Mattel is making a difference in the lives of children in all countries where we have operations and in many of the 150 countries in which Mattel sells its product. In 2006, the Mattel Children's Foundation launched its International Grants Program, representing the first time that the Foundation granted funds outside of the U.S. In 2006, charitable organizations serving children in 38 countries received grants of $25,000 or more each to make a difference in the lives of children globally. Here is the list of 42 international charitable organizations which received funds through the Mattel Children's Foundation International Grants Program in 2006:

The Americas
In 1996, Mattel Mabamex, the Mattel manufacturing facility in Tijuana, created a golf tournament to sponsor the California Children's Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. The hospital is the only one of its kind in the entire Baja region of Mexico.  In the past five years, this tournament has become one of the most successful golf tournaments in Mexico, raising more than $5 million. These efforts have taken the hospital from a small clinic to a large, modern facility offering comprehensive medical and therapeutic services.

In Monterrey, Mexico, local Mattel manufacturing plant, Montoi, worked with the local Mayor to open the first every computer learning center in the region.  Designed to primarily help children with learning disabilities, the center also partners with local elementary schools.

Europe / UK
Mattel UK has donated more than $150,000 to Oxford Children’s Hospital, a facility that is known for its groundbreaking research work in all areas of children’s care.  Mattel employees also give personally through local fundraisers and volunteer efforts, from painting patient rooms to cleaning the hallways.  Mattel France donated more than $100,000 to the local Red Cross to support community children’s programs throughout the country. 

Toy donations also make up a large part of the philanthropic work of Mattel in Europe.  Mattel distribution centers in Europe together shipped 10 truckloads of toys to orphaned children living in group settings in Turkey.  Working with the government, Mattel was able to place the toys directly with children most in need.

Asia Pacific
For four  years, Mattel has been a major sponsor of “Kids Day,” an initiative of the Australian Toy Association.  For one week in June, participating toy retailers donate five percent of their profits to selected children’s charities throughout Australia.

Launched in November of 2002, Mattel’s BASIC (Build a School in China) program builds and renovates schools in some of the poorest rural communities in China’s interior provinces, where children might otherwise not have access to educational opportunities.  As a first step, Mattel identified the need for seven schools that will serve more than 700 children.  Four schools have been completed and three are currently in the construction phase, with more locations expected to be added in the future.  But the assistance doesn’t stop once the structure has been built.  Mattel also helps fund books, furniture and fixtures as needed.

Mattel Malaysia supports the pediatric oncology ward of Penang General Hospital through its toy donation program and other inkind and financial support.  Employees worked tirelessly to transform the hospital playroom into a toy “fantasyland” full of toys and books for children of all ages. 

As a result of disconcerting data from employee health checkups and visits to surrounding villages, Mattel Indonesia began work on transforming the quality of local health and education. By implementing the nation's largest managed healthcare program, Mattel provides access to medical care for almost 14,000 employees and their dependents, as well as community members. Now available to these employees and others in need are vaccinations for endemic diseases such as hepatitis B, typhoid, and tuberculosis, life-saving treatment for those infected with these diseases and corrective surgery for children with birth defects.