Visionary leaders have proven that when corporate philanthropy is managed as an investment in society, it can become a powerful catalytic force for change. When corporations strategically invest resources for good, it strengthens their bottom line and helps their communities at the same time. Strategic corporate philanthropy also provides a powerful brand marketing tool, drives employee satisfaction and retention, and builds positive relationships in the community. It’s a win-win for everyone and why the Peninsula Community Foundation offers a full array of Philanthropic services customized for businesses.
The approach to corporate philanthropy varies from company to company but one of the best approaches we’ve experienced has been with one of our Community Partners, Ferguson. They are passionate about what they do and equally passionate about our community. They are committed to integrating a corporate responsibility strategy with their overall business strategy in a way that makes it part of the company’s DNA.
In 2013, when Ferguson wanted to make a substantial investment toward ending homelessness, the Foundation didn’t take the traditional response of simply choosing one of the nonprofits in this area to make a donation to. Instead, we worked with a group of 60 nonprofit agencies from around the region and invested six months of research into studying the work being done in this area. Several issues were identified that could help not just one agency, but every agency. What resulted was a new regional Housing Crisis Hotline, that with one call, anyone facing a housing crisis in Hampton Roads can now be connected to more than 1200 resources.
In 2013, when Ferguson wanted to make a substantial investment toward ending homelessness, the Foundation didn’t take the traditional response of simply choosing one of the nonprofits in this area to make a donation to. Instead, we worked with a group of 60 nonprofit agencies from around the region and invested six months of research into studying the work being done in this area. Several issues were identified that could help not just one agency, but every agency. What resulted was a new regional Housing Crisis Hotline, that with one call, anyone facing a housing crisis in Hampton Roads can now be connected to more than 1200 resources.
The hotline, 1.866.750.4431, was created through a partnership between Ferguson, the Foundation and the Greater Virginia Peninsula Homeless Consortium. The hotline dramatically shortens the time it takes for clients to get the services they need by helping them navigate a very complicated system. The call center receives up to 200 calls daily and is proving effective in reducing homelessness, not just on the Peninsula, but for the region as a whole. It is now the largest tracking system in the state and serves more clients than in any other community. More than 1700 families received assistance in the first four months of operation.
It’s just one example but it powerfully demonstrates the impact that can happen when the corporate and human services worlds connect. The Foundation helps make that connection happen and we are now, together, impacting the community in a way none of us would have been able to do on our own. We are grateful for their example and to have such exemplary leadership in corporate citizenship in our midst. It’s truly inspiring to have a corporation on the Peninsula that is proving that strategic corporate philanthropy can be a tremendous force for good and a catalyst for change.
It’s just one example but it powerfully demonstrates the impact that can happen when the corporate and human services worlds connect. The Foundation helps make that connection happen and we are now, together, impacting the community in a way none of us would have been able to do on our own. We are grateful for their example and to have such exemplary leadership in corporate citizenship in our midst. It’s truly inspiring to have a corporation on the Peninsula that is proving that strategic corporate philanthropy can be a tremendous force for good and a catalyst for change.
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