philosophy


CONTRIBUTING TO NORTH AMERICA


One of DENSO’s major global corporate missions is to contribute to the communities in which it conducts business. DENSO Vision 2015, the company’s long-term management vision, emphasizes a goal of “Turning the ideas of tomorrow into a reality today.” DENSO listens to the views of society, and undertakes corporate activities with the well-being of people firmly in mind.

In North America, the DENSO Group uses four different channels through which to funnel its contribution efforts:

  • DENSO North America Foundation, Inc.,
  • Individual company corporate contributions from 34 companies in 14 North American states and provinces,
  • Oakland Schools Educational Foundation, and
  • Product and in-kind support.

Individual company corporate contributions include monetary contributions as well as DENSO volunteers.

Total Consolidated North American Support
To date, the North American DENSO Group has contributed more than US$21 million (exact US$21,043.155) to help its communities prosper.

Total Employee Volunteer Time (for past four years)
18,589 hours, or 2,323 eight-hour days, or 465 five-day weeks

DENSO NORTH AMERICA FOUNDATION


Distinction: First Japan-based automotive parts supplier in North America to establish a corporate foundation.

Purpose: To extend DENSO’s leadership in corporate citizenship by providing skills and resources which help our communities prosper through the development of a skilled and healthy workforce.

Focus: Acts exclusively for charitable purposes on a centralized basis throughout North America by providing grants to institutions of higher learning for educational and/or scientific purposes, with an emphasis on engineering and technology. Eligible projects include capital campaign support, scholarship programs, undergraduate research and student projects.

Also provides grants to the American Red Cross to provide aid to persons and communities in distress due to impact of natural disasters in North American locations where DENSO Corporation resides. The Foundation has contributed to such relief efforts as Hurricane Katrina and wildfires in Southern California.

Foundation Website: www.densofoundation.org

Total Contributions: Nearly US$2.5 million to 18 institutions of higher education:

  • California State University, Long Beach, Calif.
  • East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tenn.
  • Kellogg Community College, RMTC, Battle Creek, Mich.
  • Kettering University, Flint, Mich.
  • Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Mich.
  • Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich.
  • Miller College, Battle Creek, Mich.
  • Michigan State University, Lansing, Mich.
  • Mississippi State University, Mississippi, Miss.
  • Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  • Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Knoxville, Tenn.
  • Tennessee Technology Center, Athens, Tenn.
  • Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tenn.
  • University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Mich.
  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.
  • Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
  • Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich.
  • University of Michigan - Dearborn, Dearborn, Mich.

Established: Jan. 1, 2001

Funding/Assets: Funded by DENSO International America, Inc., Southfield, Mich., North American headquarters for DENSO Corporation, Kariya, Aichi, Japan. Current assets are $9 million.

Geographic Service Area: Includes proposals from universities and institutions throughout North America.

Type and Status: Corporate Foundation. Registered 501(c)(3), incorporated in the State of Michigan.

Sponsoring DENSO Companies:
DENSO International America, Inc., Southfield, Mich.
DENSO Sales California, Inc., Long Beach, Calif.
DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc., Battle Creek, Mich.
DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc., Maryville and Athens, Tenn.

Board of Directors:
Mr. Hugh Cantrell, DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee, Inc.
Dr. David Cole, chairman, Center for Automotive Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan,
Ms. Karen Cooper-Boyer, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc.
Mr. Douglas Patton, DENSO International America, Inc.
Mr. Richard Shiozaki, DENSO Sales California, Inc.
Mr. William Steffan, DENSO International America, Inc.

Offices: DENSO North America Foundation, 24777 Denso Dr., P.O. Box 5047, MC 4610, Southfield, Mich. 48086. Tel: (248) 372-8233; Fax: (248) 213-2550

INDIVIDUAL COMPANY CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS


In addition to the Foundation, 34 North American DENSO companies contribute to their local communities through direct giving and participation in local programs such as the Tennessee’s Little River Watershed Association, The Greening of Detroit, the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, AIDS Awareness programs, holiday sharing programs and the United Way.

OAKLAND SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION


Oakland Schools, a regional educational service agency, established this scholarship fund with a $300,000 endowment from DENSO International America, Inc. in Southfield, Mich.  The program currently serves students of Oakland Schools technical education programs and is designed to help motivated students achieve their career goals.  In May 2007, the DENSO-Oakland Schools Education Foundation (DOSEF) awarded 20 one-year scholarships and renewed 10 scholarships.  Oakland Schools administers the fund and coordinates scholarship selection.

Total Scholarship Money Awarded:  US$230,000 since 1994

Established: 1991 by Oakland Schools, Oakland County, Mich.

PRODUCT/IN-KIND SUPPORT


Total Product/In-Kind Support:  US$410,850