Focusing on “Creating Green and Harmonious Communities Together”, the 2007 CEGC presented cash grants totaling RMB1.05 million (US$140,000 ) to 20 projects in three categories: Natural Environment Protection, Environmental Education and Community Small Grants.

With distinguishing features, these projects represent new trends of environment protection and education work in China, with more concentration on scientific methodology and innovation, systematic process and focus on the balance between environment protection and community development.

Total of a record 335 entries from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and special municipalities across China, were received. After an extensive evaluation that included on-site inspections and face-to-face interviews, 26 finalists (including 6 honorable mentions) gathered in Beijing to receive their grants and citations. Among them, there are projects from all corners of China, from Xinjiang to Shandong, from Inner Mongolia to Guangxi. Recipients of the grants include medical doctors, farmers, school teachers, students and community workers.

“Since our entering to the China market, Ford Motor China has been dedicating to becoming a responsible corporate citizen here;” said Mei-Wei Cheng, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor (China) Ltd. “After eight successful years, Ford Motor’s CEGC has become a vital part of our continuous commitment to the community.”

Community-oriented approaches to environmental protection and education is the theme of this year’s CEGC. Fostering active participation and environmental awareness in local communities is the main goal for the CEGC’s Community Small Grants. Finalists for these community grants are chosen from a record 116 applications, each aiming at mobilizing and leveraging community involvement for environmental protection.
Trainings aimed at enhancing the capabilities and sustainable development of grassroots NGOs have been core activities of the CEGC for this and last year. These six waves of NGO trainings conducted across key locations of the country serve as an excellent platform for exchanging practical experiences and knowledge between grassroots NGOs, environmental experts, global NGOs, and business professionals. Over 150 grassroots NGOs have taken part in the CEGC trainings for NGO, of which 106 have applied for grants. 10 of these NGO are selected as CEGC grant winners.

“Today, I see many excellent grassroots NGOs and environmental programs that have benefited from the CEGC’s regional training program,” said Professor Qu Geping, special advisor to CEGC who is also known as the ‘Father of Environmental Protection in China’, in his greeting letter to the CEGC award ceremony, “Ford Motor has been pragmatic and proactive in addressing the practical needs of China’s NGO, shouldering its social responsibilities and displaying outstanding corporate citizenship.”

Since Ford Motor China began this environmental program in 2000, the CEGC has awarded cash grants totaling RMB8.1 million. Over the past years, 113 organizations and individuals have received grants for projects that improve local environments, protect natural heritage, and conserve natural resources in China. Today, another 26 projects were honored for their contributions to environmental protection in China (See 2007 CEGC Winner List).

Recognized by the Chinese government and local experts, the CEGC has become the most influential business-operated environmental program in China. Now with more eight years of experience, the CEGC and Ford Motor China look forward to deepening the commitment to support the continuous improvement of China's natural environment. -Ford