In addition to economic development grants, in 2009 the company and the American Electric Power Foundation provided more than $23.4 million in charitable giving. These social investments are most important during difficult economic times, particularly in communities hit hardest by the recession. We donated $11.8 million to hundreds of local and nonprofit organizations. The AEP Foundation contributed $11.6 million to 111 organizations.

Our main focus areas for giving are the environment, community, education, housing, hunger, and safety and health. We are living our business mission to bring comfort to our customers, support business and commerce and build strong communities by supporting organizations that help people live better lives, find decent, safe, affordable housing and enjoy their communities through the arts and other community projects. Our employees gave approximately $2.5 million to United Way in 2009. AEP contributed an additional $1.2 million, resulting in a total $3.7 million donation through the annual AEP United Way campaign. In Central Ohio, this campaign is conducted in partnership with our largest union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.