Summary. Philanthropic and socially engaged businesses and corporations seem to be competing with (and in some cases surpassing) non-profit organizations and government agencies in the race create a better world. This page offers examples of philanthropic businesses and organizations giving back to communities through charity. The question explored is whether these efforts are genuine or simply self promotion.

Rating Charitable Companies. Drug cartels also give back to their communities. What separates organized crime from legitimate businesses? It’s necessary to look at an entire company’s operation — labor practices, product quality, sourcing, and environmental impact — as well as the community impact of a company to determine the overall net-good they create in the world.

For-Profit, For Good. Social activists considering whether to start a non-profit sometimes choose to launch a business instead. Rather than pestering donors, they look for ways to turn a profit in the business world and let the excess revenue fully and perpetually fund the social causes they are passionate about.

An example of this is the Newman’s Own brand of food products, founded by Paul Newman, that has raised over $300 million dollars for charity through the Newman’s Own Foundation.

As one of the earliest examples of corporate philanthropy, Newman’s Own served as model for others to follow. Paul Newman later went on to help create the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy as a way to encourage others in corporate America to be “a force for good in society.”

Corporate partnerships with non-profits offers many of the benefits provided by endowment funds. Such partnerships mean that non-profits can focus on their work and spend less time (and money) on fundraising.

Rather than simply giving money to charity, businesses are becoming more engaged in the work of charitable organizations. An example of this is TOMS — the shoe company that gives one pair of shoes to charity for every pair of shoes sold. It’s what they call their One-For-One campaign. By engaging more actively in the supply chain and delivery process, they are able to oversee the charitable work and ensure its effectiveness. Tom’s recently launched an eyewear line with the promise to give prescription eye glasses, or medical/surgical treatment, to one person for every pair of glasses purchased. Their One-For-One charitable vision wellness program is another example of a perpetually funded enterprise that’s almost indistinguishable from non-profit organizations engaged in the same work. To accomplish their goals, TOMS has partnered with Seva.org of Berkeley, California.

The Starbucks Foundation has developed Ethos Water brand bottled water that states on the label, “For every bottle of Ethos water you buy, Starbucks will donate 5 cents to support humanitarian programs in coffee-growing communities, providing clean, safe water to those in need.”

GiveSomethingBack.com is an online office supplies vendor that’s been “named one of the most generous companies in America.” Their community giving page declares that they give “75 times more than other companies.” For every case of paper sold, seven meals are provided through local food banks.

Other companies have followed the above examples, including: CharityWater.org, GlobalGirlfriend.com, GoodSearch.com, GreaterGood.com (creators of TheHungerSite.com), and more.

Do a Google search on Triple Bottom Line and in the top 10 results (out of over 3 million) you’ll find Better World Books – a kind of poster-child for the movement toward ethical, environmental, and socially engaged business practices seeking to improve the world. Their statement on a commitment to the Triple Bottom Line concludes with this proclamation: “…while most businesses answer only to their shareholders, we answer equally to all of our key stakeholders: our employees, our customers, our literacy partners, our investors and the environment.” Better World Books has partnered with non-profit literacy organizations and established itself as a perpetual donor.

Criticism. Some people have expressed concern about the hybrid marketing of charity and corporate branding, citing that it creates confusion among consumers. In the case of Better World Books, some complaints have surfaced:

• “I’m not happy about being required to dropship for an outfit that masquerades as a non-profit, when it is anything but.” ~ Alibris dealer [source]
• “I too question the wisdom of signing on with a competitor who is nothing but a mega-listing penny seller. I would much rather contribute to the demise of such outfits rather than benefitting them by cooperation.” ~ Alibris dealer [source]
• “Our local state university used to host bimonthly book sales, open to students and the public. These were discontinued 2 years ago because some genius at the university, duped by their deceptive charitable status, decided to form a relationship with BWB. So a good supply of books was severed, and now BWB has the nerve to come poaching my inventory. They’re a destructive megalister, with poor descriptions, devaluing books by the thousands. Rumor has it they pay 50 cents per book.” ~ Alibris dealer [source]
• “You guys are the biggest scam artists that I’ve ever seen… You should also try putting some money into your crappy customer service department. And by the way, you’re lying about your ‘commitment’ to literacy programs. You have people donate on the false pretext that the books are going to be shipped over to needy kids in Africa but you really just sell them and give a SMALL percentage of the profit to the actual programs. Shame on you for lying and using these children for your false advertising and your greedy money hungry desires.” ~ disgruntled customer [source]

In response to the above criticism and others like it, John at Better World Books had this to say:

Theresa – we are certainly not perfect, and a small percentage of our customers do experience a customer service glitch. If this happened to you, please accept our apologies. You may contact me directly for resolution of your problem at john at betterworldbooks dot com. For perspective though, we do have a 97% positive seller rating on Amazon from 585,000 reviews (the most of any seller on Amazon) and a 99.6% positive rating on Half.com from 285,000 reviews.

