Giving Back: Beyond the Basics
Program Recap

Monday, June 7, 2004

Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Bingham McCutchen LLP

Executive Summary

The participants at this meeting expressed a strong commitment to giving back to the community regardless of the economic climate. Even if companies are unable to maintain a high level of financial contributions during difficult times, there are other ways to donate. Giving to charities provides substantial business benefits.

Overall Themes

During tough economic times, companies can offer in-kind donations or donate their time to continue a strong level of support to charitable organizations.
It's important to make philanthropy a core value of your organization. Employees need to see it happening from the top down. Companies can support these types of activities by providing time off work, or supporting pro-bono work at the workplace, etc.
Employees need to feel empowered in their organization's charitable work. Companies can form philanthropy committees that enable employees to choose the charities that will be supported by the organization.
Even small organizations or individuals with limited funds can make a difference. One approach is to pool money together in a Giving Circle to make a bigger impact with the funds. As a result of this program, The Commonwealth Institute is currently exploring the development of a TCI Giving Circle .
In addition to public relations benefits, working together to support a charity can help companies boost teamwork, collaboration and the corporate culture. It also aids in attracting and retaining strong talent.

Giving Back Panelist Summary

Mona Eliassen, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Eliassen Group, Inc., discussed how she combines her personal and business philanthropy efforts. She contributes funds to organizations like public radio, public schools, chronic fatigue associations, women's and children's causes, and the environment. She praised the work of the Youth Enterprise Alliance, which provides opportunities for teenagers at risk. Her company offers a “Devote A Day” program, enabling employees to take one day off per year for charitable work. Some employees earmark money out of their paychecks for particular charities. Her company has provided volunteers at food banks and has mentored vocational school students, among other activities. This year instead of giving Christmas presents to employees (they still received bonuses), Mona sent presents to soldiers in Iraq . She received an outpouring of thanks from the soldiers and an unexpected PR boost as well.

Celeste Lee, Director of Community Partnerships, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, discussed how companies can “do well by doing good”—how they can be strategic in their philanthropic efforts and relate them to their core business. Blue Cross is very involved in health issues and in promoting diversity. They sponsor The Commonwealth Institute's newly formed Women of Ethnic Diversity Initiative because it fits in well with their commitment to fostering diversity. Blue Cross also sponsors Jump Up and Go, which promotes public health; Blue Crew, sending employee volunteers throughout the community; and school/business partnerships. Blue Cross created a foundation in 2001, whose goals are to expand access to health care for people who are uninsured and for low-income individuals and families. The foundation provides grants, research on low-income health care and conducts policy initiatives. Celeste noted that companies of all sizes have responsibility to give back to the community as well as individuals—from CEOs to employees. Celeste believes companies should foster an environment that supports philanthropy.

Shirley Singleton, co-founder, President and CEO of Edgewater Technology, discussed her company's philanthropic efforts. The company participates in races to raise money for various causes; contributes to food pantries, Catholic Charities, and Adopt a Family by providing presents and meals for the holidays. A major philanthropic area that Edgewater focuses on is business/education partnerships. The company started a pilot “Career Day” program at the high schools, matching students with employees and giving them an opportunity to shadow employees who had jobs relating to students' interests. Edgewater also set up an Online Forum that enables students to ask career-related questions that Edgewater employees answer. Additionally, Shirley is providing consultation on high-tech curriculums for Mt. Ida College . Another major philanthropic initiative that Edgewater supports is Angel Flight, an organization of private pilots who volunteer their time transporting women and children needing medical care. Edgewater built a Web-based application that matches pilots with people needing transportation.

Barbara Freedman Wand, Partner in Bingham McCutchen's Estate Planning Group and Charitable Advising Practice, discussed the importance of balancing philanthropic giving to include unrestricted giving (contributions to existing organizations to keep their programs running) and directed giving (starting a fund in someone's name for a new initiative). Barbara discussed how giving back can benefit a company's efforts to recruit and retain key talent because many people are attracted to a company with a philanthropic corporate culture. Bingham McCutchen counts pro-bono hours as part of an attorney's billable time. The firm donates 39,000 hours per year to charitable causes, and has more than 73 percent of its attorneys participating in pro-bono activities. Some of these activities include public policy work, representing families pursuing special adoptions or facing evictions, reading to first graders, and purchasing new clothes and school supplies for families at a homeless shelter. Barbara also pointed out that volunteer activities are a great way to involve an entire company, across hierarchy and departmental lines.

