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"The greatest thing you can learn is the lesson of brotherly love, of usefulness, and charity."
~ Booker T. Washington |
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10/5/2004 - Giving is big business in Alabama: Survey shows charitable giving important for Alabama companies
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elizabeth Dennis
(205) 313-4827
or
visit www.alabamagiving.org
Giving is big business in Alabama: Survey shows charitable giving important for Alabama companies
Alabama Giving and the Business Council of Alabama recently partnered to conduct a survey to access the attitudes of businesses in Alabama concerning charitable giving practices and to better understand the level of community involvement by local businesses and its impact on economic and community development.
New South Research surveyed 400 representatives from a wide range of industries from throughout the state including larger corporations as well as companies with fewer than 20 employees. Their responses paint a picture of a corporate community that has a strong sense of responsibility and a high level of involvement, but a limited understanding of the full effect of charitable giving.
"It is gratifying to see that 75 percent of the businesses surveyed reported they have forged community partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and a similar number say they encourage their employees to volunteer in their communities," said William Canary, president and chief executive officer of the Business Council of Alabama.
"These businesses and their employees have found meaningful ways to give back to their communities by providing not only of their financial resources, but also of their time, goods and services. The Alabama Giving report shows the understood importance of community support and charitable giving is consistent among businesses large and small across the state. That understanding is further highlighted by the fact that 84 percent said they continued this support at the same or higher levels even under challenging economic conditions," Canary said.
According to the survey, 49 percent of all respondents agreed that charitable giving helps community and economic development throughout the state by:
- Enhancing the state economy
- Brining in new businesses
- Creating new jobs
- Helping school funding
- Improving the quality of life for Alabama residents
Showing the link between giving and economic growth is one of the goals of Alabama Giving. "Business people know from experience that doing good in the community brings positive attention to their companies," said Johnny Johns, Chairman, President and CEO of Protective Life. "We hope to help them make the link between charitable giving and the quality of life." Businesses surveyed recognized the following specific benefits of charitable giving:
- Improves communities for employees & customers
- Strengthens relationships with community leaders and officials
- Invests in a more educated, well-rounded pool from which to hire future employees
Alabama Giving has developed "Giving Makes Change," a business publication that summarizes survey results, highlights the benefits and impact of charitable giving and provides suggestions and guidance on how companies of any size can participate in giving. An educational campaign is also being implemented in conjunction with area Chamber of Commerce.
For a copy of Giving Makes Change or the executive summary of survey results, go to www.alabamagiving.org or visit your local Chamber of Commerce. Companies wanting information or assistance in developing a charitable giving plan can also contact their local community foundation. Alabama Giving receives support from local funders and the New Ventures in Philanthropy Initiative of the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.
Alabama Giving Mission Statement:
The Alabama Giving Project communicates the value and importance of philanthropy, creates a broader coalition of foundations and corporate giving programs and encourages new foundations and new gifts to existing organizations.
Business Council of Alabama Mission Statement:
The Business Council of Alabama is a statewide association representing the interests and concerns of more than 5,000 Alabama businesses and industries that together employ more than 750,000 Alabamians.
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