In a world where social and environmental challenges persist, such as poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to clean water, consumers are increasingly drawn to socially responsible brands that actively contribute to positive change and give back to communities.
According to Forbes, “71% of Americans believe companies now have a greater responsibility than ever to address social issues.” Furthermore, consumers prefer brands that take concrete actions for causes they care about rather than merely talking about them.
Let’s delve into the stories of three companies that are actively making a difference and giving back to society.
Cotopaxi’s dedication to environmental stewardship is not just a promise; it forms the very essence of the company. Founder Davis Smith, having spent his early years in Latin and South America witnessing extreme poverty, was driven to establish a business that supports sustainability and addresses global poverty.
Currently, the company channels its profits through the Cotopaxi Foundation, a private 501c3 nonprofit organization that distributes these revenues to support partner organizations through multi-year grants, creating lasting impact with long-term programs. Additionally, Cotopaxi is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, committing to donate a minimum of 1% of annual revenue toward initiatives promoting a healthier planet.
True Colors United (TCU), one of the organizations Cotopaxi collaborates with, focuses on ending homelessness among LGBTQ youth and marginalized groups. Cotopaxi actively participates in advocacy and education initiatives to provide long-term solutions to the disproportionate challenges faced by LGBTQ youth.
In 2021 alone, Cotopaxi directly aided 1,255,490 people through poverty alleviation programs, donated 202,000 masks (total value: $707,000), provided 67,000 malaria treatments benefiting 403,416 families, and assisted over 89,100 refugees in Ecuador and Venezuela.
Living up to its name, Trader Joe’s is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores with over 560 locations across the United States as of December 2022. The company actively addresses food waste and supports local communities by donating 100% of unsold but still consumable products to various community recipients daily.
In 2021, Trader Joe’s contributed quality products valued at over $349 million to reputable nonprofit partners nationwide. As the company continues to expand, it actively seeks new partnerships to ensure meaningful collaborations with community-based non-profit partners.
The Neighborhood Shares Program saw the addition of 180 new partners in 2021, bringing the total number of partners receiving donations from Trader Joe’s to 1,022.
Founded in 2021 by CEO Garrett Blood, Kajae is a premium staff augmentation company that empowers businesses with top global talent. With proven workers engaging across multiple assignment areas beyond their core expertise, Kajae is committed to driving customer success and performing tasks across a wide range of business functions.
One of Kajae’s notable initiatives is its diverse corporate volunteer programs, including a successful skills-based volunteering strategy. For instance, Kajae contributed an ongoing team member with expertise in copywriting to assist My Story Matters, a non-profit organization promoting healing, inspiring hope, and celebrating courage through storytelling.
In addition to volunteer efforts, Kajae makes monetary contributions to organizations like the Uganda Orphanage Fund and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to support wishes and provide aid.
Internally, Kajae has implemented numerous programs to achieve its goal of transitioning 100% of employees from poverty to the middle class within 60 days of joining the team. Initiatives include continuing education programs, Kajae Kids Scholarships, employee referral bonuses, national disaster relief support, pay advances as needed, and ongoing pay increases each year.
Let’s Wrap it Up
Companies like Cotopaxi, Trader Joe’s, and Kajae are leaders in giving back and paying it forward. Beyond the positive impact on individuals and communities, these initiatives enhance the company’s image both internally and externally.
According to a Deloitte study, 89% of workers believe that organizations supporting volunteer activities improve the overall working environment. Employees engaged in workplace service are prouder and more loyal to the company, creating opportunities for increased sales and customer loyalty. Moreover, a company’s charitable contributions, while offering numerous benefits, primarily contribute to making the world a better place for the underserved. The public recognizes and appreciates companies making genuine efforts to give back and pay it forward.
