Cause Marketing

New York, New York, June 2, 2009 — Today, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) shares a first-look at results from its annual philanthropy survey of nearly 140 leading companies, revealing that 53% of companies increased their total philanthropic donations in 2008, and 27% increased their giving by more than 10% year-over-year. Amid a challenging economy, business leaders continue to support their companies’ commitments to supporting their communities and advancing social and environmental programs around the world, further evidenced today as CECP presents the Excellence Awards in Corporate Philanthropy to two companies and one nonprofit.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 3, 2009 — Charles Schwab Foundation announced today that it is renewing its commitment to continue funding Money Matters, the financial education program offered through every Boys & Girls Club that serves teens throughout the U.S.

HERNDON, Va., June 3, 2009 — Audi and Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for one-to-one friendship and integrated employment to people with intellectual disabilities, this weekend joined forces with star quarterback Tom Brady and celebrities for the annual Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port charity bicycle tour and fundraising events. With more than 1,500 participants and close to US $4 million raised, the 2009 ride beat last year's record to once again make it the most successful fundraising initiative in Best Buddies' and Audi's history. Audi's underwriting of the ride means that every dollar raised over the course of the weekend goes directly to the charity and its programs.

Earlier this year, in honor of International Corporate Philanthropy Day, 55 CEOs from some of the world's largest companies convened for the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy's fourth annual Board of Boards CEO Conference to discuss this year's theme, "Global Leaders: Confronting a Crucial Decision."

June 1, 2009, Boston Business Journal — More than 800 Deloitte employees are expected to volunteer June 5 at nonprofits nationwide, including in Boston as part of the company’s 10th annual IMPACT Day.

MCLEAN, Va., June 2, 2009 — Today, Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) announces the launch of Card Lab Connect, a credit card affinity program that helps nonprofits expand their giving channels, while providing their supporters with a convenient and meaningful way to donate to charity programs. Unlike most affinity card programs which generally cater to larger, national organizations, Capital One Card Lab Connect is available for nonprofits of all sizes.

June 1, 2009, The Wall Street Journal — A Boston start-up called Charity Partners Inc. is hoping to wring some social good out of the business of ticket scalping.

CHICAGO, IL, May 29, 2009 — IHOP, one of America's favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, today announced that its 2008 National Pancake Day Celebration was recognized with the Cause Marketing Forum's prestigious 2009 Gold Halo Award. IHOP and its national charity partner, Children's Miracle Network, both received the Gold Halo Award for Best Transactional Campaign, which highlights cause-marketing campaigns that generate donations via consumer activity.

NEWTON, Mass., May 29, 2009 — TripAdvisor(R), the world's most popular and largest travel community, has won a gold Halo Award, American cause marketing's highest honor. TripAdvisor won the "Best Use of Social Media" category for their fall 2008 "More than Footprints(TM)" campaign which distributed $1 million dollars between five travel-related non-profit organizations, including: Conservation International; Doctors without Borders; National Geographic Society; Save the Children; and The Nature Conservancy. Run by the Cause Marketing Forum, Halos recognize work that advances the interests of both nonprofit partners and a business, and are judged on conceptual strength, execution, business results, and cause results. The honors were announced in a May 28 ceremony at the Cause Marketing Forum's annual conference in Chicago.

May 28, 2009, The New York Times — The results are in, and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is the winner of the Target Corporation’s “Bullseye Gives” contest on Facebook, in which 10 charities vied for votes from the social network’s users.