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Community Involvement

Since its inception, RTI has been a contributing corporate citizen. Our very mission—to improve the human condition—includes a commitment to better the communities where our employees live and work. RTI supports education, charities, and service groups through a generous corporate philanthropy program and other community initiatives.

Community Partnerships Program

Perhaps unique among corporate philanthropy programs, ours is driven by our staff members, beginning with their involvement in and nomination of charitable organizations we support. Our Community Partnerships Program selected 91 charitable efforts to receive $157,000 in funding in fiscal year 2009.

This year, in response to the economic downturn, the selection board increased its emphasis on funding organizations that provide direct services in the areas of basic needs (e.g., food and housing) and health, where there is a high demand for services. Other organizations funded include children's, disabilities and domestic violence programs. The selected organizations serve various locations supported by RTI corporate offices.

Each year, staff members nominate 501(c)(3) charities that provide services to people living in communities where RTI has a permanent office. Those nominations are reviewed by an employee committee whose members determine the organizations' eligibility and funding amount.

Community Supported Agriculture Program

Since 2002, we have hosted the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program in Research Triangle Park. This program provides locally grown vegetables, fruit, and other healthful farm products on a weekly basis to those working in Research Triangle Park.

The program also helps to ensure the success of the six participating farms at a time when many are faced with encroaching development.

People purchase "shares" from one or more of the farmers and, in return, receive a portion of that week’s harvest -- usually enough to supply one household. Additional information on the initiative, including how to purchase a share, can be obtained at the CSA Web site.

SmartCommute

RTI is a corporate participant in the Triangle’s SmartCommute program, which encourages staff members to use alternate forms of transportation in their commutes to and from work to reduce air pollution and ease traffic congestion on existing roadways.

The program provides information on public transportation as well as resources to help people walk, bike, telecommute, and organize car or van pools. Additional information can be obtained at the SmartCommute Web site.

United Way

RTI is a proud supporter of Triangle United Way. In 2009, RTI and its employees donated approximately $333,000 to the Triangle United Way and its affiliated agencies. We also contributed $5,000 to the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, which provides services in communities near RTI's Chicago office.

UNC-TV

RTI has participated in the on-air, fund-raising event of North Carolina's public television station for more than a decade, annually serving as a corporate sponsor to the station as well as providing volunteers to staff phones and take pledges. The event helps UNC-TV fulfill its commitment to provide high-quality statewide programming.