Coverage of the report in Generocity:
Philanthropy Network and Chamber of
Commerce release corporate social
responsibility report
by Sabrina Vourvoulias
[May 15, 2019] The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia are pleased to release “How Employers Give: A Look at Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Philadelphia.” The report provides a snapshot of how the business community of Philadelphia engages in philanthropy and the scale and scope of those philanthropic activities. The report is based on a survey distributed in early 2019 to 100 companies represented on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, many of whom are also members of Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia.
“The business community in Philadelphia cares deeply about the city and this survey provides a start in understanding the extent of the time, talent, and donations that employers give,” said Rob Wonderling, the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber. “Employers big and small, public and private, are finding unique opportunities each and every day to make a difference throughout our city.”
The report provides data on how much employers are giving, the number of hours employees have spent volunteering, top issues areas and target populations groups, and how employers engage their employees in philanthropic activities. The report also provides examples and case studies of employer’s philanthropic activities.
Among the report’s key findings:
- Employers headquartered in Philadelphia direct much of their giving to causes that benefit the local community. According to the survey data, 90 percent of employers’ giving that benefits communities and nonprofits in Philadelphia comes from companies headquartered here.
- Senior leadership buy-in and support is strong, with more than half of respondents stating that their executive office oversees aspects of the organization's philanthropic activity.
- Employers spread their giving across a large number of nonprofit organizations, with more than a third of respondents supporting over 50 nonprofits over the past year.
- Employers struggle with tracking data and measuring impact, and many respondents were unable to provide data on their employees’ volunteering activities. Coupled with the fact that the survey was sent to only a portion of the Chamber’s membership, the actual amount of giving, volunteering, and pro bono support provided by Philadelphia employers is much higher than what the survey data reports.
“Our city becomes stronger when a variety of actors—from foundations and corporations to nonprofits and civic leaders—come together to address issues,” said Sidney Hargro, President, Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia. “Through this report, it’s clear that employers want to make a difference in the communities in which they work and are using a variety of strategies to make an impact. We’re excited to use this information as a starting point to inspire even greater philanthropic activity in Philadelphia.”
The survey and report were prepared by Geneva Global, a certified B Corporation in Greater Philadelphia that provides advice and services to help philanthropists, charitable organizations, and corporations maximize their social impact.
About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia brings area businesses and civic leaders together to promote growth and create opportunity in our region. Our members represent eleven counties, three states, and roughly 600,000 employees from thousands of member companies and organizations. We advocate for regional development, business-friendly public policies, and economic prosperity. We support our members with practical, inspiring programs, resources, and events. And all that we do serves one clear, bold goal: to make Greater Philadelphia a great place for good business. For more information, visit www.chamberphl.com.
About Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia
Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia is a hub for the region’s funders and social investors, providing unique opportunities for learning, collective action, and support to advance the effectiveness and impact of their efforts. For more information visit www.philanthropynetwork.org.