Tech Citizenship

From a couple of employees at its founding to more than 1,500 employees today, The MathWorks Inc. has managed to stick to its commitment with philanthropy.

In business since 1984, the software company in 1991 went through a process to determine what sort of business it wanted to be.

“We decided those (charitable activities) were things that would make us healthy and strong and happy,” said Elizabeth Callanan, corporate relations manager for the Natick-based company.

Since then the company has grown, but maintains its focus. “We started very small. Now we do the activities, but on a larger scale,” said Callanan.

Those activities are usually related to engineering and technology, like the mentoring program developed at Potter Road School in Framingham or the student competitions to solve engineering problems that the company sponsors.

“We choose projects that promote excellence in advancing educational opportunities,” said Callanan. “It is exciting to make those decisions.”

The company also supports its employees’ interests and backs them in their initiatives both as individuals (giving them money when they, for example, run a race) and also in teams. The MathWorks allows its employees to take one paid day a year to volunteer, and last year employees devoted more than 5,000 hours to charitable work.

The MathWorks is also involved with a unique growing opportunity in its neighborhood — a community farm.

Employees are encouraged pitch in at the Natick Community Organic Farm and grow their own products. “It is actually pretty hard work, but it’s fun,” said Callanan.

The company also works to be involved as much as it can in the local community.

“We look at how can we benefit our communities. We believe we have a role to play,” said Callanan.

For instance, The MathWorks encourages its employees to share their particular experience with students.

“We invite MathWorks staff to speak about their own educational background and career choices to give others, particularly teachers, a chance to see how they can encourage students to use their skills in math and science,” said Callanan.

Employees also help prepare dinners at the Pine Street Inn, participate in City Year, take nature walks at the local Audubon sanctuary and participate in recreational trips with local student groups.

In 2005, The MathWorks contributed $1 million in cash and $8 million worth of in-kind contributions of equipment and services.

Some of the beneficiaries include CARE International, Challenge X University Teams, the Museum of Science Boston and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Citizenship Facts

The MathWorks Inc.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2005: $1M

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2005: 5,000

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: $8M

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2005: CARE International; Challenge X University Teams; Museum of Science, Boston; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Interesting philanthropic activities: Math mentoring at Potter Road School in Framingham; backing student competitions to solve engineering problems.

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