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Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CECP Summit 2025: Unleash the Power of Purpose
NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 /3BL/ - This week, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose © (CECP) is bringing together nearly 200 senior social impact, corporate responsibility, and sustainability leaders from the world's leading global companies for the 22nd annual CECP Summit: Unleash the Power of Purpose. This vital network of corporate leaders is engaging and learning together at the event, navigating an agenda that delivered powerful insights on trends, strategic partnerships, and how purpose powers performance in business. The variety of session topics reflect the many complex issues companies are currently facing in social impact and sustainability including navigating socioeconomic change, employee engagement, strategic partnerships, non-financial reporting, the ROI of corporate foundations, disaster response, measuring social investments, and more. 'The leaders gathered at this week's CECP Summit play a pivotal role in bridging corporate purpose with business performance—strengthening customer loyalty, enhancing employee engagement, building brand trust, attracting top talent, and fostering investor confidence,' said Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECP. 'Through CECP's unparalleled insights, benchmarking, executive convenings, and strategic counsel, we empower these leaders to embed purpose into their company's strategy, driving long-term sustainable value while advancing their role as responsible corporate citizens in an increasingly complex world.' The Summit includes the presentation of the Charles H. Moore Award for Leadership in Corporate Community Engagement. The 2025 'Charlie Award' was presented to Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation. The award is named in honor of CECP's founding Executive Director and is presented to senior leaders who exemplify perseverance in the pursuit of societal advancement, the trait for which Charlie Moore was best known. 'It is an honor to receive the Charles H. Moore Award, as Charlie championed the power of business doing well by doing good,' said Steinberg. 'I want to thank CECP for its partnership in pushing for more urgent action across sectors to help address the children's mental health crisis and fill the substantial funding gap on this critical issue.' Steinberg also serves as the CEO of the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children's Mental Health, which was established in February 2020 to address the escalating crisis in children's mental health through growth capital, capacity building, seed funding, and thought leadership, reaching over 52 million people globally since its launch. After nine years in the nonprofit sector, Steinberg joined Morgan Stanley in 1997. She currently oversees the Firm's global philanthropic programs, including strategic planning and execution, employee engagement, and corporate and Foundation grantmaking. She has more than quadrupled the Firm's giving, created programs for over 80,000 global employees, and expanded the philanthropic geographic outreach to serve more communities. At the CECP Summit, attendees will receive the first look at data from CECP's 2025 Giving in NumbersTM Survey. Giving in Numbers is the unrivaled leader in benchmarking on corporate social investments, in partnership with companies. Over 24 years, CECP has created the largest and most historical data set on trends in the industry, shared by more than 650 multi-billion-dollar companies, representing more than $510 billion in corporate social investments over that time span. The Giving in Numbers report, based on the survey data, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by recognizing companies that have taken part every year in that timespan, telling their community investment story, and gathering their feedback on the future of the report. The CECP Summit offers an unparalleled line up of speakers including: CECP thanks its sponsors for their generous support of the CECP Summit: Blackbaud, Exelon, State Farm, Fidelity Investments, and Wynn Resorts. CECP also congratulates the 2024-2025 Company Spotlight honorees: Abbott, Amgen Foundation, Vanguard, Applied Materials, Bank of America, United Health Foundation, Best Buy, Cisco, Zoetis Foundation, Discovery Education, Otsuka, and Wells Fargo. On a quarterly basis, CECP selects companies for the Company Spotlight through a thoughtful information-sharing and communications-support process. Company Spotlights are shared over 2,000 affiliated corporate leaders, posted on the CECP website as case studies for other affiliated companies, and recognized at the CECP Summit. Following the conclusion of the 2025 CECP Summit, CECP will be posting on its website photos, videos, guest blogs, and an Executive Summary. The application process for the 2026 Charlie Award is open. Nominate a peer senior leader in corporate responsibility today. The deadline is August 30. The application can be accessed here or by emailing CECP. About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP) Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only nonpartisan business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line. More than 200 of the world's leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP's solutions in research and insights, strategy and benchmarking, and convening and communications. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society. For more information, visit ### CECP Media ContactKatie Leasor [email protected] Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Corporate Social Responsibility Is Adapting, Survey Reveals Key Trends
