The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has continually been impressed by the caliber of companies that have applied for recognition as an Adoption Friendly Workplace. This year was no different.

Around the world, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives. That means 35 percent of our sisters, 35 percent of our friends, 35 percent of our coworkers—or maybe you’ve even experienced it first hand.

How do you save more than 3,800 gallons of water and 40 pounds of trash in Bengaluru, India? You get together a bunch of dedicated colleagues who are passionate about making their world a better place. By working together over a year, my 75 colleagues and I demonstrate that small actions for good can add up to a big, positive impact. It all started with doing one thing – really.

As a company in the business of creating consumer devices that both delight and inspire, HP believes that technology can enrich lives – and help rebuild them as well. And as a global company that does business in more than 170 countries and territories, HP has a unique opportunity to put that belief into action with aid to the some 5 million people who’ve fled their homes and country to escape civil conflict in Syria.

During times of economic hardship it is reasonable for companies to look for cost cutting opportunities and eliminate non-essential investments. Investments in sustainable packaging, however, shouldn’t be among the items on the chopping block.

While the recent International Paris Climate Agreement was groundbreaking in the effort to combat climate change, regional implementation and sharing of experience and results will be the key to success, according to Nelson Switzer, chief sustainability officer of Nestlé Waters North America.

Companies can create impacts beyond carbon that make progress on the Sustainable Development Goals while delivering US$151 in benefits per carbon credit per year. Colorado-based Envirofit International, a global social enterprise that develops clean energy cookstoves, has pioneered a new corporate carbon offset program that enables companies to impact local communities in the developing world by creating jobs and improving livelihoods. Through the programme, Envirofit links carbon credit buyers to social entrepreneurs in the developing world in order to build local capacity, develop local markets and create jobs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released an open letter to the business community, signed by 49 companies, which highlights how the private sector is working to empower refugees through education, employment, and enablement

Join America's Charities (@AmerCharities), now through December, as we highlight different nonprofits and share how individuals and companies can Shape the Future of various causes through workplace giving programs.