Unum is committed to helping people when they need us most, a philosophy that guides both our business practices and our approach to outreach in the communities where we operate.

Our primary goal is to enhance the educational opportunities for our children and those of our neighbors. This focus — along with outreach efforts in disability, health and wellness, and arts and culture — helps to guide our volunteer and philanthropic efforts.

In 2008, we continued our long tradition of community support by giving more than $6 million to local nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and U.K., including $1.4 million through our matching gifts program that pairs corporate dollars with employee donations. Qualified nonprofits can receive up to $2 from Unum for every $1 donated by employees. In addition, our U.S. employees contributed $1.5 million of their own money to United Way, while workers in the U.K. contributed tens of thousands of dollars to disability-related organizations.

As a proud supporter of college education, we offer scholarship programs for both children of employees and students in our local communities. We also make a one-time donation to a college savings plan at the birth or adoption of a child to a Unum employee.

Unum employees were also generous with their time, devoting more than 50,000 hours to volunteer efforts in their communities. From blood drives and fighting hunger to mentoring and teaching life skills, employees from all of our locations are constantly demonstrating their volunteer spirit.