Q&As and Comments

Comment: Small businesses can give a lot to charities. Susan Labandibar of Computer Warehouse discussed the many ways in which her small business gives back to the community: internships for local children, book exchange, donating three percent of her profits to charity, banking at a local bank, providing free computers to the handicapped, implementing a Web site where local charities can post their events, providing discounted services to non-profits, donating wireless networks, etc. Susan also belongs to the Responsible Business Association. Another attendee mentioned that smaller businesses could create consortiums for philanthropic giving. An audience member cited a BU study that indicated that small businesses give a greater percentage to the community than larger ones.

Question: How does the economy affect giving? Mona said that while many of her employees are giving less, she tries to give more. Barbara suggested considering establishing a foundation, so companies don't have to give all its money out in one year. Celeste said that despite cutbacks, companies could still donate its money strategically. Celeste also suggested Associated Grantmakers for companies that are trying to determine how to be strategic in their corporate giving. A Giving Circle for companies or individuals with like-minded priorities was also mentioned as a good way to pool dollars and have a greater impact. In-kind donations, such as providing pro-bono graphic design, are a good way to give to charities when money is tight. Also, if companies and individuals don't have as much money to contribute, they can do more volunteer work. The importance of sitting on boards was also mentioned.

Comment: In addition to trying to compensate for the government funding that has dried up, an audience member mentioned that it is critical for companies and individuals to lobby government to provide more funding for social services.

Comment: Karen Fenaroli, owner of the retail store Isabella, mentioned that she talks about philanthropic giving with her customers. She finds it is another way to connect with her customers.

Comment: Fredi Shonkoff of Blue Cross Blue Shield mentioned that there are a lot of non-profits that seem to be addressing the same needs and competing for the same dollars . There was a lot of debate on this issue. Some people felt it made more sense for organizations to consolidate their efforts. Barbara believes that partnerships and collaboration between non-profits are essential and can create a win-win situation. Celeste mentioned that Blue Cross often asks small grassroots organizations to work together. There was concern, however, that if non-profits work together they would lose branding identity and awareness. Some said that the need in the community is so great that multiple organizations are necessary and that consolidation would result in fewer services. Others noted that the competition for funds is causing some organizations to spend more time fundraising and less time serving their constituents. Jan Jennings of Joslin Diabetes Center said that this is a complex issue, and just as companies develop niches in the marketplace, so do non-profit organizations. She suggested that non-profits should better define how they are different than others and what their particular niche is. Celeste mentioned that Blue Cross often asks non-profits to put together a business plan to ensure that the organization will be viable.

Question: How do philanthropic efforts affect employees? Some noted that philanthropy seemed to be part of the generational culture of younger employees. Another person mentioned that when the charitable giving decisions come from the CEO, employees tend to resist, but if employees are given the power to choose the charitable projects, they are much more interested. Someone mentioned that in addition to providing positive publicity benefits, charitable giving provided tremendous business benefits by helping employees develop communications and teamwork skills.

Question: How can you help donors get more recognition for their efforts ? An audience member mentioned pursuing the corporate philanthropy column in the Boston Business Journal, and other publicity opportunities. Cause-related marketing programs were also mentioned as good vehicles for getting exposure for a company's philanthropic efforts. Someone noted that the non-profit should acknowledge the donor to its board and in all publicity efforts. Companies that donate services to non-profits should follow up with board members as a way of building business and awareness.

TCI Asks: How do you give back?

At the end of the evening, Evelyn Murphy asked members of the audience to email The Commonwealth Institute with other ideas and ways that their companies give back. TCI received the following responses:

Debra Beck of Beck Designs
5 years: Nora Theater - all program and theater cards
5 years: Magic 106 Exceptional woman Awards - all design and promotion
3 years: tutor in Cambridge school - 2 hours per week
4 years: AIDS for Cancer Research - program
2 years: Girls Golf - summer camp program
1 year: American Women in Radio
1 year: Mayyim Hayyim - postcard and program
1% of income to Combined Jewish Philanthropies Women's Division
Another 1% to various other charities

Martha Sloan Felch of Sovereign Bank

Sovereign Bank makes many philanthropic grants each year, and we have a team of volunteers deployed to a large variety of organizations.

