Messer's Corporate Citizenship
Throughout our 78 year history, Messer has been a good neighbor. Our employee-owners have supported our communities in many ways. We give our time, energy and treasure.
Since 1990 when the employees purchased the company, Messer has experienced significant financial and geographical growth. We are extremely proud that since 1991 Messer, on behalf of its employee-owners, has invested nearly $8.7 million in making our communities better places for each of us to live, work and raise our families.
The Messer Construction Foundation was created with two objectives. The first is to administer major financial gifts in the form of $25,000 grants to employee-recommended community organizations through a disciplined application and review process. The second is to administer multi-year gifts from the company.
The Messer Construction Foundation has awarded $375,000 in $25,000 grants.
The Messer Foundation was established to assist in carrying out the company’s commitment to be an involved corporate citizen by way of administering multi-year community gifts, and providing a disciplined application and review process for major financial gifts, $25,000 each, to employee-recommended community organizations.
The Foundation seeks to support organizations that advance the interests of society in the areas of economic inclusion, education and workforce development. Click here for complete Foundation grant guidelines.
The 2009 recipients were all sponsored by Messer employees, recommended by a committee composed of Messer employees, and approved by the Foundation Board of Trustees. More than 80 applications were received and considered, resulting in the selection of the following organizations:
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton offers interactive educational opportunities in science, culture, and nature for people of all ages. The organization annually serves approximately 250,000 visitors and hosts dozens of classes from local schools. The Messer Foundation grant will underwrite and help purchase materials for the construction of a new eco-friendly “house” exhibit that will showcase energy efficiency and sustainability while creating opportunities for related educational activities.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis (BGCI) provide a safe, educational and positive atmosphere for young people to learn and grow in five core areas: Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. The Messer Foundation grant will be used at BGCI’s Lilly Club in the Fountain Square neighborhood to provide materials, equipment and labor to renovate the front desk/reception area and to replace the gym floor, creating a better environment and a better experience for the participants.
A unique award was presented to the Greater Cincinnati Foundation for the purpose of aiding the homeless. The homeless population in Cincinnati has grown 150 percent over the past 15 years and during these turbulent economic times this grant will help address some of the challenges facing this underserved population.
2009 Messer Foundation $25,000 Grant Recipients:
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton, OH
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
- The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Cincinnati, OH
2008 Messer Foundation $25,000 Grant Recipients:
- Easter Seals Central and Southeast Ohio, Inc. Columbus, OH
- YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
- YouthBuild Louisville, Louisville, KY
2007 Messer Foundation $25,000 Grant Recipients:
- Brooklawn Child & Family Services, Louisville, KY
- Shepherd Community Center, Indianapolis, IN
- Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County, Lexington, KY
2006 Messer Foundation $25,000 Grant Recipients:
- Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley, Knoxville, TN
- Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League, Lexington, KY
- Woodward Career Technical High School, Cincinnati, OH
2005 Messer Foundation $25,000 Grant Recipients
- Boys and Girls Club of Columbus, Inc., Columbus, OH
- ISUS, Inc. (Improved Solutions for Urban Systems). Dayton, OH
- University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY