Employees

Shell people are the driving force behind our long-standing relationship with United Way, in which employees, retirees and their families give generously of their time, talents and money. Across Canada we matched the dollars raised by employees and retirees for a total contribution of $3.9 million in 2009 to United Way initiatives, including a donation of $2.75 million to the United Way of Calgary and Area.

The United Way Days of Caring™ are volunteer efforts undertaken by employee volunteers who give a helping hand to a variety of community agencies.

Since 1996, Shell has encouraged employee participation in the United Way Day of Caring™ program by providing paid time off to employees who volunteer. Shell employees volunteered more than 4,700 hours through Days of Caring™ in 2009.

The volunteer efforts of employees, retirees and retailers/agents are recognized and rewarded by the Shell Community Service Fund (CSF), which provides grants of up to $1,000 to support not-for-profit organizations where Shell people regularly volunteer. In 2010, Shell Canada donated $545,000 through the CSF to more than 420 not-for-profit organizations across Canada.

There are four steps in the application process:

Step 1: Review eligibility criteria

The following information will help you determine if your request meets the CSF guidelines.

• The applicant must be a Shell employee, retiree or retailer/agent who gives personal time to a not-for-profit organization or project on a regular, volunteer basis. Contractors, co-op students, employees of Shell retailers and spouses of Shell people are not eligible to apply for funds.
• The organization must be Canadian, not-for-profit that relies on volunteer support.
• A minimum of 48 hours of volunteer service is required each year.
• Funds must be used before the end of the year and may not be used for operating or administrative costs.
• Applicants may apply for funds to more than one organization per year, but only once per year per organization. 
• Applicants may also work together to create a joint application - see the Q & A tab on this page for more information.

What will the CSF support?

• Items or projects that provide a lasting benefit to the community
• Minor sports team equipment* and uniforms
• Brochures, equipment, renovations, web development, etc. if there is a proven lasting benefit
• Expenses to bring in professionals to present pertinent material
• Funding of capital projects (“brick and mortar”) if other requirements are met
• Upcoming projects only

*Equipment must remain with the team and cannot be a consumable item. Unacceptable items include ball caps, hockey tape, water bottles, hockey sticks and mouth guards.

What will the CSF not support?

• Religious and/or political causes
• Clothing and equipment that does not stay with the organization
• “Core” educational materials
• Teams exclusive to Shell people
• Travel
• Private clubs or professional organizations
• Operating or administration costs
• Sponsorship of an individual
• A previous project/purchase
• Projects where benefits occur outside Canada

Step 2: Review the application

We strongly recommend that you review the online application form before you begin filling it out, and begin collecting the necessary information in advance. Complete and accurate information is required, in order to evaluate the request.

Step 3: Gather information

Prior to starting an online application, you will need the following specific information:

• Organization contact name and e-mail address
• Supervisor/Territory Manager e-mail address (for Shell employees, retailers/agents only)
• Description of organization (background on the organization and the services it provides)
• Personal volunteer involvement
• Description of item(s) or project(s), usage and timing

Step 4: Start a new online application

The application form is easy to use and provides links to technical support. Applicants will need a business or personal e-mail address to apply online.

Access the online application form - opens in new window.

Joint applications:
If you are applying as a joint application, the team lead (first applicant) must complete an online application. Each subsequent application is required to complete an online application form and link it to the team leader’s application.

How to link the applications:
Under “organization Information” enter the organization name. (It will provide you with a list to choose from.) Select the organization name. Next question, “Are other Shell employees/retirees/retailers involved in this initiative?” Choose “Yes.” Next, a drop down menu will appear, click on it to find the appropriate project from the list. Once you select the project, all other details will populate. Fill in all blank areas remaining under volunteer committee.

Q: I coach my daughter's softball team. Can I apply for funding towards new uniforms?
A: Yes, funding for uniforms is acceptable as long as the uniforms stay with the team.

Q: My spouse is involved in our community soccer association. May I submit an application on his/her behalf?
A: No, the Shell person must be the volunteer.

Q: I volunteer with World Vision Canada. Am I eligible to receive funds from the Shell Community Service Fund?
A: No, although it is World Vision Canada, the benefits occur abroad. All funds must be used for projects whose benefits occur within Canada.

Q: What if I am participating in a one-day or weekend charity event?
A: If you are involved in organizing the event and have contributed more than 48 hours of volunteer service, you would be eligible for funding. This does not include participation in the event.

Q: The group I volunteer with doesn't have a charitable registration number. Can I still submit an application?
A: Yes, organizations are not required to have a charitable registration number. However, they must be not-for-profit.

Q: I'm a member of a hockey team. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Being a member of a club or team does not count towards your total volunteer hours. However, if you volunteer with the organization in the capacity of a board of director, coach, etc., then you are eligible to apply. However, you are not eligible if you only attend meetings without being on the board.

Q: Do I have to apply online via computer?
A: Yes, please apply online:

1. Visit www.shell.ca/csf

This will assist to streamline the application process and conserve paper. It will also ensure we receive all necessary information to evaluate requests.

Q. What if more than one Shell person volunteers for a given organization, and we all want to apply for funds?
A: Joint applications may be submitted if more than one Shell person volunteers with the same organization. Grants are a maximum of $1,000 per person, and all team members must fill out an online application. (See “Joint Applications” for further information.)

Q. When will I find out if I have been approved to receive funding for my organization?
A: Applications are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis. Applicants will be advised of the status of their application via email once approved.