Our Programs
The cornerstone of Red Tab Foundation service is emergency aid -- a grant/loan program that provides short-term financial aid to Levi Strauss & Co. employees and retirees around the world. Tax free grants, that do not have to be repaid, average $1,000. They are awarded to help individuals and their families who have encountered unexpected hardships and, without assistance, may not be able to maintain basic necessities like food on the table or heating/lights in the home. In cases of natural disaster, loss of life, abusive situations, etc., the Foundation also helps employees and retirees recover from significant set-backs. Aid is almost always offered in the form of a check to pay service providers, e.g. gas & electric company, landlord, repair service, etc. Learn more about recent examples of RTF aid for both individuals and to address widespread natural disasters.
The grant program servicing former sewing machine operators, now retired, represents a significant portion of RTF's annual relief support. Retirees living on modest pensions and social security may turn to the foundation for help with a wide variety of retiree basic necessities including eyeglasses, hearing aids, critical home repairs, and dental work such as extractions and dentures. It is a source of great pride that the Foundation can positively impact the quality of life of thousands of U.S. retirees who sewed Levi's products over a lifetime-an average of 21 years.
In addition to its financial aid program, the Foundation strives to help employees and retirees in their best efforts to help themselves. This includes RTF-sponsored financial empowerment campaigns and workshops. The Foundation promotes asset building through the annual promotion of available tax credits; links to free, annual credit reports; and basic finances workshops (the Money School) delivered on company premises. In addition to offering courses for current employees, RTF has distinguished itself by conducting financial literacy courses and skills-building workshops for employees impacted by plant closures. Most recently, courses funded by the Foundation in Manila, Philippines, helped both impacted employees and their family members gain education and skills to support their transition to new jobs in new fields.
To support college education of LS&Co. employee dependents, the Foundation launched Red Tab Scholars in 2008. This need-based scholarship program that provides for up to four years of support for tuition, books and supplies has made an immediate impact on students in 16 different countries. Dependents of both employees and retirees are eligible to apply during the annual March/April application window. Dependents of employees must have a parent working at LS&Co. for a minimum of one year and employed at the time the application window closes. Eligibility for renewal of the scholarship is NOT dependent upon the parents' continued employment at LS&Co. This has been a very positive aspect of Red Tab Scholars whose awardees are most often children of sewing, finishing, or distribution plant employees.
“I am a single teen mom. Returning to school will help me make a better life for my son and me.” Scholar, USA