Volunteering & Community

A generation after the HIV epidemic first shook the world, the statistics can still seem daunting. That’s especially true in sub-Saharan Africa, where today 1.6 million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 are living with HIV. But if you look beyond the numbers you’ll find more hope than ever.

In press releases. In blog posts. In webinars. You may have heard the phrase, “The VolunteerMatch Network,” thrown around—either by VolunteerMatch employees or one of our many corporate and nonprofit partners.

We’ve mentioned how The VolunteerMatch Network is the largest of its kind, and we’ve talked about why it’s an integral part of a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. But what exactly is The VolunteerMatch Network? And perhaps more importantly, what can it do for you and your employee volunteer program?

According to The Council on Foundations (COF) Report, Increasing Impact & Enhancing Value, corporate philanthropy is as vital as ever to business and society. And yet corporate leaders are under increasing pressure to connect the value of their programs with performance drivers that matter in the business. They must demonstrate that their philanthropic investment is both effective and aligned with business outcomes.

Sears has launched its ninth annual Heroes at Home campaign with Rebuilding Together to raise funds and assist military families facing hardship by making necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to their homes.

I live in San Francisco, where “making” and “tinkering” has become a rite of passage for kids. Schools, public and independent, are building maker spaces. Libraries are hosting making workshops. And every summer, parents go to somewhat absurd lengths to get their kids into the stunningly popular Maker Camps that have popped up across the city. I know, I’m one of them. And it’s worth it, my now eight-year-old still remembers proudly the giant crocodile he built two years ago at a Maker Camp, and brags daily that he knows how to use a chop saw. To him, making equals fun, and first and foremost that’s what it is. But it’s also deeply empowering for young people, who learn through making to collaborate, evaluate and create.

Secretary of State John Wobensmith is pleased to announce that America’s Charities has been selected as the 2016 contractor for the State’s Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC). The MCC allows State employees and retirees an opportunity to donate to nearly 1,000 eligible charities.

What do your employees really want? It’s not all about volunteerism and matching grants. Put your employee engagement knowledge to the test and learn more about the findings of the 2016 Cone Communications Employee Engagement Study.

Twenty four employees from various locations within Whirlpool Corporation's EMEA region came together with Habitat for Humanity Poland to renovate an attic and build social rental apartments for at risk youth. Whirlpool has supported the project by realizing the Polish version of the global campaign "Every Day, Care".

Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) has released its 19th annual Corporate Sustainability Report, providing a comprehensive look at the company’s strategy and performance on safety, environmental, social and governance programs and initiatives. It is available online at http://www.hess.com/sustainability.