable livelihoods, targeting communities in a holistic way to tackle multiple issues bearing in mind long term strategies and goals. In addition the Foundation seeks collaboration with other organisations to maximise the impact of donations.
Key areas of giving
- education
- health/HIV
- international development
- environment
Governance
The Foundation was established as both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and is independent from the Anglo American group of companies. This means that Anglo American and its subsidiaries may not benefit from any charitable giving by the Foundation.
Beneficiary groups, who are registered charities, are requested to complete a rigorous application and frequently present to the board in order to gain funding for their organisation. The Foundation maintains relationships with recipients of funding in order to gain an understanding of how its donations have been effectively used.
Role of the board of trustees
The board responsibilities include:
- reviewing requests for funding in accordance with the Foundation's aims and strategy
- contribution of skills and experience
- proactively seeking beneficiaries for funding
- maintaining independence from the Anglo American Group
Management of the day to day running of the Foundation is delegated to the part-time manager Jody White.
The trustees of the Foundation comprise mainly Anglo American employees who have as a clear objective, serving the Foundation and its beneficiaries as an entity independent of the Anglo American group. Their service is voluntary and no fee is charged to the Foundation for their contribution. The trustees meet quarterly and the composition of the board of trustees is reviewed regularly to maintain an appropriate balance of skills and experience. Trustees from the Anglo Group are selected on the basis of their position within the group in order to provide a global view of the Foundation's charitable aims. Trustees currently represent the Coal, Investor Relations, HR, Base Metals, External Affairs and Company Secretarial functions of Anglo American. The trustees have experience of working with projects and divisions worldwide. Angela Walker resigned from the Anglo Group in 2008 but remains as a trustee of the Foundation to incorporate an element of independence to the board.
The company secretary advises the trustees on their roles and on developments in company and charity law. Requests for funding are subject to rigorous review by the trustees in order to adhere with the Foundation's objectives and to maintain independence from the Anglo American Group.
Financials and Annual Return
