The UPS Foundation Gives $500,000 Grant to Atlanta’s New National Center for Civil and Human Rights

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) Atlanta, GA - May 17, 2010 - The UPS Foundation gave the National Center for Civil and Human Rights a $500,000 grant to support construction of the Center in downtown Atlanta.

Center Executive Director Doug Shipman announced the UPS grant in a speech at the Downtown Atlanta Rotary Club today. Shipman outlined the Center’s progress to date and highlighted the momentum this grant creates toward building and opening the facility in 2012. The state-of-the-art, LEED certified building will take 24 months to construct, with opening projected for late 2012.   “We are thrilled to announce The UPS Foundation as one of our partners in the effort to build the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.  Their investment demonstrates corporate social responsibility at its best and illustrates their understanding of the benefits Atlanta will reap by telling the American story of civil and human rights.” Shipman said of the UPS Foundation grant.   The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will feature permanent collections, timely exhibitions and interactive education opportunities to engage visitors in the historical and current struggles people across the world experience in securing and expressing their rights. The Center will display The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Collection (King Papers) and the award-winning Without Sanctuary photo exhibit.     Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation focuses on hands-on, community based service that impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following giving areas: non-profit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.   In 2009, The UPS Foundation distributed nearly $43.6 million worldwide through grants that support stronger communities.    "Education and awareness of the issues surrounding civil and human rights will always be important.” said Ken Sternad, President of The UPS Foundation. “Atlanta is fortunate to have been selected as the home for this Center and UPS is proud to help make it happen.”   About The UPS Foundation
Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation's major initiatives include programs that support community safety, non-profit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, environmental sustainability and diversity. The UPS Foundation pursues these initiatives by identifying specific projects where its support can help produce a measurable social impact. In 2009, The UPS Foundation donated more than $43 million US to charitable organizations worldwide. Visit community.ups.com for more information about UPS's community involvement.    Press release contact: Ronna Branch  rcbranch@ups.com UPS Public Relations 404-828-4393   UPS6825