Investment in corporate social responsibility is facing a fork in the road. After five years of increasing investment, corporate leaders are confronting external pressures to step back from politically charged social issues, including diversity, equity and inclusion, reproductive rights, climate change, racial justice, human rights, and economic sustainability. Will corporate leaders retreat from CSR in this challenging environment? New data reveals that investment in CSR continues to thrive, while adapting strategically to external demands. The findings were released this month in the 2025 State of Corporate Purpose report by Benevity Impact Labs, based on a survey of over 500 corporate impact professionals from a range of company sizes, industries and regions. The report highlighted three key trends in corporate social responsibility initiatives. In the Benevity survey, 92% of corporate impact professionals said their organizations are continuing to invest in CSR because it's good for business. Specifically, 88% said that investment in CSR was future-proofing their business when it comes to talent acquisition and retention, customers and regulatory readiness. According to the Benevity survey, leaders recognize that corporate silence 'creates brand risk.' 'As leaders navigate the complexities facing business today, it remains clear that leading with corporate purpose is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic advantage,' said Jenna Moore, senior manager at CECP, in a 2025 Corporate Purpose report. The CECP report found that companies with an explicit corporate purpose generated 58% higher revenue than those without a corporate purpose in 2023, based on the S&P Global 1200. Corporate impact professionals also understand that workers expect companies to play a role in driving social change. Among working adults, 60% say large companies should take a stand on important societal issues, according to JUST Capital's 2024 Americans' Views on Business Survey, based on over 3,000 responses. Workers' desire for corporate activism is particularly strong on women's health and reproductive rights. This data underscores that backing away from investment in CSR would have meaningful business costs, which has tempered a large-scale retreat. Employee engagement in the U.S. hit a 10-year low in 2024, with only 31% of employees remaining engaged in their jobs, according to Gallup data. This equates to about 3.2 million employees who have become disengaged since 2023, and 8 million fewer engaged employees since 2020. Increasing employee detachment is particularly high among workers younger than age 35. The Benevity report found that two CSR components have a particularly robust return on investment for employee engagement: volunteer opportunities and employee resource groups. Despite the current political climate, corporate volunteering has surged since 2021. Companies that actively promote corporate volunteerism see greater participation and impact than companies that only provide opportunities for employees to volunteer on their own. Employees who participate in corporate purpose programs through volunteering are 24% less likely to leave their company, based on a Benevity 2022 talent retention survey of over 400 companies. The talent retention benefits of participating in corporate volunteerism are even higher among new employees who have been with a company for 2.5 years or less, who have a 52% lower turnover rate. In a 2024 study of 90 different workplace interventions to promote mental health, volunteering was the only activity that measurably improved employee well-being and belonging. Corporate impact professionals recognize this link. In the Benevity survey, respondents' top three reasons for continued investment in volunteer opportunities included: employee engagement; increasing community impact; and creating culture and connection. While volunteering continues to be a core feature of CSR programs, some companies are adapting their volunteer focus to drive greater business value. For example, some companies are prioritizing 'high-value volunteering' that is linked to specific company pillars. Companies are also focusing more on skills-based volunteering, team volunteering, local efforts, and deepening the connection with the nonprofits they support. The other CSR component that is strongly linked to employee engagement is employee resource groups. Corporate impact leaders have identified ERGs as 'low-risk, high-trust bridges to inclusion and connection,' even amid 'peak DEI polarization,' according to the Benevity 2025 Corporate Purpose report. Among the corporate impact professionals surveyed by Benevity, 92% said that ERGs continue to be viewed positively by leadership, and 91% said that ERGs are an important part of their organization's value proposition. As trust in institutions declines, leaders recognize the importance of ERGs for promoting employee connection and representation. Among the corporate impact professionals surveyed, 87% described ERGs as a trusted source of information within their organizations. Investing in CSR in the current political climate poses both bigger risks and bigger opportunities. Among corporate impact leaders in the Benevity survey, 91% said that the current moment requires greater corporate courage, while 80% simultaneously felt the need for greater caution. 'This year's data reveals a deep tension in the corporate purpose space—one where CSR leaders are clear on the business value of their investments but are struggling with how to execute it to its maximum potential in a charged environment,' said Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer of Benevity and Head of Benevity Impact Labs, in a May 14, 2025 statement. As a result, corporate social responsibility work is becoming more business-aligned and more outcomes-oriented. In the Benevity survey, 91% of corporate impact leaders said they are making sure that their CSR programs support their strategy values. Companies are also prioritizing communications on social impact, rather than specific programs. For example, 70% of the corporate impact leaders said they would be quieter about their DEI and climate change initiatives, but they will still be doing the work. While some companies are adjusting their language or restructuring their programs, 92% of respondents said that DEI remains important regardless of legislative changes or public sentiment. And 42% said their companies had increased resources for DEI over the last year. 'Leaders across the board are adjusting the way they talk about corporate impact. They are still doing the work but are adapting their narratives to meet the moment and working more cross functionally to do so,' said Khosla. 'In 2025, corporate communications will be a key partner for CSR teams. Two-thirds expect to engage with corporate communications teams more, and 30% expect to do so a lot more.'
