Though you may not realize it, every dollar you spend actively supports a certain type of business practice.
If you’re not mindful with your money, you may inadvertently give to a company that doesn’t invest its profits as well or as ethically as it could.
In this respect, consumers are represent the cornerstone of corporate social responsibility in the modern age, as it is their purchases that determine which companies are able to thrive and fulfill their various social obligations.
So while CSR may represent a perfect opportunity for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability (while also building a progressive reputation), it is ultimately consumers who must distinguish between ethical and aware brands and those that are less socially orientated.
In this article, let’s have a look at 25 major companies that give back to the community.
Make no mistake; by researching the products that you buy, you can make sure your purchases are helping to support worthy charities and important causes.
With this in mind, here are 25 corporations that place a significant emphasis on CSR and give back to the community in a big way:
The Coca-Cola Company
Through the Coca-Cola Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company has donated more than $820 million since 1984 to enhancing community sustainability. This includes over $117 million in 2015 alone.
Over $8 million of this consisted of employee matching gifts.
The company commits one percent of the prior year’s operating income to the foundation and other company donations. These donations cast a wide net, supporting almost 300 organizations around the globe.
The major priorities of the Coca-Cola Foundation are economic empowerment for women, water conservation, access to clean water, youth development, education, and civic initiatives.
In 2015, some of the company’s many donations included the following:-
Africa Against Ebola Solidarity Trust — $500,000
Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. — $700,000
China Women Development Foundation — $800,000
American National Red Cross — $1,200,000
National Recreation and Park Association — $1,000,000
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company donated over $333 million to nonprofit organizations in 2015 through cash giving, product contributions, and public service announcements.
The Disney VoluntEARS program encourages employee volunteerism.
Through this program, volunteers have contributed 2.4 million hours of service since 2012.
Disney participates in a wide variety of projects and uses its distinctive branding to encourage participation and change on various fronts. The Star Wars: Force for Change initiative raised more than $4.2 million for UNICEF Innovation Labs by hosting a sweepstakes for a walk-on role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Through the Marvel Studios: Hero Acts initiative, Marvel Studios will donate $5 to Save the Children for every fan photo uploaded featuring a Marvel hero pose (up to $1 million total).
Projects like these use smart branding to encourage charitable participation.
Amway
Amway’s charitable projects are organized around its mission of “Helping People Live Better Lives.”
The Amway One by One Campaign for Children supports Amway affiliates, distributors, and employees in activities that help children in need. Since 2003, this initiative has generated $225 million in contributions and 3.1 million volunteer hours.
Amway’s partnership with the U.S. Dream Academy helps young people make positive life changes through skill building, dream building, and character building.
Amway also supports important causes through its products.
The company developed Nutrilite Little Bits packets that contain 15 essential micronutrients. Nutrilite Little Bits have helped support the health of almost 3,000 children in Zambia and Mexico. Through the end of the 2016, Amway will include 17 countries in this distribution program.
Starbucks
Support a good cause with your coffee by purchasing it from Starbucks. The Starbucks Foundation gave $6.9 million to nonprofit organizations in 2015.
This included $1.5 million for social development grants and $3 million to Starbucks Opportunity for Youth.
Starbucks supports responsible activities throughout its supply and production chain. It supports efforts for biodiversity conservation, water sanitation, and agricultural training in the regions that supply its tea, coffee, and cocoa.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods is engaged in several foundations that support nutrition, wellness, and community.
The Whole Planet Foundation strives to alleviate poverty in 69 countries that Whole Foods sources products from. The Whole Kids Foundation supports nutrition for children with initiatives like the School Salad Bar Program, School Garden Grant Program, and Healthy Teachers Program.
The Whole Cities Program works to bring healthful foods to underserved communities. It partnered with the ReFresh Project to help eliminate food deserts, where residents have trouble accessing nutritious groceries, and for revitalizing communities in need.
Not only do these brands set examples and templates for SMEs and similar companies to follow, but they also establish a benchmark in terms of how and where consumers spend their money.
Toast
Toast, a restaurant management software company, not only simplifies operations for food establishments but also engages in significant community work.
Their Toast.org program focuses on tackling food insecurity, supporting local communities, and driving sustainability in the food industry.
For instance, they partner with nonprofit organizations, providing technology, funds, and volunteer support to address hunger and food waste challenges.
Their commitment is evident in their active participation in food drives and community kitchens, making a tangible impact in the areas they serve.
SRAM
SRAM, renowned for its innovative bicycle components, extends its expertise into community engagement through initiatives like World Bicycle Relief.
This program provides specially designed, locally assembled bicycles to students, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs in rural areas, greatly enhancing mobility and access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
SRAM’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in their support for bicycle advocacy and urban cycling infrastructure, promoting environmentally friendly transportation.
CarGurus
CarGurus demonstrates its dedication to community service through various philanthropic initiatives.
The company organizes annual charity drives and encourages employee participation in local community service projects.
For instance, CarGurus’ involvement in educational programs for underprivileged children and their support for local food banks highlight their commitment to addressing community needs.
Through these efforts, CarGurus strengthens its connection with local communities while fostering a culture of giving back.
The Kraft Heinz Company
The Kraft Heinz Company’s philanthropic endeavors are vast and varied, focusing on issues like hunger relief and healthy eating.
Through partnerships with organizations like Feeding America and Rise Against Hunger, Kraft Heinz has made significant contributions to food banks and global hunger relief efforts.
Their environmental initiatives include reducing water usage and promoting sustainable agriculture, showcasing their commitment to not only feeding the world but doing so sustainably.
The PNC Financial Services Group
The PNC Financial Services Group’s “Grow Up Great” program exemplifies their dedication to early childhood education. This $500 million initiative focuses on improving educational opportunities for children, particularly in underserved communities.
PNC also invests in financial literacy programs for adults, helping to enhance economic well-being in the communities they serve.
Their commitment to education and financial empowerment reflects a deep understanding of the foundational role these elements play in community development.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA’s philanthropic efforts are closely tied to their technological expertise.
Through the NVIDIA Foundation, they support initiatives in areas like AI for healthcare, providing resources and technology to drive advancements in medical research and patient care.
NVIDIA’s employee volunteer program also encourages staff to engage in community service, with the company matching their charitable donations, thereby amplifying their social impact.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods, through its Better to Give program, allows customers to choose a nonprofit organization to receive a donation with each purchase.
Their focus on supporting artist communities and small producers is also evident in their product selection, which often includes handcrafted and sustainable items.
Uncommon Goods’ commitment to social responsibility extends to their workplace, maintaining a focus on employee well-being and sustainability practices.
Bookshop.org
Bookshop.org significantly supports local and independent bookstores by donating a portion of each sale to these small businesses.
This approach helps sustain the literary ecosystem and promotes community-based businesses.
Their model not only provides an alternative to large online retailers but also fosters a sense of community and support for local culture and literacy efforts.
GreenEcoDream
GreenEcoDream goes beyond offering sustainable products by actively contributing to environmental causes.
Their partnership with Clean Miami Beach through their 1% for the Planet membership involves supporting beach cleanup initiatives, directly impacting ocean health and local ecosystems.
Their commitment to plastic reduction and support for environmental coalitions underline their dedication to sustainability and ecological conservation.
tentree
tentree’s mission transcends clothing production, focusing on environmental restoration.
They have planted millions of trees worldwide, contributing to reforestation and biodiversity efforts.
Their “earth-first” approach is also reflected in the use of sustainable materials in their products, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship.
Obakki
Obakki’s support for global artisan communities involves more than just selling their products. They provide these artisans with a platform to sustain their crafts and livelihoods, while also ensuring ethical production practices.
Additionally, Obakki’s non-profit arm, The Obakki Foundation, further contributes to the welfare of these communities, focusing on areas like clean water, education, and healthcare, thereby creating a holistic approach to community support.
Conscious Step
Conscious Step’s unique model combines everyday products with charitable giving.
Each pair of socks sold supports specific causes like animal welfare, environmental conservation, and health initiatives.
This approach allows consumers to contribute to diverse global issues while purchasing practical, everyday items, making philanthropy accessible and integrated into daily life.
Prosperity Candle
Prosperity Candle’s impact is twofold: providing economic opportunities to women artisans and refugees in the U.S., and creating high-quality, sustainable products.
Each candle sold not only supports the artisans who make them but also contributes to a broader mission of empowerment and ethical business practices, making each purchase a step towards positive social change.
The Tote Project
The Tote Project focuses on the recovery and empowerment of human trafficking survivors.
A portion of their profits goes to Two Wings, an organization dedicated to helping survivors rebuild their lives through education and employment opportunities.
Their commitment to this cause is a testament to their belief in the power of business to make a significant social impact.
Mable
Mable’s Buy Give Teach Give Back program illustrates their commitment to both environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Their initiative of providing a bamboo toothbrush to a child in the U.S. for every toothbrush sold not only reduces plastic waste but also addresses oral health needs in underserved communities, thereby combining environmental action with social welfare.
EarthHero
EarthHero’s 1% for the Planet membership involves contributing a portion of their profits to environmental causes.
Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their carefully curated eco-friendly products, ensuring that consumers have access to sustainable options for a range of needs, from clothing to home goods, thereby making conscious consumerism easier and more accessible.
Fazl Socks
Fazl Socks stands out for its commitment to supporting orphanages and creating fair jobs.
With 50% of profits going to orphanages, they provide vital support for food, shelter, education, and clothing for children in need.
Their model demonstrates a deep commitment to social welfare and the power of a business to drive significant change in the lives of vulnerable populations.
Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages supports sustainable jobs and stronger communities by providing artisans in developing countries with a fair market for their products.
Their focus on long-term partnerships ensures ongoing support and development for these communities, making a lasting impact on the livelihoods of the artisans and their families.
Made Trade
Made Trade’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their carbon-neutral shipping and return policy.
They offer a range of sustainable products, from home goods to clothing, ensuring that their business operations have a minimal environmental impact.
Their focus on eco-friendly practices and products reflects a comprehensive approach to corporate social responsibility.
Ethique
Ethique’s dedication to conservation and environmental groups is demonstrated through their donations and business practices. Their zero-waste, plastic-free, and plant-based products are a testament to their commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Their support for various environmental and animal welfare groups underscores their holistic approach to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Final Thoughts
From a customer perspective, it is important to make sure you are buying from businesses that give back in meaningful ways.
These companies demonstrate just a small sampling of the good you can do by spending your money in the right places.
Research before you buy so you always know whom you’re backing and their approach to business ethics.