Corporate Money

Patagonia’s announcement that it’s donating $10 million it saved from the GOP’s corporate tax cut is not so surprising given the company’s history of taking political stands and backing grassroots groups. Where do its grants go?

Many of the workforce development groups drawing funder support engage in matchmaking to hook up employers and jobseekers. JPMorgan Chase is backing such an effort in the South Bronx, with a focus on placing youth in unfilled IT jobs.

Last year’s violence in Charlottesville, VA triggered some major donations at the time. More recently, Bank of America gave $1 million to UVA’s education school to promote tolerance in youth. Other donors have also stepped forward.

Wells Fargo is the latest bank to make a big bet on urban community development, with a focus on Washington, D.C. The move comes amid multiple scandals around the bank, which badly needs some good publicity.

The Dorsey & Whitney Foundation, an international law firm based in Minnesota, supports the communities where its lawyers work—in a variety of ways. We take a quick look at its grantmaking, local employee engagement, and pro bono legal services.

Alaska Airlines’ giving is a great example of aligned corporate philanthropy. It backs causes that emerge out its core business of aviation, including STEM education, aviation workforce development, and charity flight.

While it’s tempting to welcome a fossil fuel giant’s donation toward climate change policy, ExxonMobil’s $1 million backing of a carbon tax is relatively minuscule, and ultimately serves the corporation’s bottom line.

Amalgamated Bank has been expanding, increasing its engagement with philanthropy, launching a foundation and a DAF platform, and hiring a former progressive grantmaker to manage philanthropic clients.

JPMorgan Chase has been blazing a more sophisticated trail for corporate philanthropy. But as the bank giant rolls out its newest program of grants and investments, can it really claim it’s engaged in “systems change?”

Salesforce’s commitment to Bay Area schools now totals more than $50 million over the course of its five-year partnership with its local school districts. But grants aren’t the only way that the company helps.

Foxconn is giving $100 million to the University of Wisconsin-Madison—after landing $4 billion in tax incentives to open a factory in the state. The story offers a window into what’s driving growing ties between campuses and corporations.

The Amica Companies Foundation is staying committed to Rhode Island causes. Over the past few years, it has also funded nonprofits in other parts of the U.S. that its employees are connected to through volunteerism.

Employee giving programs don't have a reputation for being engaging or exciting. Salesforce wants to change that. Its new platform promises personalization and connectivity for workplace giving in the digital age.

The bank is already one of the biggest and most important corporate funders, focusing on workforce skills and urban development. Now its philanthropic arm will have even more money to work with.  

While their reputation as disruptors of philanthropy is overblown, tech donors do want to do some things differently. The new Dropbox Foundation is a case in point. 

As corporate philanthropy gets more strategic and many millennials look to mesh their professional and charitable goals, the stodgy world of employee giving programs is starting to change. 

The giant bank has become a surprising leader in philanthropy's push for inclusive economic growth. We take a deep dive into the backstory—and what JPMorgan brings to the table that's new. 

What happens to bank foundations after mergers and acquisitions take place? Here, we look at how one particular bank deal is affecting corporate giving in the Southeast.

The philanthropic arm of the broadband provider offers modest grants, with a preference for small nonprofits where such money can go a long way.

The clean tech car company is the latest corporation to turn to giving for STEM education, with a debut round of grants in Nevada. What’s the larger strategy, here?

The foundation dedicates about 25 percent of its annual giving to WASH, with a focus on two key water and sanitation issues—access and sustainability. We look at some recent grants going out the door.

Aside from its global aspirations, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation has a strong Chicago connection and close relationship with Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Here’s what this entrepreneurship funder is supporting in the city.

The Opus Community Foundation is a steady supporter of nonprofits in Oregon and Washington, funding across multiple issue areas. We take a look at how the money flows.

Corporate giving for LGBTQ issues has more than doubled in recent years. The telecom giant AT&T is just one big company that regularly gives in this area. What’s driving such support?

Two big new commitments from Google and Accenture offer a window into the biggest trend in corporate philanthropy right now. What’s behind all the focus on the “future of work”?

A top theme of this business funder’s giving is helping individuals and families who have suffered from unforeseen setbacks and losses. It’s a good foundation to know for nonprofits in Portland, Oregon.

An often-overlooked type of business funder is the small community bank that only operates within a restricted geographical area. Here’s a good example in Eastern Tennessee of a bank foundation local nonprofits should know.

Vanguard is a global company with offices around the world. But it’s headquartered outside of Philadelphia and makes some big grants in the city, with a focus on early childhood learning.

The outcomes of inconsistent or one-off giving can be crushing, especially in poor countries. Which is why it’s always nice to see funding initiatives—like this one from Pfizer—that place a premium on recurring support.