Corporate Philanthropy Update - April 2019

One of the most pressing questions we’re addressing at the Council on Foundations is: How does the Council become more responsive to the current ecosystem of philanthropy?

I’m sure you’ve grappled with similar questions as your work has evolved, you’ve pushed for greater business alignment and evaluated the success of your longstanding programs.

As corporate philanthropists, our influence in driving change is huge. While there are often differentiating factors and approaches taken to reach the change (or impact) we strive for, there’s a lot to learn from our peers.

Next week at the Leading Together Conference, we’ll raise key conversations around themes such as shared value, partnerships and how to best handle the inevitabilities of change. These conversations will kick off dialogue that the Council will continue throughout the year.

As we work towards strengthening the ecosystem of philanthropy at the Council, we want to ensure corporate philanthropy practitioners have the tools, conversations and connections to continue to build up the ecosystems of both their communities and business. Never hesitate to let us know if there’s a pressing topic, idea or solution you’d like to discuss with your peers. We are listening.

Lindsay Mason

Director, Corporate Philanthropy
Lindsay.Mason@cof.org
703-879-0735
 

WHERE'S LINDSAY?

Following the Council’s Leading Together Conference in Miami, April 29 – May 1st, I’ll be traveling to:

• Chicago for the Engaged for Good Conference member meetings,
  May 29 – 31st
• Los Angeles for the Social Innovation Summit Corporate Legal Matters Workshop, June 3 – 7th.

If you plan to attend any of the events above or will be in the area, let’s connect in person.

Leading Together 2019

It’s not too late to join us at Leading Together 19’!

We are gathering in Miami in less than a week for our upcoming Leading Together Conference, April 29 – May 1, 2019 and we have a lot of content lined up for our corporate philanthropy practitioners!

If you’re joining us, be sure to check out one of our Breakfast Roundtables: How a Phone Call – and Smart Data Tracking—Led to a $100 Million Gift, as we explore what led pharmaceutical company, AbbVie to make a $100 Million Donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities and the impact that has followed.

This is just one of many offerings this year. Learn more about Leading Together 2019 conference, speakers and registration.

LEGAL MATTERS WORKSHOP IN LOS ANGELES: THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

The Council on Foundations’ attorneys will be coming to Los Angeles on June 6th! Join us as we share the legalities of charitable giving and discuss topics such as governance, compliance, international grantmaking, mission-related investments and so much more. Registration is now open!

Special thanks to our co-hosts: Wells Fargo & Southern California Grantmakers.

Corporate philanthropy practitioners, board members, and corporate counsel are welcome.

Reimagine Council Membership

At the beginning of the year, the Council launched its process to Reimagine Council Membership with two major goals in mind: gather input from the field on ways the Council can best serve its members and design a new membership model reflective of their interests.  

For an update on key findings to date, check out our latest blog posts, Reimaging the Council: Focus Group Findings & Our Next Steps and What We’ve Learned So Far.

Member Highlights

Prudential Financial invests $180 million to educate, train and build financial stability for the next generation.

JPMorgan Chase recently announced winners of their Advancing Cities Challenge, an annual competition identifying innovative and sustainable solutions to address communities most persistent problems.

REPORTS

Blackbaud & Your Cause Release Report on Employee Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility Trends.

Accenture’s 2018 Corporate Citizenship Report Shares a Commitment to Societal Innovation by reducing barriers to employment, investing in skills for the future and addressing society’s most urgent challenges.

NEWS & TRENDS

With Unique Assets, Health Corporations are Poised to Have a Larger Philanthropic Impact shares how some corporate funders are building partnerships and combining grantmaking with market-based approaches to advance giving via Inside Philanthropy

New $20 Million Fund Aims to End Sexual Harassment Against Low-Income Women highlights CBS Corporation’s partnership with other private foundations to create a fund for women via Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Companies Give Employees a Bigger Say in Corporate Philanthropy highlights the opportunities business are seeing through matching gifts and volunteer programs via The Wall Street Journal