In the 1990s, Elfun volunteerism soared to new heights. The mission of service became an engine for growth for the entire organization. More and more projects conducted by increasing numbers of Elfuns required funding, and it came from an affinity credit card program. Royalties from the credit card, used by thousands of members, funneled millions of dollars directly to Elfun chapters through "Sharing the Gold" grants used to buy supplies for Elfun members to build playgrounds and houses, clean parks and much more. Credit card royalties also helped enthusiastic Elfun chapters sponsor science fairs, career awareness days, computer education and a host of programs that brought Elfuns into local schools.

During these years, Elfun also created partnerships to grow volunteerism, diversified its membership, expanded beyond the United States and achieved recognition and honors for itself and reflected glory for GE.

• Diversity: Once a nearly all-male organization, Elfun in the 1980s began to reflect increasing diversity in its membership and leadership. Pat Kosecher in 1987 and Beverly Grimm in 1988 were the first women presidents of Elfun. They were followed in the 1990s by other women and minority presidents at the global level and in chapter leadership.

  In the early 1990s, membership criteria were changed to allow new Elfuns to join on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to volunteerism. In 2000, all restrictions were dropped, and membership was based on an employee's interest in fulfilling Elfun's mission of volunteerism.

• Partnerships: Perhaps, the greatest transforming event in Elfun's support for education was the College Bound partnership, started in 1989 with the GE Fund, the Company's philanthropic arm. Under this program, Elfun volunteers supported GE Fund College Bound grants to help double college-going rates from selected low-income and urban high schools in GE communities. By the turn of the century, 20 schools in 18 communities had participated in this $30 million program.

  Other GE Fund partnerships included an Early Years Reading Initiative designed to encourage reading skills among elementary school children, and Campus Compact, where Elfuns teamed up with volunteers from college campuses to complete service projects.

  A partnership with GE's Electric Insurance Company created Challenge Grants to provide Elfun chapters additional funding for selected outstanding projects. To broaden the reach and effectiveness of volunteer efforts, Elfuns have formed "sweat equity" partnerships with other chapters, schools, universities and other companies.

  Also, starting in 2000, Elfun teamed up with Elderhostel to offer service-learning trips that bring together Elfun members for unique travel and fellowship opportunities.

• Globalization: In 1992, Elfun opened its first chapter outside North America in Tokyo. It was followed the next year by new chapters in London and Singapore. Thus began a tidal wave of global expansion during the 1990s - with new chapters in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. By the end of the decade, 45 of Elfun's 117 chapters were outside the United States, and the Elfun banner waved in 22 countries.

  The global spread of Elfun demonstrated that volunteerism was not just an American phenomenon. Elfuns in new chapters around the world found new and different ways to help their communities. For instance, in Brazil, Elfuns created an "Elfun School" where children visit GE, and employees tutor them in English and the arts. Elfuns and local doctors in Indonesia provided medical screening. In Mexico, Elfuns have helped out at an orphanage that provides life-skill training for young boys. In the Netherlands, Elfuns "adopted" a foreign refugee center, providing needed equipment and camaraderie.