OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft has announced the first grant awards “Home Towns” corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. Throughout 2014 the company will be implementing a total of 59 initiatives proposed and developed by community groups in those regions in which the company is active.

Applications were invited for the award of grants throughout those regions that are home to some of the company's most significant enterprises: the Khanty Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenetsk Autonomous Regions, and the Omsk, Orenburg and Tomsk Oblasts. All applications were reviewed by independent experts against predetermined criteria, with selected projects then being assessed by Gazprom Neft local management together with local government officials, representatives from non-commercial organisations, and local media. A total 185 projects were submitted, of which one third will receive support. Winning proposals included projects in culture and education, in children's and public sports facilities, in protecting the traditions and culture of the indigenous peoples of Northern Russia, and for various neighbourhood enhancement initiatives.

Gazprom Neft Deputy Director for Corporate Communications

Alexander Dybal commented: “We are committed to constantly improving our work in corporate social responsibility. This year, for the first time, our Home Towns programme has included the awarding of grants for social initiatives that have demonstrated their effectiveness. Thanks to this new format - predicated on the direct participation of local residents - we have been able to support initiatives that can really improve the quality of life in those regions in which the company operates. This strategy - of encouraging a large number of smaller initiatives - will work seamlessly to supplement our own major CSR initiatives in those regions in which Gazprom Neft is active.”