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In today’s world, businesses are no longer just about profits—they're about purpose.
Corporate philanthropy examples have evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have. Companies are coming up with new ways to help their communities, support global causes, and make a real difference.
From helping first responders stay safe to offering scholarships for public safety education, these companies show that their impact goes beyond making money. They use their resources to contribute to society, proving that success is about more than just profits.
Let’s explore the inspiring corporate philanthropy examples:
Workplace giving is a proven way to boost employee engagement and create a positive work environment. Google uses this approach through its matching gift and volunteer grants program:
These programs make Google a great example of corporate philanthropy.
Google goes even further with its generosity by offering the Google for Nonprofits program. This program gives nonprofits free access to premium Google products, such as:
Microsoft’s philanthropy focuses on technological innovation and community support. The key elements of their program include:
Apple’s employee giving program has raised over $880 million for nearly 44,000 organizations, with over 2 million volunteer hours. The program includes:
The Home Depot Foundation focuses on housing and disaster relief.
Some of their major programs include:
Home Depot also matches employee donations up to $3,000 for causes like veterans or disaster relief.
Firehouse Subs Foundation focuses on supporting first responders and public safety organizations. Their initiatives include:
Since its establishment, the Foundation has donated over $67.5 million to these initiatives. Though they don’t offer an employee giving program, their foundation plays a significant role in supporting public safety.
At the heart of Bombas' business model is charitable giving. For every item a customer buys, the company donates a pair of socks, t-shirts, or underwear.
These donations support various organizations, including overnight shelters and transitional living facilities. This mission originated from the founders’ discovery that socks are the most requested item at homeless shelters.
Since its founding in 2013, Bombas estimates it has donated over 100 million items. Although their products—socks, underwear, and t-shirts—are priced higher than typical mass-market options, customers are drawn to Bombas.
They are attracted not only by its charitable impact but also by the high-quality, stylish garments that are built to last. Giving back and investing in premium products makes Bombas a brand with lasting appeal.
Patagonia is a standout corporate philanthropy example. They’ve donated $140 million to environmental causes.
Other initiatives include:
Their focus on the environment makes them a great example of corporate philanthropy.
Johnson & Johnson’s program focuses on global health, healthcare innovations, and disaster relief.
Some key components include:
Their commitment to health and employee participation reflects the company’s people-first approach.
ExxonMobil’s employee giving program has contributed $158 million to social investments.
Some of the key elements include:
These efforts make a significant impact on education and nonprofits.
Allstate’s corporate giving focuses on community empowerment, safety, and youth development. Their programs include:
Their foundation makes a strong commitment to building safer, empowered communities.
Nike is committed to fostering active and inclusive communities. The Nike Community Impact Fund (NCIF) is a key initiative within Nike’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. It promotes physical activity and healthy communities, especially among youth.
Established by the Nike Foundation, the NCIF is an employee-driven program with the following process:
In addition to NCIF, Nike leads other impactful programs like its Black Community Commitment and Inclusive Community initiatives, all aimed at strengthening communities.
Employee engagement is a standout feature of Nike’s CSR efforts. Employees earn $10 per volunteer hour, up to $1,000 annually, and can benefit from a matching gift program.
Nike matches donations to community sports organizations or causes supported by Nike’s Black Community Commitment at a 2:1 ratio.
In 2023, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind contributions. These donations addressed economic, environmental, and social challenges in four key areas:
These efforts include workforce development, supply chain sustainability, and food donations to food banks.
Through the Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP) program, Walmart employees earn $10 for each volunteer hour. Group volunteer grants range from $500 to $5,000 based on group size.
Walmart also offers a 3:1 matching gift program, but it’s exclusive to executive-level employees. Donation amounts range from $250 to $25,000. Despite its limitations, Walmart’s philanthropy program is a strong example of impactful corporate giving.
Dell demonstrates structured corporate philanthropy through various giving and volunteering programs.
Here’s an overview of their initiatives:
Since 2014, Dell employees have logged 7.8 million volunteer hours, with a remarkable 52% participation rate. The company has supported 345 nonprofits and aims for 75% employee involvement in volunteering by 2030.
Coca-Cola’s giving programs focus on community development. It includes education, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Through The Coca-Cola Foundation, the company awarded $94.8 million in grants to over 300 organizations in 2022.
For employee giving, Coca-Cola offers a generous 2:1 donation match up to $10,000 per year, resulting in a potential $20,000 corporate contribution. This program, for full-time and retired employees, sets an example of impactful corporate giving.
Launched in 2011, Kraft Heinz’s Huddle to Fight Hunger was a groundbreaking digital charity initiative. It combined social media engagement with philanthropy.
For every Facebook “like” received, Kraft Heinz donated the equivalent cost of one meal to food banks. This innovative campaign seamlessly integrated charitable giving with social media marketing. It boosted both social impact and brand visibility.
Following the success of the initial campaign, Kraft Heinz and Rise Against Hunger formed an ongoing partnership. Rise Against Hunger, a global organization dedicated to ending world hunger, partnered with Kraft Heinz. Together, they host an annual meal-packaging event.
After three successful years, the two celebrated their fourth year of collaboration, with over 20,000 meals packed at this year’s event. Kraft Heinz supported the initiative with a generous $2.5 million donation.
Kraft Heinz’s philanthropic efforts include a mix of marketing, monetary gifts, and in-kind contributions. It demonstrates their ability to integrate various ways of charity. This approach serves as a model for other companies looking to enhance their CSR programs.
