Philanthropy in Five

Most companies who engage in for-profit philanthropy add that element in later as a reaction to consumer demand or to remain viable in a a market that’s shifting toward corporate consciousness and social responsibility. Few are created with the sole intent of giving back. And fewer still forge a personal connection with consumers and causes, [...]

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Many of the questions that come up in any philanthropically-motivated campaign center around what percentage of sales actually go toward the selected charity, and if that amount is significant enough to make an impact on the cause. Usually, it’s only a few cents per transaction on small ticket retail goods. While every penny helps, in [...]

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What motivates someone to champion a cause or support a charity? Usually it’s a direct experience, a personal connection, or a powerful story about a friend, or friend of a friend, that touches your life and creates an emotional tie to the cause. It’s those stories that generate awareness and spark a desire to make [...]

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In a time where greenwashing and causewashing are being increasingly used as PR tools to give the perception of social responsibility, it’s often difficult for consumers to distinguish whose practices are authentic. And clearly identify which companies are actually serving the greater good versus their own self interests. 10% Solution™ was built on the premise [...]

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The concept of for-profit philanthropy does not center solely around revenue-generating entities. Part of the schema is a transformational approach to business whereby funds are re-allocated toward the greater good. This includes non-profit companies whose services are geared specifically toward social innovations that are helping to alleviate some of the biggest issues facing our world. [...]

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A majority of this series to date has focused on the philanthropic missions of for-profit organizations in an attempt to showcase conscious capitalists committed to giving back, and shine a light on a growing trend that is fast becoming the standard model for doing business. But I think it’s equally important to highlight the nonprofit [...]

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In order for a for-profit organization to effectively engage in philanthropic activities, it must extend beyond charitable giving programs and tossing donations at the flavor-of-the-month cause. It must be rooted in an authentic commitment to using revenue as a vehicle for driving sustainable change. But even beyond that, enterprise needs to continually innovate to create [...]

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The term Corporate Social Responsibility is broad, and often means different things to different organizations. Some have a formalized CSR strategy in place that extends from internal business practices through to their external communications and environmental impact. Others simply have a core mission of consciousness that is embodied in all of their activities. And still [...]

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As the tides continue to turn toward corporate social responsibility, we are seeing what I affectionately term “conscious capitalists” popping up, using their high profile influence, social capital — and revenue — to drive change on a grand scale. Black Card Circle, an elite social network of prominent business professionals comprised of what Founder, Lotay [...]

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One of the biggest challenges for many nonprofits is exposure and generating mass awareness of their cause. But the Internet has begun to change the way in which charitable organizations promote their efforts and can serve as an important vehicle for spreading their message worldwide. By allowing them an opportunity to interact directly with consumers [...]

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For some, giving back is a personal experience, finding small ways to positively impact the world in their daily lives. For others, it’s part of their business mission, using profits to contribute to charitable organizations and causes. And for one unique individual, Maggie Keenan, Ed.D., it’s her profession and life’s work to provide philanthropic strategies [...]

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Imagine if every purchase you made could help a hungry child eat or save a tree or bring clean drinking water to Africa. Now imagine if every purchase your customers made contributed to all of those causes, and reached a world — and a planet — in need on an daily hourly basis. With Buy1GIVE1, [...]

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Sometimes those creating change and advancing awareness aren’t on the front lines, silently strategizing behind the scenes to bring important social issues to the surface. One such example is Drake & Company, an association management firm focused on helping non-profits and foundations gain market attention and achieve their objectives. They do this through linking non-profits [...]

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Can you imagine not making any profit at all one day per week, every week? That’s what Shawn Kelly, owner and curator of Wall Blank, an art brokerage house based out of Rockford, Illinois, does on what he has dubbed “No Profit Fridays.” What began as a singular promotion in support of a local cause [...]

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As doing business becomes more socially conscious, a new breed of entrepreneur is emerging. One who is committed to giving back, and who has built philanthropy directly into the business model — even before the first cent has been made. DoggyNetwork.com, co-founded by Ricky Paredes, is launching with their earnings already earmarked for causes dedicated [...]

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Darryl Siry is a clean tech advisor, change strategist, and conscious entrepreneur who is passionate about the environment and committed to social good. Currently a senior analyst for Peppercom, a strategic communications firm, he has successfully developed and implemented philanthropic programs that continue to thrive today. He was recently CMO for Tesla Motors, the electric [...]

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Freelock Computing, an open source consulting firm, was built on the same premise as open source itself. Tapping into the open source community to find the ideal solutions for clients, Freelock is in the business of sharing. They share their skills, their knowledge, their network — and even their salaries — with a pay it [...]

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Spheric Technologies is a web consulting firm specializing in WIC and Ruby on Rails, but what sets them apart is not their technical expertise and all around geekery, it’s their overarching commitment to the three C’s – Customer, Culture, and Consciousness. It’s fueled by a unique understanding of what their clients, employees — and even [...]

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IAC Professionals, an outsourcing company specializing in Accounting, Virtual Assistant and Transcription services, is committed to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses increase their bottom line. By taking over the managerial duties and operations, it allows businesses to focus on achieving goals and advancing their company vision. But it doesn’t end there. Heather Villa, Founder, believes [...]

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Founded by Clayton Christopher, Sweet Leaf Tea is a perfect example of a company rooted in giving back – not just through charitable efforts, but by creating a communi-tea (as they craftily term it) of customers who share the same values, and a culture that rewards and recognizes its employees for their contributions. With a [...]

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