Working with the Business Sector

How can grantmakers cross the divide between philanthropy and business? Looking at the push and pull between sectors from the vantage point of those working in independent and corporate foundations, this guide examines efforts to partner with and influence the business world. Grantmakers weigh the case for engaging business, share strategies for working with companies, and identify skills for promoting corporate philanthropy. They also explore ways to bridge cultural and philosophical differences between the sectors.
 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Making the case for business engagement
• Attracting corporate resources
• Collaborating across sectors on common projects
• Seeking change in the business world
  

SAMPLE QUOTES

"To really have their attention, it's got to be more than 'We want good PR.' A project needs to be related to a business need or a business priority for the company."

- A corporate grantmaker, working with business colleagues and senior management
 

"Grantmakers and grantees point out that there are three principal motivators for companies to take up a social agenda: values, strategy, and the pressure of regulation or litigation, either actual or threatened. If you get all three of those running at the same time, says one, then you've got a chance to get something that lasts from one business cycle to the next."

- From the guide, a grantmaker on whether to confront or to collaborate
 

"As we were working with the county to get better transportation for our target area, (the company that made a small grant of support) started to realize that this was a community where they could be drawing more employees and customers - but not if people didn't have transportation."
 

- A grantmaker on the tactic of 'dollars first and then deeper involvement'
 

"I feel it's my responsibility to be constantly asking myself, 'Are we still on track with our (philanthropic) goals here?' I know my friends on the business side ask themselves, 'Is this good for the company?' and they'd be derelict if they didn't."

- A grantmaker reflecting on how she keeps her balance in any alliance