Community Investment

AOL UK has longstanding relationships with a number of UK charities in order to extend the benefits of the internet to their users. Our priority areas are young people and people with disabilities. Recent initiatives include:

Supporting John Grooms' development of an award-winning lifestyle portal for people with disabilities - www.johngrooms.org.uk

Funding computer and internet classes at an NCH centre in West London, which help local people to gain confidence and crucial ICT skills - www.nch.org.uk

Working with Mencap on Web projects for people with learning disabilities - www.mencap.org.uk

Teaming up with the digital inclusion charity Citizens Online to run a national awards scheme that encourages charities and community groups to use the internet to connect, support and inspire their users - www.aol.co.uk/innovation

Supporting online giving through the Charities Aid Foundation, including initiatives such as National Giving Week – www.cafonline.org

AOL is also a founding member of the Alliance for Digital Inclusion www.alliancefordigitalinclusion.org and is actively involved in issues of internet safety and security.

AOL UK regrets that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for support from charities, community groups or schools.

Employee Engagement

Many of our employees play a role in our community investment programme through volunteering and fundraising.

AOL UK offers each employee up to two days paid leave per year to volunteer for good causes, be it AOL's partner charities or their own chosen charity. The annual Time Warner Volunteer Day is always very popular, with past projects including planting trees, painting playgrounds, and working on a city farm.

Time Warner is also a member of the Media Trust, which works with media professionals to help charities communicate - www.mediatrust.org

AOL UK also helps employees to raise funds for their chosen charities by offering matched funding for individuals and teams. Recent fundraising initiatives range from completing the Great North Run to organising a second hand book sale, climbing Ben Nevis to competing in World Cup fantasy football.

In addition, AOL is a member of the Give As You Earn payroll giving scheme, enabling employees to donate to good causes directly from their salary, before tax is deducted.