Chris Corrigan presented an idea that simply has me humming!
What is missing is companies (and their people) figuring out how to actually use the power of corporations to become givers. Corporate philanthropy is a step in this direction, but can it be taken down to the individual level? What if a corporation took a portion of its philanthropic budget and gave it to individuals within the company to pursue their personal giving plans in their communities, encouraging individual staff members to bond through sharing their gifts of time and money? Can we enable that for our staff? For our citizens? There must be some companies that do this. Are there countries that support their citizens’ engagement with their gifts?
does anyone know of such a system in place? it seems like a phenomenal idea. even inviting staff to write up a brief proposal for their personal giving plan could inspire the gift of movement (getting excited about giving, filling themselves with the belief that they have the ABILITY to give, turning attention away from daily stresses and worries and towards better-ment and sharing with others, etc.). it could inspire cohesion as well, “what organization are you proposing a gift to?” “wow, i didn’t know you were interested in that, tell me more…” and the process could potentially motivate the individual to give, regardless of being selected by the company.
i’d love to hear any thoughts about this and perhaps suggestions of companies that would be interested in such an idea.
this format could easily be implemented by parents, teachers, clubs, etc. i love the idea of spending time with children deciding where we will donate our money and as they get old enough, giving them the freedom to decide where the money goes. i assume that when the children are younger, the parents would help monitor the final decision. what a transformational moment it could be, however, when the declaration is made that the money goes to whomever the child chooses, without the adult having the final word. what an expression of trust…
comments:
There is such a program currently in place. Many companies have a policy in place that will match all or part of any employee’s charitable contributions. It is currently less than previous years but still very much alive. Unfortunately it often stops with a statement in policy manuals. The idea of giving being joint is a good one. Companies rarely give away dollars that do not create profits. They do, however, respond to opinions backed by actions of large groups of its employees.
Paul | 07.29.04 – 6:00 pm | #
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It’s wonderful to see these days, how more and more companies realize this – that they have lots to give.
The best example I know is Patagonia and 1% for the planet. From their website:
Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. We’ve awarded over 18 million dollars… 1% for the Planet® is an alliance of businesses that understand the necessity of protecting the natural environment.
The really cool thing is that Patagonia employees decide who the money goes to.
More info at http://www.patagonia.com/enviro/one_percent.shtml
Alexander Kjerulf | Homepage | 07.30.04 – 4:30 am | #
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hi paul,
“Unfortunately it often stops with a statement in policy manuals. ”
is there anything else, besides making giving a joint venture, that could be done differently so that it wouldn’t stop at the policy manual?
your words speak perfectly towards open space. it’s a great way to get employees together to share their opinions and take steps towards actions.
and alexander, thanks for the info about Patagonia. it IS wonderful to see realizations that one (company/individual) has lots to give!
ashley | Email | Homepage | 08.03.04 – 1:43 am | #