Armstrong World Industries Foundation
Armstrong World Industries (AWI) formed the Armstrong World Industries (AWI) Foundation in 1985. Since its inception, the foundation has donated more than $50 million to charity.
In 2016, the foundation assessed its approach to giving and evolved its philanthropic strategy to have the most meaningful impact possible, while keeping its by-laws and the following stakeholders in mind:
- AWI current and future employees and retirees
- The communities where we operate
- Architects, designers, contractors and others in the building community dedicated to elevating the importance of design and buildings in people’s lives
Today the AWI Foundation’s strategy is primarily focused on making a positive difference in lives of people where they live, work, learn, heal and play, awarding grants by invitation only to 501(c)(3) organizations that meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Operate in communities where AWI employees live and work
- Dedicated to elevating the importance of design and buildings in people’s lives
- Renovating the buildings where they operate to improve their spaces and therefore the quality of service they provide to the people they benefit
- Focus on those who are most in need, particularly under-served children and early childhood education
This approach fosters opportunities to partner with AWI to provide in-kind ceiling solutions and services, and engage employees in the community via volunteer opportunities.
Employee Gift Match, Plant Grants & Employee Hardship
Community Grants
COLUMBUS, OHIO
AWI Foundation & Employees Support the Columbus Zoo & OutRun Autism Walk at the Zoo
On behalf of the employees of the three AWI manufacturing facilities in greater Columbus, Ohio, the AWI Foundation is an annual contributor to the Columbus Zoo and its operations and conservation programs. Our Hilliard, Ohio, plant employees and their families participated in an annual family walk at the Columbus Zoo called OutRun Autism to raise awareness and funds for autism programs and services throughout Ohio.
Lancaster PA - Headquarters
American Institute of Architects
The foundation awards annual grants to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for its Learning by Design program for kids K-12. This grant support more than 20 American Institute of Architects' (AIA) chapters that conduct education programs in communities across the country for underserved kids K-12 to learn about the power of design and the power of buildings. In its first year, the program reached 10,000 young people.
Extraordinary Give
The Armstrong World Industries Foundation supports the Extraordinary Give, an annual philanthropic extravaganza that raises more than $10M in a 24 hour period for the Lancaster county community where many AWI employees live, work and raise their families. https://www.extragive.org/
Boys & Girls Clubs
The AWIF is a lead financial contributor for the renovations of two Boys & Girls Club locations in Lancaster, Pa. In addition to the foundation’s monetary support, Armstrong World Industries supported the renovations with product donations, design and construction expertise.
Making a Difference in Our Community
Armstrong World Industries and AWI Foundation supported Boys and Girls Clubhouses by making these spaces look great and perform even better for hundreds of kids that rely on them each day.
The Archive Project with LancasterHistory.org -
Preserving Armstrong’s Legacy
The AWIF, in partnership with the Armstrong Flooring Foundation and LancasterHistory.org, has embarked on a project to assess, organize, categorize and house our 155+ years of archival company records for easy access for education and research purposes.
Community Revitalization – Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce
The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce has created a community and business hub for the county, on King St., in the center of downtown. The now renovated building houses the Chamber as well as a number of non-profits and small businesses to help Lancaster “thrive.” Our ceiling products were specified for the project, and the AWIF joins hundreds of local contributors who came together to fund the project.
Plant Locations
Macon, GA
Rebuilding Macon, Inc. & Macon Area Habitat for Humanity
Pensacola, FL
Child Guardians (abused children)
Hilliard, OH
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
St. Helens, OR
Gale’s Creek Foundation and the Community Action Team
Millwood, VA
Jackson County Community Foundation
United Way
Armstrong has proudly supported United Way fundraising campaigns since 1924, with millions of dollars generously donated by our employees and matched by the company. Beyond their dollars, our employees have donated thousands of volunteer hours, to education, healthcare, disaster relief and many other organizations.
Day of Caring
We proudly support the United Way Day of Caring program, with hundreds of Armstrong employees, providing thousands of volunteer hours in support of the many United Way agencies….from painting buildings to landscaping, our employees roll up their sleeves to help in their local communities.
Product Donations
Armstrong provides in-kind ceiling donations to 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service as eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To request a ceiling product donation, please submit this In-kind Product Request Form (PDF) with a copy of your nonprofit Tax ID number to:
jenniferjohnson@armstrongceilings.com