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The same passion, drive and initiative that have made Genentech the dynamic growth business it is today spill over into its commitment to community. In the year 2000, Genentech, as a company, and Genentech employees donated time, money, resources and products to a wide range of causes and nonprofit organizations.
Genentech provided nearly $2 million in support of nonprofit organizations in 2000 through its ongoing charitable contributions program. Consistent with the company's mission to address unmet medical needs, the majority of these funds went to national and local nonprofit groups working in areas of science and healthcare of strategic interest to the company. In addition, in its good-neighbor capacity, Genentech supported key nonprofit educational, civic, cultural and social service organizations in its own South San Francisco and Vacaville, Calif., communities.
Genentech employees also play a critical role in community work. In 2000, employees contributed to hundreds of nonprofits, with Genentech matching these funds dollar for dollar. On top of this, committed employees donated time and energy to dozens of local events that raised awareness and funds for causes such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease and HIV/AIDS.
Investing in the future of science is a key priority for Genentech, and the company has established several science education initiatives to do just that. Among them are the Genentech Foundation for Biomedical Sciences, the Genentech Center for Clinical Research and Education, and Access Excellence®, a Web-based educational resource for teachers that will soon form the core educational component of the National Health Museum Web site.
Genentech strives to push the boundaries of disease treatment through innovative therapies and makes a practice of partnering with patient advocacy groups who share this passion. The company proactively and regularly works with advocacy groups to disseminate information and gain their insight and involvement in major development efforts, such as clinical trials enrollment and oversight, investigator meetings and safety boards.
Genentech's commitment to patients is further evident in its support of programs designed to help people better live and cope with their disease. The Cancer Survival Toolbox developed by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the Oncology Nursing Society and the Association of Oncology Social Work through an educational grant from Genentech BioOncology is successfully helping individuals with cancer develop practical skills for dealing with their diagnosis and treatment.
Beginning with its very first marketed product, Genentech has believed that any patient who needs one of its medicines should get it regardless of economic or insurance status. To this end, the company offers the Genentech Assistance Program and the Genentech Endowment for Cystic Fibrosis. During the past 10 years alone, over $300 million worth of free medicine has been provided to uninsured or underinsured patients through these efforts.
Genentech's accomplishments in the areas of corporate responsibility and scientific leadership have not gone unnoticed. The company and its founders have been the recent recipients of several prestigious awards, including the National Breast Cancer Coalition Corporate Leadership Award and the National Medal of Technology, as well as two of the top biotech industry awards, the 5th Annual Helix Award and the Biotechnology Heritage Award. In addition, the company has been named to Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work for in America."
At over 4,400 strong, employees are Genentech's most valued asset and perhaps the best predictor of its future growth. Three of the company's current high-priority initiatives in line with its overall strategy to "invest in its people" are:
• Employee Involvement in 5 x 5 -- Designed to further strengthen Genentech's cohesive, empowered and enthusiastic employee base, this initiative encourages every employee to personally invest in Genentech's 5 x 5 plan (that is, 5 goals for the year 2005).
• Flexible Work Arrangement -- To meet the needs of employees balancing work and home life and to remain competitive in today's employee market, Genentech offers this opportunity, which focuses on what versus how employees contribute.
• Diversity -- Genentech will continue to build on its commitment to diversity - that aspect of its community that represents different thought processes, backgrounds, characteristics and skill sets that each individual brings to the pursuit of the company's common mission as an essential part of its plan for growth.