Corporate responsibility can be expressed in a full range of business responses to the needs of society. It can be in the form of direct giving of funds to a targeted non-profit organization. In addition, a corporation may elect to become directly involved in a project such as the Adopt-a-School Program in which corporations provide services rather than direct dollars to the target school or school district. The participating company supplies mentors, tutors, facilities, equipment, and technology in order to have a positive impact on the educational progress, and consequently exercises considerable control over its own benevolence.
Still other corporations establish company foundations that direct contributions to worthwhile programs or projects. This option offers companies more control over their contribution dollars and permits direction of these funds to specific areas or needs. The largest company-based foundations are listed in "Foundations and Grants" on page 90. Advice on establishing a corporate foundation may be obtained from organizations that monitor and counsel foundations.
For further information on this topic, contact The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003. Telephone (212) 620-4230.