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Uniquely Challenging
A CEO's comments highlight the complexities of corporate giving
In the last issue of Corporate Link, we shared with you a story that included a quote by Nestle SA Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe saying that he is "personally very much against corporate philanthropy."
Image: jscreationz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Brabeck was specifically talking about the use of shareholder money for corporate giving programs. Perhaps because of this personal belief, Brabeck went on to describe how Nestle's strategy of corporate and social responsibility focuses on areas that are key to its own business strategy, thereby helping boost shareholder value as well as helping society.
Brabeck's comments raised interesting points about the role and accountability of corporate social responsibility. Is it self-serving to align a company's charitable efforts with its business pursuits or is it an obligation to shareholders?
What do other professionals think?
SDG has come across two additional opinion pieces sparked by Brabeck's interview that are of interest to corporate giving professionals:
The first is a blog that addresses how a company's communications about this approach to corporate giving will have to change, which may mean changing the perceived purpose of such programs.
The second article calls this transition from traditional corporate giving "strategic social investing," and discusses how nonprofits need to adapt their relationships with corporate donors accordingly. |
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SDG Events for Corporate Members
Mark your calendars!
SDG Summer Social
July 29, 2010, 5:30-7:30PM
You're invited to an informal networking event at the San Diego Museum of Art! SDG members will socialize with one another while viewing the museum's exhibit of more than 100 works by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, one of the greatest artists of the late nineteenth century. Beverages and light hors d'ouevres will be served. RSVP to bea@sdgrantmakers.org or call (858) 875-3333. Watch for an invitation with more details from SDG!
SAVE THE DATE: Distinguished Philanthropists Luncheon
Sept. 10, 2010, 12PM-2PM
University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences Executive Classroom
Philanthropy is made up of the stories of individuals. The Distinguished Philanthropists panel has been designed to gather notable San Diego philanthropists together to share their stories of philanthropy, so that the San Diego grantmaking community can learn about and build upon their experiences in an intimate setting that will also include discussion about lessons learned. Additional details coming soon.
October 14, 2010, 8AM-3PM
Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Local grantmakers of all sizes, types, and giving areas convene at this event each year to explore new ideas and discuss best practices. This valuable event only happens once a year, so register today to ensure your spot! Follow the link above for additional details.
Reminder! Corporate Giving Survey
Last week we sent you an email asking you to take a survey that will help us improve our programming and communication services to you. If you haven't done so already, please click here to complete this survey. Thank you!
Click here for a full list of upcoming SDG programs and events. |
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Other Events of Interest
Webinar series: Grantmakers Forum of New York -
Aug. 31, 2010, 12PM-1PM PDT
Nov. 17, 2010, 12PM-1PM PDT
Oct. 20-22, 2010 (Phoenix, AZ)
Oct. 20-22, 2010 (Phoenix, AZ)
Awards opportunity!
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SDG Corporate Members...
In the News
■ JPMorgan Chase announces the charities that will each receive a portion of the $5 million being awarded through its "Chase Community Giving" campaign on the social networking site Facebook. It is the second time the two companies have partnered to allow Facebook members to vote for the winning charities. This announcement follows a month after Chase announced a $325 million funding intiative for high-performing charter schools.
■ The Hitachi Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary with a series of videos that symbolize and personify Hitachi company's history of corporate philanthropic service. Click here to view the most recent video about the Life Pieces to Masterpieces program. |
Worth the Read
Conversations on Corporate Giving
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Resources for Corporate Giving Programs
■ How Businesses Can Create Social Change. Replay The Chronicle of Philanthropy's online discussion from June 23 featuring corporate philanthropist Harry R. Halloran Jr., an oil executive, and philanthropist and co-founder of Bolder Giving Anne Ellinger.
■ Cone research & insight papers. This consulting firm specializes in cause branding, corporate responsibility, brand marketing, and crisis prevention and management. Several of its market research papers are available for free download. |
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Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net | We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for being a member of San Diego Grantmakers. We are always trying to improve our services to members, and we welcome your feedback. Please send your thoughts, comments and suggestions to nancy@sdgrantmakers.org. |
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Featured Member Benefit:
Have a question you'd like to ask your corporate giving peers? Getting answers is as easy as clicking on the link above! SDG listservs are based on membership type and funding interests, and are another example of how SDG connects grantmakers in order to stimulate effective local philanthropy. Members may log in to our website to access additional listservs.
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