Susan Hammond of Susan C. Hammond, Leveraging assets and opportunities

As donors, we have a responsibility to strongly urge, suggest whatever collaboration between organizations with like missions so that the duplication is reduced and scare resources (money, people and time) are maximized.

As board members, we need to ensure that businesses that donate services and products are well recognized on brochures, invitations, program booklets etc. If they do the work for us, we have a responsibility to help them market themselves by placing their company names on our organizations materials. Also, board and staff need to refer them to opportunities that pay.

Nancy Mobley of Insight Performance Solutions

We give between 3-5% of our profits to Rosie's place every year. We also provide a day off per year to employees to work at the charity of their choice and allow flex time for folks to work in school system, charity work, etc.

Emily Paul of Paul / McCoy Family Office Services

I buy “tables” at charity events—one of my favorites is the annual women's breakfast for Horizons for Homeless Children, and I invite all my employees to attend. They enjoy attending and seeing what others in the community are doing for charitable activities, and it opens up great discussions back at the office on charitable topics. When we hire new employees we always mention that we do this, and I find it makes our workplace more appealing to prospective employees.

Suzanne Priebatsch of Smith Barney

The boards that I am involved with are The Children's Museum, and The American Repertory Theater. My giving interests include both of those, as well as Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the Boston Jewish Women's Fund. We also support organizations such as Rosie's Place, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Second Step, United Way (initiatives targeted to women and girls).

Shirley Singleton of Edgewater Technology

Edgewater volunteers:

Habitat for Humanity

Toys for Tots

Catholic Charities

Light the Night

Walk for Cancer

Education:

Pro bono IT curriculum development

Speeches on education and business working together to further explore what kids need to learn to be productive business people

Online forum hosted by Edgewater to develop a communication line between students and IT professionals

Charity:

