In an era where corporate social responsibility takes center stage, we’ve gathered insights from a Partner and a Founder and CEO on how companies are reshaping their philanthropic efforts. From adopting local and personal philanthropy to focusing on employee well-being initiatives, explore the diverse strategies of three firms in redirecting their support and the perspectives on these changes.

• Adopting Local and Personal Philanthropy
• Patagonia’s Strategic Environmental Shift
• Focusing on Employee Well-being Initiatives

 

Adopting Local and Personal Philanthropy

Well-known charities receive a lot of donations and volunteers, and that can make contributors feel like they are barely moving the needle. But smaller groups are often desperate for help. Finding a charity in your area, ideally with existing ties to your workforce, ensures that your efforts count. You’ll be able to see the results of your contributions, and that can be hugely motivating for your workforce. It’s also great for PR, and can help foster a sense of community in a big city.

Travis Hann, Partner, Pender & Howe

 

Patagonia’s Strategic Environmental Shift

Patagonia is known for its environmental activism. They recently shifted their philanthropic focus from donating to various environmental groups to a more direct approach. They now invest heavily in grassroots movements working on specific conservation efforts. In my view, this is a strategic shift.

By supporting on-the-ground initiatives, Patagonia can ensure their resources directly impact the specific environmental issues they care about. It also allows them to partner with those deeply entrenched in the fight and maximize the impact of their donations.

Perry Zheng, Founder and CEO, Pallas

Focusing on Employee Well-being Initiatives

I know of many e-commerce firms redirecting their philanthropic support towards more immediate needs, such as providing financial assistance to employees and supporting small businesses. 

By providing equal opportunities for all its employees to excel, the organization strongly believes that helping the workforce during challenging times is crucial. Focusing on initiatives like bonuses and compensatory time off directly impacts the well-being of employees, contributing to the stability of the organization’s efforts put in on a massive scale. 

One of their core beliefs is that success can be achieved only by aligning philanthropic endeavors with the organization’s core values, which essentially make a difference in the lives of those who work for us and those we serve.

Dhari Alabdulhadi, CTO and Founder, Ubuy New Zealand