The Hitachi Foundation

The Hitachi Foundation is an independent nonprofit philanthropic organization established by Hitachi, Ltd. in 1985. Our mission is to forge an authentic integration of business actions and societal well-being in North America. Our strategic focus through 2013 is on discovering and expanding business practices that create tangible, enduring economic opportunities for low-wealth Americans, their families, and the communities in which they reside—while also enhancing business value.

At its core, the Foundation is on a path toward discovery, committed to investments that enhance what we can learn about socially sustainable business practice and corporate citizenship.

An independent Board of Directors composed of distinguished Americans governs the Foundation.

The vision for The Hitachi Foundation and the path taken by its founders were unconventional. Created by a Japanese corporation, governed by an independent board, and staffed by Americans, this Foundation was to be at once independent of and integral to Hitachi. Its independence has allowed the Foundation to be innovative and even risk-taking in its philanthropic efforts, determined to learn about the societal impact and limits of corporate citizenship and corporate social responsibility. The autonomy was also a statement about Hitachi's integrity and sincere desire to contribute to society in the U.S. Hitachi wanted a structure that would be shielded from the temptation of some corporations to use their foundations for purely public relations purposes, a foundation that is grounded in the company's views of business ethics, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility.

Though autonomous, the Foundation's relationship with Hitachi, Ltd., and the Hitachi group of companies in North America is critically important. By becoming ever more adept at addressing complex societal challenges, the Foundation helps Hitachi in its efforts to be a good corporate citizen in North America. Indeed, the Foundation is integral to the company's corporate citizenship goals