SDG Corporate Link Newsletter: July 2009

Chronicle: "Annual Survey Predicts Decrease in Corporate Grantmaking for 2009"

Many of the largest U.S. companies plan to decrease their charitable donations in 2009, or at least keep them level with last year's, according to the latest Chronicle survey of corporate giving (subscribers have access to a searchable database). Click here for a transcript of a discussion of the survey findings, featuring representatives from Starbucks, Wal-Mart, and the Association of Corporate Contributions Professionals.

Advertising Age: "Pass the Fish--and Let's Talk"

Traditionally, corporate charitable efforts have been stereotyped as ribbon-cutting photo ops. While that has its benefits, what's really needed is deeper, long-term partnerships between brands and philanthropic efforts, says Eric Henderson of Living Cities.

OnPhilanthropy: "Opportunity in a Time of Transition: New Need-to-Knows for CSR Professionals"
OnPhilanthropy compiles the "need-to-know takeaways" from this year's CSR Performance Summit for corporate grantmaking professionals. In a grim business economy, companies are adopting creative strategies to make the most of dwindling philanthropic dollars and stressing the importance of weaving CSR into critical business functions.

Boston Globe: "A Core Value That Helps the Bottom Line"

In the past, businesses large and small would engage in philanthropy based upon a sense of responsibility to their community. Today, with greater competition for customers and for talent both nationally and internationally, Corporate Social Responsibility is proving to be a powerful tool not only for community engagement but for bottom-line success.

PND: "Clinton Foundation, CEOs Call on Private Sector to Develop Corporate Solutions to Global Challenges"
During a recent forum hosted by the Clinton Global Initiative, former President Bill Clinton and CEOs of major corporations called on the private sector to develop ways to integrate corporate social responsibility and sustainability programs into their core businesses in ways that enhance their bottom lines.

Seattle Times: "Companies Can Contribute Skills, If Not Cash, to Nonprofits in Recession"

In the world of corporate philanthropy, cash has long been king. However, at a time when charitable cash contributions are being squeezed, when 76 percent of corporate donors acknowledge they must adjust their giving strategies, and when there is renewed emphasis on volunteerism, this one-track "show me the money" approach is untenable.