6 July 2007
How to be a good corporate citizen
The boundaries between philanthropy, corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship are increasingly blurred. This blending of old lines of separation and the growing partnerships between businesses and not-for-profits, as corporates increase their dedication to 'doing good', is explored in the latest FT supplement, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy.
In an article discussing the latest huge philanthropic donations, NPC trustee Peter Wheeler warns donors not to assume they always know better than the charities. He says 'those of us who have been lucky enough to be rewarded disproportionately by the market for our dealmaking or stockpicking skills should assume that there is a lot that others can teach us when it comes to how to invest for social impact.' He adds, 'sometimes I think we would do well to ''make innovation history'' and show our support for what really works well.'
The special report does not just talk about corporates that are starting to think more carefully about their giving. One article talks about the growing business of organisations advising individuals on their philanthropy. NPC is highlighted as one of these organisations that helps donors to make more informed decisions about their giving.
The blossoming relationship between the profit and not-for-profit sector, groups described by the FT as being 'mutually suspicious' in the past, was also visible in the Global Compact Leader's Summit held today. The summit, held by the UN in Geneva, brings together top business people, government ministers and not-for-profit groups to discuss how to ensure 'globalisation delivers the widest possible benefits for all'.
Click below to read the articles from the FT supplement featuring NPC and its trustees:
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