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Introduction
Corporate philanthropy is changing how businesses work today. Nowadays, caring about our planet and its people isn’t just the responsibility of non-profit organizations, volunteers or governments.
Now, more companies are stepping up, driven by a desire to make a difference, not just a profit. Companies are using their power and resources to help tackle big issues like global warming and social problems.
In this blog, we will look at 10 companies leading the way in corporate philanthropy. These companies have a business model focused on social change and share their success with both local and global communities.
It may be a bit difficult to believe but one of these companies has even implemented an open hiring policy. This means that whoever walks-in and wants to work with them, gets a job. Without any resume, background checks or any questions asked!
These companies have helped raise the bar for how corporate philanthropy should be practiced in the business world. I am very excited to share the stories of these companies with you, so let us get started!
1. BLQK Coffee: Brewing a Brighter Future through Corporate Philanthropy
Have you tried BLQK Coffee? This brand, founded by former NFL player Justin Watson, is a shining example of corporate philanthropy.
But BLQK Coffee is not just about great coffee, their mission is to support Black communities through education and opportunities. A whopping 25% of their earnings is reinvested into these communities each year.
In addition, they also support organizations focused on education and food justice. They are known to work with organizations that improve access to quality education, bridge opportunity gaps, and promote food justice.
So, this way, while enjoying a cup of BLQK Coffee, you also get to contribute to a much larger cause. Isn’t that brilliant?
2. TOMS: Corporate Philanthropy Changing Lives, One Pair at a Time
TOMS shoes go beyond fashion. Their ‘buy one, give one‘ policy kind of started a corporate philanthropy movement. It ensured that for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair of shoes was gifted to a child in need.
They also direct one-third of their profits to various grassroots organizations that are focused on social issues like mental health, access to opportunities, and ending gun violence. Some of the organizations supported by TOMS include Centrepoint, Homeboy Industries, Magic Bus, just to name a few.
So, by wearing TOMS, you are supporting a positive change in the society, and you may not even realize it!
3. Sackcloth & Ashes: More than Just Cozy Blankets
The name Sackcloth & Ashes comes from old Jewish symbols that mean ‘mourning and repentance.’ It shows the idea of using their blankets to feel sad about homelessness and to show repentance by helping shelters.
Every time you buy a blanket from Sackcloth & Ashes, they donate a similar one to a local homeless shelter. Now that’s what I call a great example of corporate philanthropy!
And these blankets are not just ordinary blankets, they also use recycled materials, making them eco-friendly. Sackcloth & Ashes campaign is to donate one million blankets to homeless shelters by 2024.
So, rest assured, when you use their blankets, you are also helping someone in need.
4. FIGS: Stylish Scrubs and Corporate Philanthropy Lifelines
FIGS combines style with corporate philanthropy in their brand of stylish scrubs.
It supplies essential medical gear to various healthcare professionals globally, focusing on underserved areas. They provide scrubs and other medical supplies to healthcare workers are well-equipped to perform their duties.
In fact, they also send medical gear to support healthcare practitioners worldwide, showing their dedication to corporate philanthropy.
So, when you choose FIGS, you’re choosing to make a world of difference.
5. Two Blind Brothers: More than Just Clothes, It’s a Vision
Have you heard of Two Blind Brothers? It was founded by two visually impaired siblings. It isn’t just your average clothing brand but also corporate philanthropy in action!
Every penny they make goes into research aimed at curing retinal eye disease. I really liked their website where they have this really awesome “shop blind” option. You buy mystery boxes without knowing what’s inside, giving you a tiny peek into the world of the visually impaired.
So, when you wear their clothes, you’re not just looking good, but are also helping find a solution for vision impairment.
6. STATE Bags: Fashion with a Mission to Educate and Empower
STATE bags don’t just make stylish bags, they are also a good example of what corporate philanthropy is all about.
Initially, for every bag purchased, a child in need received a bag filled with school supplies. Although, over the years their approach has evolved, but their mission remains the same. They work with charities like American Civil Liberties Union and support important causes like unfair incarceration and racial inequality.
So, when someone uses a STATE bag, they are not just carrying personal items, they also carry hope for a better world.
7. Mable: Brushing Up the World, One Toothbrush at a Time
Mable isn’t any ordinary toothbrush company; they are the pioneers of corporate philanthropy in personal care. They offer bamboo toothbrushes that are bio-degradable, helping Mother Earth breathe a little easier.
For every brush sold, a child in the U.S. receives one too. In addition, Mable visits schools to educate children about hygiene and environmental conservation.
So, brushing teeth with Mable, also helps contribute to a cleaner, brighter future.
8. Greystone Bakery: Eat Brownies, Change Lives
Next on our list is Greystone Bakery. This bakery, which is based in New York, is known for its open hiring policy of no background checks, resumes, or any questions asked. When people say, “Yes, I want to work,” they simply respond with a, “You are hired!”
Greystone also established the Greystone Center for Open Hiring in 2018. It offers training and support to other businesses. According to the Greyston Foundation, workers earn an average of 20% more than the minimum wage after receiving training through Greyston’s programs.
In addition, they also provide transitional housing and workforce development programs in their community.
9. Bombas: Corporate Philanthropy Socks that Speak Volumes
Bombas is not only the most successful company from Shark Tank, earning over $1 billion in total sales, it is also a leading example of corporate philanthropy in footwear.
For every purchase, Bombas donates specially designed socks and t-shirts to those in need. Think tough socks that last and don’t show the dirt. These durable and comfortable items have greatly improved the lives of millions.
In fact, Bombas has donated over 100 million items like socks and t-shirts to homeless people.
So, wearing Bombas means you are contributing to a larger cause, spreading warmth and care to those who need it most.
10. Leesa Mattress: Rest Easy with Corporate Philanthropy
It was heartbreaking for me to learn that in the U.S., one in seven children live in poverty. This often means that children have to sleep on couches, share overcrowded beds, or even sleep on the floor because mattresses are expensive.
Leesa Mattress is tackling this issue head-on through their corporate philanthropy efforts. They follow a buy-one-give-one model to provide beds to children in need. So, for every ten mattresses sold, Leesa donates one to a family in need. They call it their “One Good Bed Promise.”
In fact, Leesa has donated over 40,000 mattresses through their network of giving partners. Their impactful corporate philanthropy is helping more children sleep comfortably and securely.
Suggested Reading
If you want to learn more about corporate philanthropy and the positive impact socially responsible businesses can make, here are some recommended reads:
- "Corporate Social Responsibility: A Very Short Introduction" by Jeremy Moon
- "Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success" by Adam Grant
- "Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference" by William MacAskill
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have only touched the surface of corporate philanthropy. All over the world, businesses are blending their products with a strong sense of caring for our planet. These ten companies, with their remarkable products and heartfelt missions, show us the power of corporate philanthropy. Isn’t that inspiring?
So, I think we should support brands that turn their success into positive changes for everyone. Only with a collective effort, we can spread more kindness around the world.
Lastly, I’d love to hear from you. Are there any companies you believe set the standard for social responsibility that we didn’t mention? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Let me leave you with this powerful quote from Opera Winfrey, “To move forward, you have to give back.”
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