Guidelines and Details

Brocade is a publicly traded, U.S. headquartered company that delivers extraordinary networks to Global 1000 companies around the world. We conduct business in many countries through our own sales, marketing, engineering, and operations facilities as well as through a broad ecosystem of strategic partners and channels. Brocade strives to be a responsible corporate citizen in all areas, including developing eco-friendly products, utilizing green technology for our own campuses and supporting non-profit organizations in the communities where we work and live. Based on employee feedback and involvement, Brocade has a long-standing commitment and focus on those organizations that provide services with educational, environmental, and human service benefits. Within these areas, Brocade gives priority to math and science/technology programs for grade levels K-12, environmental conservation projects, disease awareness/prevention efforts, and local food banks/disaster relief.

Please be aware that Brocade does not accept unsolicited donation proposals. However, if you believe your organization is doing significant work in one or more of the areas mentioned above and is not the type of organizations listed below, you may send information about your organization and your request to the following:

Brocade Community Involvement
130 Holger Way, San Jose, CA 95134

Please note that there is no guarantee that Brocade will pursue a full proposal with your organization.

Brocade typically will not fund:

• Programs outside the site community (see a list of Brocade site communities)
• Endowment or capital-improvement campaigns
• Unrestricted gifts to national or international organizations
• Sectarian or denominational religious organizations, such as churches, missionary groups or funds, whose activities primarily benefit members or adherents, unless funds are being sought for purposes that will benefit the broader community
• Foundations that are strictly grant-making bodies (IRS 509(a))
• Private schools
• Organizations that practice discrimination
• Sporting events or teams
• Healthcare organizations
• Arts organizations
• Special occasion goodwill advertising, including program books and yearbooks
• Scholarship awards in the name of another organization
• Fund-raising events, raffles, or giveaways
• Funds for individuals
• Travel or tours
• School extra-curricular activities or clubs
• General operating expenses or debt-retirement for organizations

Generally, Brocade supports programs or projects that are based in, or directed toward, a city or region where we have operations.

All interested parties and/or applicants are subject to reviews of their representations in their requests or grant applications, their compliance with the applicable Brocade guidelines and policies, and, if applicable, their adherence to the terms of the grant contract. If such a review reveals material inaccuracies or violations of the applicable guidelines, policies or contracts, or if an organization does not cooperate with the review, the organization may be required to return any granted assets and forfeit future funding eligibility.

Application policies, guidelines and requirements are subject to change without notice, and become effective immediately upon posting to this web site. The interpretation and application of Brocade's guidelines and policies is wholly within the discretion of Brocade. Furthermore, all grants are made at the sole discretion of Brocade. Qualification under Brocade's guidelines and policies does not entitle an organization to receive a grant. We reserve the right to decline to make any grant requested.

Definition for charity status for the US
US organizations must have current 501(c)(3) status, as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, to be considered for a Brocade Grant. Note that it can take some time from when your organization receives your IRS notification of this status until your EIN appears and is updated in the online database. To be considered for a grant, your tax status must first be updated in the online database; copies of IRS letters are not sufficient for this requirement.

Brocade Employee Donation Policy and Guidelines
Brocade employees should visit Brocade internal web site for further details and guidelines for donation requests.