Starbucks Coffee Company announced today a five-year, $2.5 million commitment, through cash and in-kind donation, for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

This strategic alliance will enable Starbucks and the NAACP to support programs and activities reflecting both organizations’ on-going commitment to social and economic equality. In furtherance of this commitment, the NAACP and Starbucks will work together on an annual basis to designate those programs that will receive funding through Starbucks donations.

“The NAACP is proud to add Starbucks to its list of supporters,” says Bruce Gordon, president and chief executive officer, NAACP. “We applaud Starbucks leadership role in supporting programs to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.”

“At Starbucks, we embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business,” says Jim Donald, Starbucks president and chief executive officer. “We strive to promote an environment of respect and dignity for all, and positively contribute to communities in which we serve.

At Starbucks we actively look for ways to support diverse organizations through volunteering, product donations and sponsorships. We believe our best opportunity to engage in the community is through these efforts and we are pleased to become an active partner of the NAACP.”