Chevron Increases 2009 Donation to $35,000 for the El Segundo Education Foundation

El Segundo, Calif. – Chevron Products Company, a dedicated supporter of the El Segundo Educational Foundation (ESEF) and the El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD), today more than tripled its annual donation to the Foundation with a gift of $35,000.

"Chevron is one of our community´s most generous donors, particularly in support of education," said Jayne Pimlott, ESEF Chief Financial Officer. "While California schools are struggling with budget cuts compounded by scaled back donations in these tough economic times, Chevron´s increased donation will help the Foundation successfully meet our goal of providing $450,000 to the El Segundo Unified School District this year."

In the current economic climate, philanthropy consultants say donors are revisiting their giving parameters. Those who normally might give to new charities are staying with groups they know. Some are reducing gift amounts or giving nothing at all. According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, giving dips an average of 2.7 percent in years with eight months or more of recession. Giving to education and the arts are typically hit hardest. "As Chevron is demonstrating, tough times call for smarter giving," said Pimlott. "We hope other businesses will see the importance of education, take a more long-term view of their philanthropic commitment and renew their giving."

Chevron Donates $35,000 to ESEF 2-2-2-2

ESEF has a 25-year legacy of partnering with local businesses and corporations in support of El Segundo schools. The 2008-2009 Fostering Excellence in Education campaign will provide $450,000 to fund much needed programs including technology, writing, music, physical education and robotics.

"The state does not provide funding for these critical programs and we would not be able to offer them without the Foundation and corporations like Chevron," said ESUSD Superintendent Geoff Yantz. "Chevron´s commitment to step up their giving this year enables us to offer programs that teach essential life skills needed to prepare students for college, the workforce and future leadership roles."

"Now more than ever, it is extremely important we help the schools meet their educational goals in what is clearly a very challenging fiscal environment," said Rod Spackman, Chevron El Segundo Refinery Manager of Public and Government Affairs. "Classroom education is our key priority and we regularly support various initiatives in the communities where we do business. In the South Bay, Chevron will directly donate over $200,000 this year to K-12 education programs, with an emphasis on math and science curriculum."

Established in 1983, the El Segundo Educational Foundation www.ElSegundoEdFoundation.org has granted more than $2.75 million since 2001 to the El Segundo Unified School District. The Foundation represents a partnership of businesses, individuals and families organized to Foster Excellence in Education. The El Segundo Educational Foundation (Tax ID# 95-3885992) is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c(3) public charity. Gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company's success is driven by the ingenuity and commitment of approximately 62,000 employees who operate across the energy spectrum. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and other energy products; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels and other renewables. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.