Angel Flight – pro bono web development, reduces rates for ongoing support


		Event Detail givingback-recap Giving Back: Beyond the Basics Program Recap Monday, June 7, 2004 Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Bingham McCutchen LLP Executive Summary The participants at this meeting expressed a strong commitment to giving back to the community regardless of the economic climate. Even if companies are unable to maintain a high level of financial contributions during difficult times, there are other ways to donate. Giving to charities provides substantial business benefits. Overall Themes During tough economic times, companies can offer in-kind donations or donate their time to continue a strong level of support to charitable organizations. It's important to make philanthropy a core value of your organization. Employees need to see it happening from the top down. Companies can support these types of activities by providing time off work, or supporting pro-bono work at the workplace, etc. Employees need to feel empowered in their organization's charitable work. Companies can form philanthropy committees that enable employees to choose the charities that will be supported by the organization. Even small organizations or individuals with limited funds can make a difference. One approach is to pool money together in a Giving Circle to make a bigger impact with the funds. As a result of this program, The Commonwealth Institute is currently exploring the development of a TCI Giving Circle . In addition to public relations benefits, working together to support a charity can help companies boost teamwork, collaboration and the corporate culture. It also aids in attracting and retaining strong talent. Giving Back Panelist Summary Mona Eliassen, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Eliassen Group, Inc., discussed how she combines her personal and business philanthropy efforts. She contributes funds to organizations like public radio, public schools, chronic fatigue associations, women's and children's causes, and the environment. She praised the work of the Youth Enterprise Alliance, which provides opportunities for teenagers at risk. Her company offers a “Devote A Day” program, enabling employees to take one day off per year for charitable work. Some employees earmark money out of their paychecks for particular charities. Her company has provided volunteers at food banks and has mentored vocational school students, among other activities. This year instead of giving Christmas presents to employees (they still received bonuses), Mona sent presents to soldiers in Iraq . She received an outpouring of thanks from the soldiers and an unexpected PR boost as well. Celeste Lee, Director of Community Partnerships, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, discussed how companies can “do well by doing good”—how they can be strategic in their philanthropic efforts and relate them to their core business. Blue Cross is very involved in health issues and in promoting diversity. They sponsor The Commonwealth Institute's newly formed Women of Ethnic Diversity Initiative because it fits in well with their commitment to fostering diversity. Blue Cross also sponsors Jump Up and Go, which promotes public health; Blue Crew, sending employee volunteers throughout the community; and school/business partnerships. Blue Cross created a foundation in 2001, whose goals are to expand access to health care for people who are uninsured and for low-income individuals and families. The foundation provides grants, research on low-income health care and conducts policy initiatives. Celeste noted that companies of all sizes have responsibility to give back to the community as well as individuals—from CEOs to employees. Celeste believes companies should foster an environment that supports philanthropy. Shirley Singleton, co-founder, President and CEO of Edgewater Technology, discussed her company's philanthropic efforts. The company participates in races to raise money for various causes; contributes to food pantries, Catholic Charities, and Adopt a Family by providing presents and meals for the holidays. A major philanthropic area that Edgewater focuses on is business/education partnerships. The company started a pilot “Career Day” program at the high schools, matching students with employees and giving them an opportunity to shadow employees who had jobs relating to students' interests. Edgewater also set up an Online Forum that enables students to ask career-related questions that Edgewater employees answer. Additionally, Shirley is providing consultation on high-tech curriculums for Mt. Ida College . Another major philanthropic initiative that Edgewater supports is Angel Flight, an organization of private pilots who volunteer their time transporting women and children needing medical care. Edgewater built a Web-based application that matches pilots with people needing transportation. Barbara Freedman Wand, Partner in Bingham McCutchen's Estate Planning Group and Charitable Advising Practice, discussed the importance of balancing philanthropic giving to include unrestricted giving (contributions to existing organizations to keep their programs running) and directed giving (starting a fund in someone's name for a new initiative). Barbara discussed how giving back can benefit a company's efforts to recruit and retain key talent because many people are attracted to a company with a philanthropic corporate culture. Bingham McCutchen counts pro-bono hours as part of an attorney's billable time. The firm donates 39,000 hours per year to charitable causes, and has more than 73 percent of its attorneys participating in pro-bono activities. Some of these activities include public policy work, representing families pursuing special adoptions or facing evictions, reading to first graders, and purchasing new clothes and school supplies for families at a homeless shelter. Barbara also pointed out that volunteer activities are a great way to involve an entire company, across hierarchy and departmental lines. Q&As and Comments Comment: Small businesses can give a lot to charities. Susan Labandibar of Computer Warehouse discussed the many ways in which her small business gives back to the community: internships for local children, book exchange, donating three percent of her profits to charity, banking at a local bank, providing free computers to the handicapped, implementing a Web site where local charities can post their events, providing discounted services to non-profits, donating wireless networks, etc. Susan also belongs to the Responsible Business Association. Another attendee mentioned that smaller businesses could create consortiums for philanthropic giving. An audience member cited a BU study that indicated that small businesses give a greater percentage to the community than larger ones. Question: How does the economy affect giving? Mona said that while many of her employees are giving