As a responsible corporate citizen, Kuraray seeks opportunities to contribute to the success of our plant communities both financially and through the active volunteer participation of our employees.
Corporate Contribution Guidelines
Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) will consider charitable contributions to eligible nonprofit organizations and academic institutions with priority consideration given to organizations serving in or near U.S. communities where KAI has a major presence. Guidelines for the administration of our corporate contributions program can be found in our Corporate Donations Policy.
We believe that leveraging our financial contributions with the volunteer talents of our employees leads to stronger, more vibrant relationships in the surrounding communities, so we give preference to projects that include employee involvement.Through donations to charities and educational institutions that contribute to the well-being of communities and individuals, KAI assumes a global stance as a generous and engaged corporate citizen. Focus areas for funding are:
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) supports STEM education because early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math helps students connect classroom learning to real-world careers in manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability. By engaging K-12 students and local community colleges, we help strengthen the future talent pipeline while investing in the communities where our employees live and work.
Through hands-on learning, career awareness, and local partnerships, KAI aims to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and encourage the next generation to explore opportunities in technical and STEM-related fields.
Biodiversity
At KAI, “For people and the planet” is more than a statement. It reflects our responsibility to operate with care, support healthy communities, and contribute to the protection of the ecosystems around us. Our focus on biodiversity reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.
Japanese Cultural Initiatives
KAI funds a broad range of projects that promote greater cultural understanding between the people of both the United States and Japan.
KAI supports a wide range of charitable organizations that are tax-exempt in the United States, under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. KAI will not consider contributions for the following purposes:
- Individuals
- Private foundations
- Personal trusts
- Donor advised funds
- Capital campaigns
- Endowment funds
- Political organizations
- Religious organizations that do not serve the general public on a non-denominational basis
- Organizations that do not comply with KAI’s non-discrimination policy
- Organizations that do not comply with the USA Patriot Act
Note: Funding decisions are based on available resources and eligibility and at the sole discretion of the Company.
Our Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant programs enable employees to direct a portion of the company’s giving program through individual employee investment. This investment can be financial or through volunteering personal time. Documents for applying for a Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant are available to employees on the company intranet site.
Kuraray’s employees, through their generous spirit and willingness to be involved, are a natural extension into the surrounding communities. Through this avenue we are able to foster open communication and a mutual focus on shared goals. Our Matching Gift program is designed to honor that diversity by supporting the charitable organizations that matter most to them because when we empower individual giving, we strengthen our collective impact.
Recently, Kuraray has been involved in throughout our community in the following ways:
STEM
• 2026 primary sponsor for LPISD STEM Night
• Participated as judges for local Science Fairs, Robotics Competitions
• Hosted a booth at the Girls Exploring Math and Science booth for Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Engineers hosted a booth and participated in the Rockets to the Rescue activity at local STEM fair
Biodiversity
• Sponsor of the GBF Bike Around Bay event for >10 consecutive years
• Sponsored and helped clean up during Trash Bash® within the Houston area
• Hosted a rest stop during the Deer Park Bike Rally in the Houston area
• Fayetteville Works annual Earth Day Activity focused on green space rehabilitation at local elementary schools
Japanese Cultural Initiatives
• Multi-year sponsor of the Houston Japanese Festival
• Hosted exchange student for plant and lab tours.
Other Community Sponsorships
• Sponsor for LEPC Community Day focused on safety and support for local services
• Helped build a home with Habitat for Humanity
To request volunteers for your upcoming event please email CorporateCommunications.US@kuraray.com.
Community Activities by Year
Kuraray turns 100 this year. What started as a modest venture has grown into a global manufacturer that supplies materials found in everything from medical intravenous (IV) bags to car interiors. And through it all, the company has attracted dedicated professionals who stay for decades simply because they love what they do.
As General Manager of the Elastomers business unit, and an employee of Kuraray America, Inc. for nearly 23 years, I've had a front-row seat to much of that growth, and I've learned a great deal along the way.