Penguin Random House shows that "charity begins at home" by helping its employees pay for education. Each year, the company provides $1,200 to every employee to help with student loan debt.
This form of corporate giving directly addresses an issue that affects millions—student loan debt. With $1.5 trillion in student loans, companies like Penguin Random House are helping reduce this debt for employees.
ConocoPhillips shows strong support for the communities it operates in through donations and employee volunteering. The company also demonstrates civic leadership in various local initiatives.
Last year, the company, along with its employees and retirees, contributed over $5.6 million to support eight United Way initiatives. Additionally, the ConocoPhillips team dedicated more than 44,500 volunteer hours globally.
The company boosts its charitable impact by matching employee donations up to $10,000. It also offers volunteer grants for individuals, teams, and retirees. This approach fosters a culture of giving strengthening community ties and creating lasting change.
The Aetna Foundation has a long history of making a difference. It has contributed over $445 million towards improving health, expanding healthcare access, and enhancing quality of life.
Aetna’s commitment extends beyond local communities. It also reaches developing countries, where it uses its resources to make a meaningful impact. As part of its corporate responsibility initiative, Aetna encourages employees to give back.
The company offers a $300 donation to an NGO in the employee’s name after 20 hours of volunteer service. This opportunity is available to all Aetna employees, whether they are full-time, part-time, or retired.
General Electric (GE) encourages its employees to get involved in their local communities and nonprofits through its matching contribution program. In 2017 alone, GE donated $129 million, with $30 million coming from employee matching grants.
GE matches employee contributions up to $5,000, encouraging staff to support causes they care about and increase their impact.
Expedia Group is dedicated to supporting volunteerism and charitable giving among its employees. To further enhance the impact of their contributions, Expedia offers matching gifts and volunteer grants.
Expedia matches donations made by full- and part-time employees up to $4,000 and also offers $15 for every hour volunteered, with a minimum of five hours.
Since 2016, the Build-A-Bear Foundation has donated over $50 million and 65,000 stuffed animals to kids in need. During the pandemic, they provided over 120,000 protective masks to healthcare professionals.
They also contributed to charities like the St. Louis Community Foundation, the Columbus Foundation, and Baby2Baby. They help communities in need by making financial donations and giving goods.
Verizon demonstrates its commitment to community support with over $4.6 million donated to relief efforts last year. Verizon employees contributed $8.1 million to charitable causes, and the company itself added $9.2 million in donations.
Verizon offers a $750 volunteer incentive to employees who log 50 or more service hours annually. The company matches donations to accredited colleges or charities, up to $5,000 for universities and $1,000 for others.
ThriftBooks places a strong emphasis on charity, education, and environmental impact. Over the past decade, they have donated over $100 million to nonprofit organizations. They also support global literacy initiatives and help underprivileged areas through book donations.
In addition, ThriftBooks ensures its non-charitable books are recycled, saving natural resources and reducing pollution in the process.
RealNetworks donates 5% of its post-tax revenues to support nonprofit causes. The company also offers matching contributions and volunteer incentives to employees.
RealNetworks matches employee donations up to $10,000. They also pay $15 per hour for 10+ hours of volunteering or $15 for 4-hour team events.
Time Warner supports employee growth through community service. The company matches employee donations to approved charities.
Time Warner matches up to $1,000 per employee, whether they are full-time or part-time. Additionally, employees who volunteer at least 30 hours annually are eligible for a $500 volunteer scholarship.
Bitwise Industries is dedicated to providing tech training for individuals in underserved communities. The company aims to strengthen tech economies in overlooked cities. The company works on real estate, job training, and tech consulting to support marginalized groups and diversify tech.
For Bitwise, corporate philanthropy is integral to its mission — it’s deeply embedded in the company’s core values. Bitwise was recognized by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative CSR companies. They explore new ways to support communities, including coding education.
Owens Corning mainly makes insulation, roofing, and composites, but it is also committed to a sustainable future. Sustainability and corporate responsibility are central to its operations, with these initiatives prominently featured on the company’s homepage.
Owens Corning supports various corporate philanthropy efforts, including:
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Owens Corning’s business strategy. Their initiatives focus on promoting a circular economy, enhancing supply chain sustainability, and sourcing renewable energy.
In conclusion, the corporate philanthropy examples demonstrate the remarkable impact businesses can make on society. From supporting first responders to empowering marginalized communities, companies are driving meaningful change. Whether through donations, employee volunteerism, or sustainability efforts, these initiatives help create a better world.
These actions prove corporate success is about more than just profit—it’s about making a lasting difference. Businesses that care about social responsibility inspire others and help create a stronger world.
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ayesha Khan (Community Development)
Dr. Ayesha Khan is a dedicated social worker with over 15 years of experience in child welfare and community development. As a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, she has worked tirelessly to create safe and nurturing environments for orphans and underprivileged youth. Dr. Khan holds a PhD in Social Work and has specialized in developing sustainable programs that support the holistic development of children. Through her work at Pakistan Sweet Home, she aims to raise awareness and inspire action through her insightful and compassionate writing.
Dr. Ayesha Khan is a dedicated social worker with over 15 years of experience in child welfare and community development. As a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, she has worked tirelessly to create safe and nurturing environments for orphans and underprivileged youth. Dr. Khan holds a PhD in Social Work and has specialized in developing sustainable programs that support the holistic development of children. Through her work at Pakistan Sweet Home, she aims to raise awareness and inspire action through her insightful and compassionate writing.
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