2.15.2006 ET

(CSRwire) Taking advantage of strong business performance, The Dow Chemical Company recently donated $100 million to The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, which distributes charitable gifts to causes that improve the quality of life in communities around the world where Dow operates.

"We are pleased to make this donation to help re-establish and strengthen the Foundation's funding reserves, which have been drawn down in recent years due to the challenging economic environment," says Bo Miller, president and executive director of The Dow Chemical Company Foundation.

"This reserve will enable the Foundation to maintain its level of giving in varying economic conditions, as well as provide flexibility to respond to unforeseen needs, such as the recent Tsunami, US Gulf Coast hurricanes and the South Asia earthquake," Miller said.

Established in 1979, the Foundation serves Dow‚s philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts, primarily in the areas of economic development, environmental stewardship, social support and science education to eligible non-profit organizations in the communities in which Dow operates. In 2005, Dow and The Dow Chemical Company Foundatio's giving totaled nearly $ 24MM for purposes ranging from hurricane and tsunami relief efforts to science education programs, the United Way and Habitat for Humanity building projects around the world.

"Charitable giving is just one of several ways in which Dow demonstrates good corporate citizenship," Miller said.

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

For more information please contact: