Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility in the News As I write this, news about socially responsible companies and business practices is at the forefront of my mind. For-profit companies that choose to embrace social responsibility as part of their business plan see significant benefits by assessing and taking responsibility for the company’s effects on the environment and social wellbeing.  Some companies are going to greater extremes than others. Posted on the Community Foundation LinkedIn page is a New York Times article about BlackRock, one of the most influential investment firms in the world, which manages more than $6 trillion in investments.  Blackrock reports that a condition of their future investment support is that companies contribute to society in addition to making profits.  CEO Laurence D. Fink states, “Society is demanding that companies, both public and private, serve a social purpose.”  He continued, “To Prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society.” Many companies are establishing and expanding their operations in northern Nevada. Our community wants these companies to give back; to contribute to our schools, housing needs, recreational facilities, and engage the community.  The movement of corporations embracing social responsibility as a part of their culture and business plans bodes well for all of us. With this in mind, we created the Corporate Philanthropy Partners, a collaborative effort between the Community Foundation and local business to channel corporate intent to do good and bring about measurable positive change. Kudos to Barrick, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase International, Dickson Realty, EDAWN, International Test Solutions, JP Morgan Chase, KNPB, Nature’s Bakery, NV Energy, Raley’s, Renown, and Wells Fargo, for being companies that embrace social responsibility.  Working together, we have some ambitious plans to build a body of work that is felt throughout the region. Well-known economics writer, Thomas Friedman, states that as far back as 1970 social responsibility was “one way for a corporation to generate goodwill as a by-product of expenditures that are entirely justified in its own self-interest.”  The Community Foundation is doing all we can to help corporations give back to our community in meaningful ways. If you want to learn more, for yourself, or your company, please give me a call.   The Community Foundation is here to help you care, connect, and engage. Chris Askin, President, and CEO Connecting people who care with causes that matter