community relations 

At Charles River, we strive to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we work and live by supporting a wide range of charitable, educational, and environmental initiatives. Together we touch the lives of millions of people across the globe.

Charles River’s community-focused initiatives include:

• Employee Giving – Charles River employees give back to their communities by participating in blood drives and other local initiatives.
• Our Neighbors – Charles River has built trustworthy and sustainable relationships with neighbors and key individuals and groups in locations where Charles River facilities are located.
• Environment – Charles River supports local environmental projects in which employees work alongside community volunteers.
• Disaster Relief – When appropriate, Charles River provides disaster relief as part of our philanthropic outreach.
• Personal Safety – As part of our commitment to help ensure the safety and wellness of our employees, and to aid in keeping the communities in which we have facilities safe, Charles River is proud to support the Refuge, Education, Advocacy and CHange (REACH) anti-domestic violence organization in the Boston area, as well as similar organizations nationwide. REACH’s mission is to advance the safety, healing and empowerment of those who experience domestic or relationship violence, through direct services and education while promoting social justice for individuals and families of all backgrounds.

The CHARTER Program – Charles River Commitment to Humane Animal Research Through Excellence and Responsibility

The CHARTER Program funds organizations and projects that support the following objectives:

• To educate the public about biomedical research and humane care of laboratory animals;
• To advance the three R's of animal welfare: reduction, refinement, and replacement;
• To increase awareness about the importance of the humane care of laboratory animals; and
• To foster alliances between organizations with similar goals.

Current programs include: 

• Charles River Short Course Scholarships
• Kids 4 Research Website – (cosponsor with the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Foundation)  
• Contribution to the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing  
• Contribution to the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and its Foundation 
• Contribution to States United for Biomedical Research

The CHARTER Program's budget cycle is November 1 – October 31. The budgeting process for the next fiscal year begins in August. A funding request should include the main activities that the funding will support and should discuss how those activities support the objectives of the CHARTER Program. A request can be submitted at any time by writing to:

The CHARTER PROGRAM
251 Ballardvale Street
Wilmington, MA 01887