NEW YORK,NY. - September 30, 2008 - American Express revealed today the top five projects selected as finalists for Members Project (www.membersproject.com). Over the past few weeks, Cardmembers have come together through this online initiative to submit, discuss and vote for projects to make a positive impact in the world that American Express will fund with a total of $2.5 million. Starting today through October 13, Cardmembers will have one last chance to vote for their favorite project and determine how the $2.5 million is put into action. The organization associated with the project with the most votes by Cardmembers will receive $1.5 million. Organizations associated with the second place and third place projects will receive $500,000 and $300,000 in funding, respectively, and the remaining two finalist projects will receive $100,000 from American Express based on Cardmember votes.

Cardmembers can vote to show their support for their favorite project at www.membersproject.com by clicking on the star next to the project of their choice. Cardmembers may vote once during each voting phase and even those without an American Express(R) Card can use the many social networking tools and online discussion boards to raise awareness and spur dialogue about their favorite project.

TOP FIVE PROJECT SUBMISSIONS*
The top five selected projects relate to both national and global communities. It's now up to Cardmembers to decide the top project which will be announced on October 14. Below are descriptions of each project as provided by the submitting Cardmembers.

• "Alzheimer's Disease: Early Detection Matters: The earlier people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the sooner they can get the help they need. Too few people know the ten early warning signs. Create and implement an education program to show the importance of seeking an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's, a progressive and fatal disease."
  
• "Feeding 1 Million Children Daily: There are amazing school lunch programs in India that are feeding several million children daily -- providing them with their only full meal of the day and creating strong incentives to attend and stay in school, particularly for young girls. Through the innovative use of technology and supply chain management, these programs can feed children for less than $30 a year."
  
• "Help 100,000 children thrive in the classroom!: In urban and rural communities around the country, family income often determines a child's educational opportunities. This project can provide 100,000 children in low-income communities with books, art supplies, technology and other materials for a rigorous education."
  
• "Loans That Change Lives: This project is an internet-based platform that allows everyday people to become 'social investors.' With $25, a credit card and an internet connection, anybody can invest in the life of a deserving entrepreneur. Lenders can sort pre-screened businesses by region, culture, or business category, and see a photo and profile of the person they are supporting."
  
• "Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children: Giving starving children food is not enough; the food needs to contain the vitamins, micronutrients and calories a developing child needs to survive. New ready-to-use food (RUF) is individually packaged, is stable in hot climates, does not need to be mixed with water (no risk of contamination) and even tastes good. With this treatment there is simply no reason for children to die of starvation anymore."

EXPERTS ON MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
To vet project submissions and help narrow the field to the top 25 projects, American Express established the Members Project Advisory Panel, a roster of thought leaders and experts in arts, community, education, the environment and health.

The Members Project 2008 Advisory Panel includes:

• Geoffrey Canada "“ President & Chief Executive Officer for Harlem Children's Zone
  
• Mike Feinberg "“ Superintendent & Co-Founder of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Foundation
  
• Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE "“ Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace
  
• Dr. Sanjay Gupta "“ Neurosurgeon & CNN Chief Medical Correspondent
  
• Judith Jamison "“ Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
  
• Craig Kielburger "“ Founder & Chair, Free The Children
  
• Vanessa Kirsch "“ President & Founder of New Profit Inc.
  
• Dr. Michael L. Lomax "“ President & CEO, UNCF-United Negro College Fund
  
• Dr. Wangari Maathai "“ 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate & Founder - Greenbelt Movement
  
• Gail Sheehy "“ Author & Journalist
  
• Edward Skloot "“ Director, Center for Strategic Philanthropy & Civil Society, Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University
  
• Jeanette Takamura, M.S.W., Ph.D. "“ Dean & Professor of Social Work, Columbia University

In 2007, American Express provided $2 million in funding to UNICEF to bring the project "Children’s Safe Drinking Water" to life, helping to significantly reduce waterborne diseases by promoting household water treatment, safe storage and a healthy environment. This project continues and through funding from Members Project, UNICEF is able to provide safe water to more than 3.5 million people in several countries for at least two years.

For more information or to discuss and vote on projects, visit www.MembersProject.com.

About American Express and Good Citizenship
Giving back is a core value and being a "good citizen" is a hallmark of American Express. Often credited as the first company to launch a cause-related marketing campaign via a program benefiting the Statue of Liberty in 1983, American Express has continued to roll out successful initiatives around the world that enhance communities and bring support to important causes.

More and more people are seeking ways to give back, align with important social issues and do business with companies that are making a positive impact. Members Project is a key way to bring to life the value of Membership for American Express Cardmembers, empowering them to unite to make a positive impact in a meaningful way.

American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

* Cardmembers selected project categories and project descriptions are in their own words, but some may have been modified for the purposes of this announcement.

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American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

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