Scott Russell wonders in an article in today’s MinnPost: “…when all the giving shakes out, does corporate philanthropy address pressing needs or simply finance feel-good initiatives that help polish corporate images?”
Earlier this year, a post on the Harvard Business Conversation Starter went even farther, calling corporate social responsibility a “PR sham.”
Russell heard Medtronic Foundation executive director (and MCF board member) David Etzwiler speak about corporate philanthropy at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ philanthropy leaders breakfast series:
Etzwiler discussed finding the balance between doing “good” and “improving our business context.” He called it corporate philanthropy’s “sweet spot.” [...] “It is great philanthropy, and it is great strategy,” Etzwiler said. “It gets to brand and visibility. That is part of what I take back to the corporation and say, ‘This all fits together extremely well.’ “
Join the conversation: The author questions whether corporate philanthropy is truly selfless, but also asks, “As long as the money goes toward worthwhile projects, does it matter how it’s spent?” How would you answer those questions?
- Crystal Colby, MCF’s web communications associate
