Shell Puget Sound Refinery has a long history of significant contributions to the Anacortes and Skagit County communities. Each year, the company receives an increasing number of these requests are for financial contributions, and a large number of these requests are granted. However, not every request can be responded to favorably and not every worthy cause in our community can be supported by Shell. The information below is to help potential requestors understand the priorities and policies of Shell Puget Sound Refinery in making decisions about community contributions.  

Basic Policies

A Community Relations Committee consisting of employees from various areas of the plant makes most of the decisions regarding community contributions. In some cases, plant management and specifically the refinery manager, will make decisions directly. This would most likely occur if the request is urgent or time sensitive. The Community Relations Committee reviews the incoming requests and, based on the criteria outlined below, prioritizes the requests and makes the decisions regarding whether or not to fund and the appropriate funding level.

What Are The Basic Policies?

1. Avoid Dependence.

Contributions that will create dependence on on-going funding from the Shell Puget Sound Refinery are generally avoided. Since funds available for community contributions can vary somewhat, it is not in the best interest of the requesting organization or the company to create a situation that will result in potential harm to the organization if funding cannot be continued year to year. As a result, a higher priority is placed on capital or one-time funding requests than requests for support for on-going operations.

2. Avoid Church or Religious Affiliation.  

We recognize the very important role that church and religious organizations play in the lives of company employees and in the life of the community. Although many community-oriented programs are initiated by church or religious organizations, it is the general policy of the refinery to not accept requests initiated by church or religious groups or organizations.

3. Contributions Must Directly Benefit Residents of Skagit County

In general contributions not directly benefiting the residents of Skagit County will not be considered.

4. Avoid Duplication.

The refinery is a major contributor to the Skagit County United Way. Contributions from employees and the company directly are usually in excess of $50,000. As a result, organizations receiving substantial funding from United Way are generally not supported by direct refinery contributions to avoid duplication.

5. Tax Exempt Status.

 Generally, organizations seeking support will be required to have tax exempt status such as a 501(C)3 registration. Requestors may be asked to provide proof of tax exempt status.

6. Limitations on Recreational Activities.

We enthusiastically support promoting community health through the many youth sports teams and organizations. The many requests for sponsorship of teams cannot always be filled and priority is given to teams and organizations that have refinery employees as active participants. We will provide team t-shirts with logos for teams it sponsors and those teams will be expected to use the team shirts provided.

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