We claim that we convert books donated into cash which then goes to our non-profit literacy partners. If you can point me to where you see an alternative claim, I would like to correct it. It is a side benefit that we have actually directly sent 1.3 million college textbooks to Africa, but this is not our primary business.

We do provide about 10% of our revenues to our non-profit literacy partners. For context, consider Target Corp., a best-in-class C Corporation when it comes to charitable giving. It donates 5% of its pre-tax profit to charity. In order to meet the bar we set of donating 10% of revenues, Target would have to donate 196% of its pre-tax profit to charity. We pay our literacy partners regardless of whether we are profitable and before we take any profit. We aim to maintain high single-digit social profit and to achieve high single-digit shareholder profit.

This response addresses some of the misconceptions about their charity work, and helps sets the record straight with regard to customer satisfaction, some concerns remain.

Locally owned independent bookstores are negatively impacted when they have to compete with Better World Books on pricing because, unlike BWB, local bookstores don’t get their books for free. This is an example of where even a company that is presumably well-meaning can have a devastating impact on small businesses, despite some of the other good they may be doing in the world. Similar concerns could exist about GiveSomethingBack.com office supplies. Do inexpensive online options for office supplies make it hard for small local stores to compete?

As stated earlier, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) was originally established by Paul Newman as a way to encourage others in corporate America to be “a force for good in society.”

Today membership in the CECP includes Alcoa, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Chevron Corporation, ConAgra Foods, ConocoPhillips, Deutsche Bank, Dow Chemical Company, DuPont, Exxon Mobil, General Electric Company, Goldman Sachs, Hearst Corporation, JPMorgan Chase, Merck, Pfizer, and Walmart.

The list of charitable businesses has grown to the point that just about every one of the top fortune 500 companies has some kind of “give back” campaign in place as if to say, “We’re giving, too!” So, how can a person distinguish one company from another.

“Corporate philanthropy has become part of a good strategic business plan. It is integral to corporate reputation, employee morale, and stakeholders at all levels.” ~ Ken Derr, Retired Chairman and CEO of Chevron Corporation [Source: CECP Website Home Page]

If corporate philanthropy is considered simply “part of a good strategic business plan” then how meaningful is it?

If charitable giving is simply factored into the bottom line, perhaps by inflating prices, then how meaningful is it?

The Community Giving page of Walmart’s website has this statement: ”At Walmart, we believe in a philosophy of operating globally and giving back locally. We know we can make the greatest impact on our communities by supporting causes that are important to our customers right in their own neighborhoods. We’re proud to be a ‘store of the community’ for all of the communities we serve by helping to provide financial and volunteer support to more than 100,000 charitable and community-focused organizations, and by using our locations to provide opportunities for our customers and associates to give back.” Walmart has given $2 billion toward hunger relief in America. Because Walmart is consistently cited as a primary cause for many small, locally run, locally owned, and locally supplied stores going out of business, their efforts to give to local communities are seen by some as a token gesture.

You may not realize it, but BP is all about supporting communities and preserving the environment. At least that’s why they state on their working responsibly:

“Supporting communities, preserving the environment. In other words, we have a long-term commitment to the communities we work within. As such, we recognise a responsibility to create more than quick revenues from our investments. Whatever we do, wherever we do it, we always strive to preserve and improve the surrounding environment, support enterprising business people and encourage energy-related education. This is why, for example, we planned the construction schedule for the BTC pipeline around the breeding season of a rare local grouse. And why we funded satellite transmitters to help experts track endangered sea turtles in the nearby seas. It’s why we’ve started programmes to share our business knowledge with entrepreneurs in Angola, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere. It’s why we sponsor university programmes and send our employees into schools around the world, to help children learn how energy works and to inspire tomorrow’s energy experts. … We try to work in ways that will benefit the communities and habitats where we do business – and earn the world’s respect.”

The video below is a 10-minute digest from the movie On Deadly Ground about an oil company that creates a positive PR media campaign after a deadly oil spill and disaster. This is an example of how greenwashing is being used today by companies that are harming the environment.

It’s well documented that terrorist organizations and drug cartels are committed community partners in giving toward schools, clinics, and other charitable causes. This builds local support and helps shape their public image. For example, “Hamas’ political wing provides welfare and social services to the … poor. The organization also builds schools and hospitals, and it develops social and religious projects.” [source] The Medellín drug cartel is credited with having “built schools, … roads, bridges, and health clinics.” [source]

WHY COMPANIES GIVE BACK

To evaluate the net-good done by an organization or corporation, one needs to look at the big picture that includes labor practices, product quality, sourcing, environmental impact, and local community impact. It also helps to consider the various reasons why a company is engaged in philanthropy. Here’s a short list:

1. Passion. For some companies, the business-side of their operations are simply a front-organization to fund their passion for creating a better world.
2. Expectations. Some businesses give because consumers expect it.
3. Incident Remediation. Companies are sometimes compelled to engage in positive PR campaigns to help offset negative stories in the media (like BP after the spill).
4. Protective Coloration. In the animal world, protective coloration is what allows animals to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators. In politics, sometimes a politician will associate with people to influence voter perceptions. For example, a politician who has a poor labor record will try to get photos taken with those recognized as being strong advocates for workers rights. In today’s increasingly environmentally aware society, companies with a poor environmental record will create a pro-environment campaign to cover that up.
5. Offset. Some companies are engaged in ongoing activities that are harmful to society or the environment (or at least they perceived that way by many). Walmart is consistently cited as the primary cause for many small, locally run, locally owned, and locally supplied stores going out of business. So, Walmart makes an effort to promote awareness about their community giving stating, “We’re proud to be a ‘store of the community.’” Altria (previously Phillip Morris) is considered to be perpetuating the use of tobacco and contributing to cancer. So, their socially responsible campaigns help dilute the negative perceptions that some people have.
6. Build Local Support. Drug cartels and terrorist organizations are exceptionally charitable within their own communities and are known to build schools, clinics, and give to charitable organizations. This helps build local support and create a positive awareness and perception about their brand. Some businesses give the the local community for similar reasons.

Final Thoughts…

“When I first started out in business, corporate philanthropy meant presenting an oversized check and going home. For the most part, those days are over. From what I have seen at Western Union and heard from my peers at events such as those held by CECP, there is a growing emphasis on multilayered partnerships across sectors. Nonprofits would do well to consider the full range of benefits they can offer their corporate sponsors and present innovative ways to deliver value to the stakeholders companies most want to reach.” ~ Christina Gold, chief executive officer of Western Union, from the article Rethinking Corporate Giving: Western Union’s CEO Offers Her Philosophy

“One problem with the triple bottom line is that the three separate accounts cannot easily be added up. It is difficult to measure the planet and people accounts in the same terms as profits—that is, in terms of cash. The full cost of an oil-tanker spillage, for example, is probably immeasurable in monetary terms, as is the cost of displacing whole communities to clear forests, or the cost of depriving children of their freedom to learn in order to make them work at a young age.” ~ The Economist, 7 November 2009

Summary. These days, most people have their  smart phones locked. This is good for security, but if the phone is lost and then found by someone, they won’t ever be able to get into the phone and find out who to return it to. These instructions describe how to create a custom iPhone lock screen image with your name and contact information.

Simple Method. The quick, low tech, easy, but not so elegant way to set owner information to display on your iPhone or any smart phone is to simply write your contact information on paper and then take a photo of it that is clear enough to be read. Then set that picture as your power-on lock screen. Provide your name, email, and an alternate phone number.

Using Notepad. You could also create a lock screen wallpaper image using the notepad feature in the iPhone by typing your contact information in the middle of the note and then taking a screen shot of it by pressing the power and home keys briefly.

Using Other Apps. There are a number of drawing and graphics programs for the iPhone OS and for desktop computers. Some iPhone drawing apps like Doodle Buddy or Draw Pad Pro let you create colorful images with text. Keynote and Pages for the iPhone or iPad allow you to type your name and choose an elegant backdrop. With any of these, you can create a custom home screen image that includes your name and contact information. Then, press the power and home keys briefly to take a snapshot of your creation (while viewing in full-screen mode).

Using Keynote. The instructions below show how to use Keynote to make a custom lock screen wallpaper image.

Step #1 – Set the presentation image size to 640×960 as shown below.

Step #2 – Disable any link information as shown below.

Step #3 – From the file menu, close to export your creation as a jpg image as shown below and then email it to yourself so you can save it to the camera roll on the iPhone. When you receive the image in an email, touch and hold it to save to camera roll. Then, from the camera roll, you can define it as your lock screen image (or do this from Settings).

