Are corporate foundations intended to only make donations?

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In these last two weeks I have had the opportunity to participate in some local forums for the professionalization of the philanthropic sector and in others to support the development of foundational initiatives that wish to consolidate themselves into social projects of community benefit. Some people have asked me about this space: how can we convey the value of the business foundation both for corporate executives and for civil organizations that wish to access the funds? Being the same topic, the public utility of business foundations, perceptions are different according to the sector from which the question is asked, are these types of foundations only there to give donations? From the perspective of civil society, the notion has persisted that it is the main role of business foundations to assume themselves as financiers of projects that philanthropic institutions develop. Of course this seems obvious, but the approach requires many deep reflections. In fact, the crux of any foundation, whether family, independent, community or business, is to allocate resources to civil organizations. However, in all of them the spirit reigns that the social investment they make must produce benefits and that is where substantial changes are being made. Today we have to measure the social impact generated by the social projects of organizations and that is a shared responsibility.

In particular, for a business foundation there is Phone Number List an entire panorama that marks a professional work path that has been evolving due to the spirit of continuous improvement. For example, in the past the way of working was based on the fact that in order to fulfill its corporate purpose, an institution of this nature would discern between options it received, then analyze the technical aspects of the proposals and, after approval by a council of specialists or by the company's directors, the check was delivered. The relationship ended there or, if a closer bond was cultivated, an on-site visit was invited and the activity was reported through a report. Fortunately, the professionalization of CSOs has achieved substantial changes; they are no longer asking for donations, but instead invite others to invest. They are building work proposals that clearly expose the tangible and intangible achievements that are intended to be achieved. They are working with business foundations not to renew a donation, but to build a relationship of partners. However, it is advisable to review the business perspective on what it means to have a foundation. Some businessmen have taken on the task of creating their own institution. However, not in all cases does the same vision exist within the company (and of course there does not have to be only one paradigm), but what is important is to lay the foundations for the usefulness of the work of the company for the company. Foundation.



In no way does a business foundation exist just to give money. This notion translates into the false idea that either the institution is an expense, or it only affects the final result of the profits, that is, that part of them goes to a lost fund because that money "is given away." ” and does not produce an immediate benefit. So, a business foundation can be seen as an end or as a means. Often the first optics have the upper hand. The business foundation seen as an end motivates the delineation of an institution whose scope of work is exclusively located in the circle of philanthropic activity, understood as the relationship established by the company with civil organizations (limited attention to one or two stakeholders). Your name and positioning must generate a favorable impact on the corporation. It is intended to carry out altruistic and supportive actions and all those tasks that can demonstrate the generosity of the company, its spirit of contribution and retribution. Public relations have great weight in this model, but it is estimated that the budget is an expense. It is not strange then to understand that the main task and daily work is unrelated to the business interest, its activity focuses exclusively on limited areas of action according to the areas of intervention and beneficiary population. All of them have an emphasis on image building and attention to only two members of their interest groups: CSOs and in some cases governments.