Corporate Philanthropy Update: July 2020
We are halfway through the year, and I hope you have found a sliver of downtime within this steady pace of safety measures and crisis response. We are navigating a global pandemic, imploring action around racial injustice, seeking appropriate reactions to societal challenges, and adjusting to a "new normal" – personally and professionally. What we have seen and experienced throughout our country over the past few months has shifted perspectives and work in ways we never thought imaginable.
Community demands are high. Aid is crucial. And the need for corporate leadership in demonstrating how to improve societal outcomes through socially responsible practices and philanthropy is more vital now than ever. In May, U.S. companies and their foundations contributed nearly $4 Billion to COVID relief efforts. By July, several corporations publicly committed to taking action in a fight against racial injustice.
Companies and their brands' capital, influence, and platforms are powerful currency in generating systemic change and corporate grantmakers can guide resources that shift disproportionate outcomes within your communities.
As you continue to navigate this environment of philanthropic shifts and COVID-19 response, the Council is committed to sharing resources and cultivating relevant conversations. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional insight or further support you and your team in any way.
Stay safe,
Lindsay Mason
Lead Strategist, Corporate Philanthropy
Ph: 202-991-5927
NEWS & UPDATES
New Publication Alert
Navigating Mergers & Acquisitions: Guidance for Corporate Philanthropy Leaders
Mergers and acquisitions are increasingly common for American and global companies — across sectors, sizes, and geographic footprints. This guide provides a road map for addressing critical questions while outlining a four-step process to support decisions when combining philanthropies in times of transition.
A Strong Partnership for Corporate Philanthropy
Supporting Companies & Their Foundations Throughout COVID-19
From March - July 2020, the Council partnered with ACCP, CECP, and Points of Light to convene corporate philanthropy leaders in a salon discussion series on relevant approaches and solutions to meet community needs during COVID-19.
For highlights on the joint organizational commitment and 40+ peer exchanges on various topics from virtual volunteerism and supporting small businesses to racial equity and long-term recovery Read More.
Policy Brief
Changing Foundation Payout Requirements Amid COVID-19 Crisis
An increase in the mandated 5% payout rate was recently proposed for corporate and private foundations and donor-advised funds, consequently doubling rates to 10%. For the Council’s position on the proposal and details on how the proposal would limit philanthropy’s ability to respond to future crises. Read More
EVENTS
Legal Office Hours
August 19 I 2 p.m. ET
This Legal Office Hours was uniquely created for Corporate Foundations and Giving Programs and opens the conversation between funders and Council attorneys, Bryan Del Rosario and Ben McDearmon.
Corporate Legal Matters
October 6-7
This virtual workshop is organized to ensure common legal questions for administering grants, board governance and charitable giving activities are addressed. Participants will receive a practical understanding of complex rules and regulations impacting foundations and giving programs.
Corporate Legal Matters
November 18-19
This virtual workshop is organized to ensure common legal questions for administering grants, board governance and charitable giving activities are addressed. Participants will receive a practical understanding of complex rules and regulations impacting foundations and giving programs.
RESOURCES
- “We Must Be in It for the Long Haul” outlines anti-black racism recommendations for the philanthropic sector by Black Foundation leaders via Association of Black Foundation Executives
- Power Moves: Your Essential Philanthropy Assessment Guide for Equity & Justice via National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
- A Universal Demand for Change: A Special Report on Brands & Racial Justice in America details how companies have and can play a role in addressing systemic racism via Edelman
- Diversity and Engagement in a Corporate Social Environment: An Accelerate Project identifies and shares actionable best practices for integrating D&I in business purpose and strategies via CECP
- A Transformative Moment for Philanthropy highlights the impacts of COVID-19 on long-term institutional grantmaking via McKinsey & Company
- COVID-19 Regulatory & Response Matrix provides an international funding tool to guide grantmakers in their COVID-19 philanthropic decisions via Global Impact