Keynote Theme Samples Gallery. Below is a gallery of samples using some of the Keynote themes to vary the background and fond. The other images on the page are included as well. Click any image to zoom in.

Summary. You may receive an email that is a desperate plea for help from a friend, colleague, family member, or acquaintance.

Before replying, you may want to compare it with the samples below that we’ve received.

Many similar emails are sent out from hijacked user accounts of people with email service through AOL, MSN, Hotmail, or Yahoo. You should verify the details of any similar email received.

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SAMPLE #1

Hi,

I’m writing this with tears in my eyes,my family and I came down here to (Spain,Madrid) for a short vacation. unfortunately,we were mugged at the park of the hotel where we stayed,all cash and credit card were stolen off us but luckily for us we still have our passports with us.My credit card can’t be charged by the hotel as I already reported it as a stolen card,and the card company had canceled it, so I can only get a new one when we make it back home safely.

We’ve been to the Embassy and the Police here but they’re not helping issues at all and our flight leaves in few hours from now but we’re having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won’t let us leave until we settle the bills. Well I really need your financially assistance..Please, let me know if you can help us out? Am freaked out at the moment!!

kindly email me or write back so I can tell you where to send the funds to…

Warm Regards,

* * *

SAMPLE #2

Hi, Sorry to bother you with this, but I had to make a sudden trip out of the country to England for a program. I am in a terrible situation which i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things like my credit were kept in . I already contacted my credit card company to stop my cards immediately,But where my problem lies is that it will take another 5 days to get a replacement. I need a loan of $2,500. I’ll explain better and refund the money immediately i get back. I will really appreciate whatever amount you can come up with, if not all. get back to me asap. Please keep this between us.

With best wishes,

Summary. Adobe Reader 10 has some support for foreign languages. If you try to open a document that uses a font not already installed, you’ll be prompted to install the font pack required to view the fonts and characters for that language.

The Simplified Chinese font pack for Adobe Reader 10 is not easy to find through a Google search because so many similar packages are available.

The download page for the Simplified Chinese font pack is the quickest way to get the font pack installed.

Use the links above to get quick access to the Chinese Font pack for Adobe Reader X.

Installation Instructions. Follow the instructions below to install the Simplified Chinese font pack.

1. Go to the download page and click download. Be sure to make note of where you download the file if you choose to save it, or you can click Run to begin installing.
2. If you downloaded the font pack, double click on it to begin the installation and follow the instructions.

Summary.  Creative, fun, inspiring, and funny advertising is much more likely to get watched, and in today’s society of online social networking, these are the ads that will go viral and have the farthest reach.

Such ads also provide the additional public service of offering a source of entertainment and inspiration. Below are some videos from the TheShelterProject.org campaign being promoted by the Ad Council. ResourcesForLife.com is an Ad Council media partner.

“Toys”

“The People Park”

“Sand Castles”

“Cell Phone”

I felt it was worth sharing more broadly by posting it here for those who aren’t active in the discussion forum, and also for those involved in any kind of activism or social reform/transform efforts.

As we head into 2012, it’s a good reminder to stay united and focused on solutions, rather than being divided and arguing about problems.

~ Greg

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‘Tis the season…

Friends,

As we finish out the year of 2011, I think we have much to be thankful for. Since 2002, our online discussion group has had 9,881 messages posted. Most of those have offered practical solutions to small home design and construction. There have been excellent discussion threads about electrical systems, water sources, alternative energy, waste disposal, and many other topics.

It doesn’t come up often in this group, but occasionally the discussion gets off topic, stays off topic, and then people may begin to bicker about their own differing opinions about the economy, religion, or politics. I recognize that such conversations will likely always be present in society, but would like us all to make an effort to keep them off this discussion forum.

I know we’re all susceptible to feeling frustrated about the down economy and as we look for people to blame, it’s easy to point the finger at corporate fat-cats or political leaders present and past who are of a different political camp than our own. Heading into an election year, those inclinations will only increase.

As you know, the small house movement brings together people from differing economic, political, social, and cultural backgrounds. This presents challenges and opportunities. The challenge will be for us to stay united and focused on solutions, instead of divided as we complain about problems. The opportunity is that we can learn to respect each other’s differences and grow along the way.

A friend of mine who is well off financially (among the 1%) lives in a 4000 square foot home. He’s done some really innovative things to renovate the home and make it more sustainable. Yet, he still wants to live in something smaller and simpler. He’s also a big supporter of the small house movement. For others, smaller and simpler living isn’t a choice, but an economic necessity for survival. Some may choose small living not for financial reasons, or a desire to live simply, instead they choose small living because they believe a sustainable life is the only environmentally ethical way to live on this earth.

I’ve been involved in social activism for decades, and one thing I’ve learned is that problems are divisive, but solutions bring people together.

Here are some simple examples (among thousands)…

• Starbucks is currently promoting their CreateJobsForUSA.org initiative. This program to create jobs brings people together. Rather than starting a movement complaining about unemployment, and blaming one political party or another, instead they are creating a movement that focuses on solutions.
• NuruInternational.com is an organization dedicated to ending poverty. It was started by an ex-Marine with 7 years of military service and multiple tours of duty. He became disillusioned about war as an effective pathway to peace. Rather than starting up an “anti-war” organization he established a “create peace on earth” organization — and it’s working.

I’d like to think the Small House Society is similar to the above organizations. We’re not here to fight amongst ourselves as we complain about the problems and what caused (or causes) them, but instead we’re here to offer innovative, hopeful, and practical solutions to people seeking smaller, simpler, affordable, and sustainable living. We’re working toward creating sustainable communities where people can live simply with dignity, in harmony with each other and the earth.

Let’s try to keep our time and energy focused on solutions that help people, rather than problems that divide them.

We have a lot to be thankful for. I’m particularly grateful for the many contributions that all of you make to this discussion, and also in your own communities and social circles. We (the Small House Movement) need all of you. We need advocates for our movement from every walk of life — every economic, political, and religious persuasion. You are all ambassadors and representatives of this movement.

Thanks for all you do.

Greg

* * *

A new study has stated the volume of cruise trip holidays among the Brits has risen significantly.
 Results by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) show that the recognition connected with cruise trip holidays has increased by 28%.

The most recent published report forecasts that UK ports will see 835,000 people depart on cruise ventures next year that is a rise of almost a third from a couple of years prior.

The real reason for a lot of British people deciding on shipping removals and also the shipping holiday pattern is considered to be a result of present financial situations. Sector specialists declare that cruise trip breaks often have better value for money along with a excellent replacement for people lowering their costs. In addition, they have an inclination to be less expensive than seaside getaways as a result of last minute price drops.
 Robinson’s luggage shipping services ensure your items are moved safely and securely, so should you involve some excess baggage simply ship it with the leading professional shipping company.

Immediately, luxury cruise getaways can seem pricey however the cost has a tendency to include all costs including accommodation, food as well as entertainment. The ever increasing popularity has increased the United Kingdom shipping business causing bigger ships becoming commissioned carrying a huge number of passengers. 
1stopship can also provide professional international student shipping services for any student along with traveller, wishing to post their personal possessions to any destination on the planet. The team of experts know that one-off baggage may accumulate, therefore avoid the expensive air freight expenses as well as ship door-to-door with 1stopship’s sea couriers.

They are dedicated to shipping luggage overseas and round the globe, so if you’re going on vacation this coming winter ship your luggage with 1stopship.

Summary. This page provides a collection of humorous cartoon video animations that have been popularized on the Simon’s Cat YouTube Channel.

An entire series of Simon’s Cat books are available on Amazon.

Monetizing Your Dreams. Besides laughter being good medicine, this series is an excellent example of how one can earn money doing something they love — in this case, making funny animated cat cartoons. YouTube allows users to include relevant advertising with their videos. The advertising generates revenue, allowing people to make money from their posted videos.

Simon’s Cat in ‘Double Trouble’ (7 October 2011)

Simon’s Cat in ‘Cat & Mouse’ (2 September 2011)

Simon’s Cat in ‘Hidden Treasure’ (16 June 2011)

Simon’s Cat in ‘Hop It’ (21 April 2011)

Simon’s Cat in ‘Sticky Tape’ (28 February 2011)

Simon’s Cat in ‘Santa Claws’ (10 December 2010)

Simon’s Cat: Beyond the Fence – UK Television Advert (24 November 2011)

Simon’s Cat in ‘Lunch Break’ (12 November 2011)

Simon’s Cat in ‘Cat Chat’ (7 October 2010)

Simon’s Cat in ‘The Box’ (18 August 2010)

Simon’s Cat ‘Snow Business’ (10 February 2010)

Simon’s Cat ‘ Hot Spot’ (28 September 2009)

Simon’s Cat ‘Fly Guy’ (24 July 2009)

RSPCA – Simon’s Sister’s Dog ‘Fed Up’ (8 December 2008)

Simon’s Cat ‘TV Dinner’ (15 July 2008)

Simon’s Cat ‘Let Me In!’ (4 March 2008)

Simon’s Cat ‘Cat Man Do’ (4 March 2008)