United Way

The Greater Twin Cities United Way celebrated its Centennial Year with 3M’s Chairman, President and CEO, Inge Thulin, the 2015 campaign leader. 3Mers answered the call to step up and help those in need. During the 2015 campaign, 3Mers donated $6.1 million and 53,000 hours of their time—both records for the program. These results earned 3M the Greater Twin Cities United Way "Best in Show" award for the second year in a row – the first time back-to-back win ever accomplished by a company in the Twin Cities. In addition, 3M Austin won the Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy Award from the United Way for Greater Austin.

  • United Way event

    3M is thankful for our longstanding partnership with United Way organizations worldwide, and in particular the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

  • 3M 5k Race Crowd

    As part of the 2015 campaign, more than 800 3Mers and their families ran and walked to support the United Way at 3M's 5K Fun Racer.


3M supports the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Painting hand yellow
3M improves lives around the world.

Year in Review

  • 3M improves lives and builds sustainable communities through social investments and thoughtful engagement of 3Mers worldwide. Through both corporate giving and the 3M Foundation, we support initiatives that impact communities and provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

    2021 Year in Review (PDF, 504.9 KB)

    Where We Give (PDF, 347 KB)


STEM Equity Strategy

Learn about 3M’s Commitment to Education

At 3M, we know STEM changes the world. That’s why we’re committed to supporting young people interested in the field—especially those from historically underrepresented groups. The purpose of science is to solve problems people encounter in their everyday lives, and we need every perspective represented.

To advance equity in STEM and skilled trades across the globe, 3M invests in organizations and programs that improve academic outcomes and provide transformational opportunities for the next generation’s scientists and engineers.

Featured Educational Programs


  • 3M provides cash and product investments, along with the engagement of our people, to maximize our social impact. Our focus areas include supporting underrepresented and underserved individuals to advance in STEM and skilled trades and addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and the need for a circular economy. These challenges align to significant needs in our communities and allow 3M to leverage our core competencies for social good. 

    Learn more about Corporate Giving

    3M Corporate Grant Guidelines

    Matching Gifts

  • 3M Foundation enhances community vibrancy by improving standards of living, preparing youth for life-long success, increasing access to quality and diverse arts opportunities and contributing to global humanitarian relief efforts.

    Learn more about 3M Foundation

    3M Foundation Grant Guidelines

  • 3M encourages our employees and alumni to find a cause they feel passionate about and make a difference in our/their communities. Whether it’s using our flexible work schedules to participate in a hands-on opportunity, or dedicating two weeks to the 3M Impact skills-based service program – our goal is to empower all of our employees to use their time and talents to improve lives.

    Learn more about Volunteerism

    3M Impact - 3M's skills base service program