Associated Press
06-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose Announces Tata Consultancy Services and Newman's Own Inc. To Join Board of Directors
NEW YORK, February 6, 2025 /3BL/ - Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose®(CECP) has appointed two leading CEOs to join the Board of Directors: Amit Bajaj, President, North America, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and David Best, President & CEO, Newman's Own Inc. 'CEOs today recognize the critical link contributing to the bottom line and corporate purpose—whether they are driving global innovations, attracting the best talent in challenging times, or enhancing the well-being of their employees,' said Amit Bajaj, President, North America, Tata Consultancy Services. 'To maximize this impact, companies benefit from a partner that truly understands the value of purpose. For over 25 years, CECP has stood alongside CEOs in advancing responsible business practices. As a new member of CECP's Board of Directors, I'm excited to contribute to this mission-driven organization committed to fostering meaningful change.' Amit is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in the technology and consulting sectors, having held multiple leadership positions across North America, Europe and Asia. With a personal and professional commitment to bettering society, Amit has championed TCS programs such as goIT (go Innovate Together) and TCS' Ignite My Future that help young people embrace technology. In addition, his passion for running, health and wellness has driven TCS' sponsorship of high-profile running events, such as the TCS New York City Marathon. CECP is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. The organization promotes responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line. More than 200 of the world's leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP's insights and benchmarking. Since its founding in 1999, CECP has developed the gold-standard for companies to achieve a return on purpose by providing affiliated companies with tangible frameworks, data, strategies, and goal setting. CECP advises its companies through custom benchmarking and flagship publications such as Giving in Numbers ™, the largest and most historical data set on corporate community investment trends, in partnership with more than 600 multi- billion-dollar companies. The organization is regularly quoted by top-tier publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, FORTUNE, Financial Times, Reuters, Time Magazine, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and more as a go-to source on corporate purpose. Its annual events--the CECP Summit and CECP Board of Boards --are counted among the few that CEOs and other corporate leaders attend each year to obtain insights on key trends and network with their peers. CECP has grown to a movement of more than 200 of the world's largest companies that represent $9.6 trillion in revenues, $37 billion in total community investment, and $21 trillion in assets under management. 'Over the past 25 years, since our mutual founder Paul Newman and a group of visionary CEOs founded CECP, the network has been instrumental in helping businesses across various sectors recognize the deep connection between purpose-driven initiatives and sustainable business value,' said David Best, President & CEO, Newman's Own Inc. 'By providing groundbreaking research, unparalleled benchmarking tools, and hosting influential gatherings, CECP empowers top corporate leaders to exchange ideas, provide support, and drive meaningful societal impact.' David Best is a dedicated leader with extensive experience in the consumer goods and food industries, having previously held senior roles at major organizations like General Mills and Unilever. Known for his strong commitment to purpose-driven business, David has been instrumental in advancing Newman's Own mission of donating 100% of profits to charity, supporting children and families in need. 'We draw constant inspiration from our Board of Directors to explore ways to align long-term business success with meaningful social impact,' said Daryl Brewster, CEO of CECP. 'With their outstanding leadership, practical experience, and deep expertise, our new directors will guide companies in uncovering their purpose and crafting strategic approaches that drive value for their businesses, employees, communities, and the world at large.' The board members will join the current Board of Directors, which includes: CECP's Board of Directors also includes the following Directors Emeriti: CECP also works with a group of CECP Ambassadors, which includes: ### Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line. More than 200 of the world's leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP's solutions in insights and benchmarking. With our companies, we share a goal of harnessing the power of purpose for the benefit of business, stakeholders, and society. For more information, visit
