Wells Fargo earns national honor for best-in-class volunteer program

United Way recognizes Wells Fargo with top national award for volunteer commitment

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night, United Way recognized Wells Fargo with a Summit award for exceptional volunteer engagement. Wells Fargo is United Way's top national campaign raising $56 million annually, plus 52,700 team members volunteered 1.5 million hours in 2011 – a 10.8% increase over last year.

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"Wells Fargo continues to set a very high bar when it comes to community investment and a company-wide commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families," said Brian Gallagher, United Way Worldwide president and CEO. "Wells Fargo is United Way's largest campaign in the U.S. Their generosity is matched by their willingness to become directly involved in community solutions. Last year, their employees volunteered more than one million hours to nonprofits in communities across the nation."

One of the most innovative aspects of Wells Fargo's extensive volunteer efforts is a unique Volunteer Leave Program that provides fully paid leave for up to four months for team members to work on a significant volunteer project impacting a nonprofit organization or school. In 2011, Wells Fargo awarded volunteer leave to more than 26 team members representing more than 32.5 months of paid leave. Wells Fargo also offers extensive volunteer awards including Volunteer Service, Volunteer of the Year, Cash for your Cause, Shared Success and other regional awards.

As part of its commitment to improving financial stability, the company encourages employees to volunteer using their special professional skills including presenting Get Smart About Credit campaign seminars, teaching financial literacy classes utilizing Wells Fargo Hands on Banking® curriculum, and providing free tax preparation to hardworking individuals and families. Results collected from Wells Fargo's Team Member Engagement Survey found increased loyalty, commitment and retention among employees who donated and volunteered.

The Spirit of America® and Summit Awards program, celebrating its 25th year, is United Way's highest national honor for corporations, recognizing United Way Global Corporate Leaders with the most comprehensive commitments to strengthening communities. Applicants are evaluated by corporate peers and local United Ways. Join the conversation on Twitter using hash tag #SpiritofAmerica or visit unitedway.org/SOA.

About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health.  United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.  LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.UnitedWay.org. 

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With more than 270,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America.  Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune's 2011 rankings of America's largest corporations. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy all our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially.  In 2011, the Company invested $213.5 million in grants in 19,000 nonprofits, and team members contributed more than 1.5 million volunteer hours around the country. For more information, please visit: www.wellsfargo.com/about/csr.

Media Contacts:
United Way
Amanda Ponzar
[email protected]
703-836-7112, x253

SOURCE United Way Worldwide