less, she tries to give more. Barbara suggested considering establishing a foundation, so companies don't have to give all its money out in one year. Celeste said that despite cutbacks, companies could still donate its money strategically. Celeste also suggested Associated Grantmakers for companies that are trying to determine how to be strategic in their corporate giving. A Giving Circle for companies or individuals with like-minded priorities was also mentioned as a good way to pool dollars and have a greater impact. In-kind donations, such as providing pro-bono graphic design, are a good way to give to charities when money is tight. Also, if companies and individuals don't have as much money to contribute, they can do more volunteer work. The importance of sitting on boards was also mentioned. Comment: In addition to trying to compensate for the government funding that has dried up, an audience member mentioned that it is critical for companies and individuals to lobby government to provide more funding for social services. Comment: Karen Fenaroli, owner of the retail store Isabella, mentioned that she talks about philanthropic giving with her customers. She finds it is another way to connect with her customers. Comment: Fredi Shonkoff of Blue Cross Blue Shield mentioned that there are a lot of non-profits that seem to be addressing the same needs and competing for the same dollars . There was a lot of debate on this issue. Some people felt it made more sense for organizations to consolidate their efforts. Barbara believes that partnerships and collaboration between non-profits are essential and can create a win-win situation. Celeste mentioned that Blue Cross often asks small grassroots organizations to work together. There was concern, however, that if non-profits work together they would lose branding identity and awareness. Some said that the need in the community is so great that multiple organizations are necessary and that consolidation would result in fewer services. Others noted that the competition for funds is causing some organizations to spend more time fundraising and less time serving their constituents. Jan Jennings of Joslin Diabetes Center said that this is a complex issue, and just as companies develop niches in the marketplace, so do non-profit organizations. She suggested that non-profits should better define how they are different than others and what their particular niche is. Celeste mentioned that Blue Cross often asks non-profits to put together a business plan to ensure that the organization will be viable. Question: How do philanthropic efforts affect employees? Some noted that philanthropy seemed to be part of the generational culture of younger employees. Another person mentioned that when the charitable giving decisions come from the CEO, employees tend to resist, but if employees are given the power to choose the charitable projects, they are much more interested. Someone mentioned that in addition to providing positive publicity benefits, charitable giving provided tremendous business benefits by helping employees develop communications and teamwork skills. Question: How can you help donors get more recognition for their efforts ? An audience member mentioned pursuing the corporate philanthropy column in the Boston Business Journal, and other publicity opportunities. Cause-related marketing programs were also mentioned as good vehicles for getting exposure for a company's philanthropic efforts. Someone noted that the non-profit should acknowledge the donor to its board and in all publicity efforts. Companies that donate services to non-profits should follow up with board members as a way of building business and awareness. TCI Asks: How do you give back? At the end of the evening, Evelyn Murphy asked members of the audience to email The Commonwealth Institute with other ideas and ways that their companies give back. TCI received the following responses: Debra Beck of Beck Designs 5 years: Nora Theater - all program and theater cards 5 years: Magic 106 Exceptional woman Awards - all design and promotion 3 years: tutor in Cambridge school - 2 hours per week 4 years: AIDS for Cancer Research - program 2 years: Girls Golf - summer camp program 1 year: American Women in Radio 1 year: Mayyim Hayyim - postcard and program 1% of income to Combined Jewish Philanthropies Women's Division Another 1% to various other charities Martha Sloan Felch of Sovereign Bank Sovereign Bank makes many philanthropic grants each year, and we have a team of volunteers deployed to a large variety of organizations. Susan Hammond of Susan C. Hammond, Leveraging assets and opportunities As donors, we have a responsibility to strongly urge, suggest whatever collaboration between organizations with like missions so that the duplication is reduced and scare resources (money, people and time) are maximized. As board members, we need to ensure that businesses that donate services and products are well recognized on brochures, invitations, program booklets etc. If they do the work for us, we have a responsibility to help them market themselves by placing their company names on our organizations materials. Also, board and staff need to refer them to opportunities that pay. Nancy Mobley of Insight Performance Solutions We give between 3-5% of our profits to Rosie's place every year. We also provide a day off per year to employees to work at the charity of their choice and allow flex time for folks to work in school system, charity work, etc. Emily Paul of Paul / McCoy Family Office Services I buy “tables” at charity events—one of my favorites is the annual women's breakfast for Horizons for Homeless Children, and I invite all my employees to attend. They enjoy attending and seeing what others in the community are doing for charitable activities, and it opens up great discussions back at the office on charitable topics. When we hire new employees we always mention that we do this, and I find it makes our workplace more appealing to prospective employees. Suzanne Priebatsch of Smith Barney The boards that I am involved with are The Children's Museum, and The American Repertory Theater. My giving interests include both of those, as well as Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the Boston Jewish Women's Fund. We also support organizations such as Rosie's Place, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Second Step, United Way (initiatives targeted to women and girls). Shirley Singleton of Edgewater Technology Edgewater volunteers: Habitat for Humanity Toys for Tots Catholic Charities Light the Night Walk for Cancer Education: Pro bono IT curriculum development Speeches on education and business working together to further explore what kids need to learn to be productive business people Online forum hosted by Edgewater to develop a communication line between students and IT professionals Charity: Angel Flight – pro bono web development, reduces rates for ongoing support