Spotlight on Sonoco Successful corporations frequently find it beneficial to engage in corporate philanthropy. As a company invests in the community by giving of their resources, whether it be expertise, volunteer time, product donations or philanthropic dollars, they begin to see benefits such as increased visibility, attraction of new talent and a positive reputation in the community. However, corporations frequently find there are challenges to ensuring their philanthropy is strategic, value enhancing and cost effective. There are important concerns such as the amount of staff time needed to manage the program, the knowledge of government relegations and tax implications associated with giving and
During its 115 year history beginning in
management of the
the cost of managing a grant process. A 2010
Hartsville, South Carolina, Sonoco has
program was taking up
report from The Committee Encouraging
always made giving back to their local
valuable internal resources.
Corporate Philanthropy (a project of the
community a priority. In 1999, the Sonoco
They began to realize they
Goldman Sachs Public Service Program)
Foundation was formed as the company’s
could make an even larger
states, “To realize meaningful benefits,
philanthropic arm. The goal of the
impact if they turned
philanthropy cannot be just another ‘check
foundation was to improve the communities
the management of their funds over to a
in the box,’ but rather must be executed
where the company has operations with a
professional, experienced, third-party
no less professionally, proactively and
focus on the areas of education, health and
strategically than other core business
wellness, arts and culture, environment
activities.” Sonoco Products Company, a
and community development. In 2013, the
global provider of innovative packaging
Sonoco Foundation made cash contributions
solutions, wanted to take their growing
of more than $2.5 million to 65 nonprofit
corporate philanthropy program to the
organizations.
next level and found the solution in Central Carolina Community Foundation.
stay connected 2711 middleburg drive, suite 213 columbia, sc 29204
803.254.5601 | 803.799.6663 (F) www.yourfoundation.org info@yourfoundation.org
Although Sonoco was pleased with the
— continued on page 4
Interested in creating a corporate donor advised fund? Contact Heather Sherwin at 803.254.5601 x331
impact they were making in the community,
we are a nonprofit organization
president’s letter | 2
serving 11 counties in the
scholarship funds list | 2
midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the
midlands gives | 4
resources of donors, nonprofits
new fundholders reception | 3
and community leaders to areas
events | 4
of need.