The Denver Foundation’s Post

Last night I went to a Purpose Party - a gathering of like-minded Bristol businesses to celebrate the B Corp certification of Core3 | B Corp™. It was inspiring to listen to different speakers talking about the inequalities in Bristol and the ways in which the business community can make powerful, conscious decisions to help tackle the problems in the city. It got me thinking about what we do at Godfrey Wilson Limited and whether we could do more. Doing business in a kind, ethical and responsible way has always been central to our ethos and we try to make a positive impact wherever we can. We've thought about starting our B Corp journey but - being honest - we have been slightly intimidated by the process. Last night certainly gave me food for thought. Here are some of the things we currently do to help make a difference: 💰We donate 1% of our income to charity - that's over £50k in the last 4 years alone! 💡We buy our energy from Ecotricity on a 100% renewable tariff. 🌍We prioritise small, local suppliers over global corporates, and we buy ethical, fair trade products where available. ♻️We recycle, reuse or repurpose as much waste as we possibly can. 🖥️Redundant office equipment is donated to local charities and old IT kit is refurbished via ex-offender employability schemes. 🤓Many of our staff use their skills to benefit local charities by volunteering as trustees. We also do pro bono work for charities that need our services but can't afford them. 💷We pay above the real living wage for all staff. 🧘We prioritise staff wellbeing, with flexible working, healthcare plans, EAP, team social and sporting events, and a supportive culture. 🚲We encourage staff to leave their cars at home by providing bike storage and showers at the office. ♀️53% of our staff our women (in what is typically a male dominated profession). 🧑🏼🎓More than 50% of our staff are studying for professional qualifications, the majority under apprenticeships. We welcome people from all backgrounds, from school leavers to graduates to career-changers. 🤝50% of our directors started their careers as trainees with the firm, providing ambitious career pathways to those just starting out. We're always looking for ideas to increase our positive impact. If you are a fellow values-driven business and would like to share how you are doing this, we'd love to hear from you! Or if you're a charity or social purpose business looking for an ethical accountant/auditor, we'd be really pleased to chat about how we could help you. If you're interested in joining our team, please check out our vacancies page: https://lnkd.in/eKErV85e #responsiblebusiness #ethicalbusiness #bcorp

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

Community Involvement & Corporate Social Responsibility at Blue One Hospitality Management 🇬🇧 At Blue One Hospitality Management, we are deeply committed to giving back to the community and ensuring our business practices are sustainable and responsible. Here’s how we make a difference: Supporting Local Charities 🎗️ We believe in the power of community and regularly partner with local charities to support their incredible work. From fundraising events to volunteer days, our team is always ready to lend a hand and make a positive impact. #BlueOneCares Eco-Friendly Practices 🌱 Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We’ve implemented eco-friendly practices across our operations, including reducing waste, conserving energy, and sourcing local, sustainable products. Together, we can create a greener future. #SustainableHospitality Employee Wellbeing 🤝 Our people are our greatest asset. We prioritise their wellbeing with initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance, continuous professional development, and a supportive work environment. Happy staff lead to happy guests! #TeamBlueOne Community Engagement 🏘️ We actively engage with the communities we operate in, hosting local events, supporting small businesses, and promoting cultural activities. By fostering strong community ties, we enrich the lives of our neighbours and guests alike. #CommunityFirst Educational Programmes 📚 Education is key to a brighter future. We run various educational programmes and workshops, providing opportunities for local youths to gain valuable skills and insights into the hospitality industry. #EmpoweringYouth At Blue One Hospitality Management, we’re more than just a business; we’re a part of the community. Together, we can achieve great things! 🌟 #BlueOneCSR #MakingADifference

It's crucial for organisations to have an appealing corporate giving strategy to attract and retain talent today. In particular, Gen Z professionals are uniquely motivated by environmental and social issues and make career decisions based on their values. In this article, Karen Young FCICM, Director at Hays, sheds light on the importance of an organisation's purpose and shares the positive benefits of Hays' volunteering initiative in partnership with Neighbourly.

Paddy Doherty is the chairperson of Leave No Trace Ireland, a charity that works to ensure we protect and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This is Paddy’s story...    “I was CEO of Dublin Bus and I retired in 2015. I wanted to do something a bit different. I’d been in transport for my whole career, so I was looking around for something new. I came across Leave No Trace on Boardmatch Ireland, they were looking for volunteers to join their board, and I thought it sounded interesting.    I was always interested in environmental issues, I was a cyclist and a hill walker, I loved the outdoors. I got involved on the board, and now I’ve been chairperson for a few years. I think it was a good move for me!    I don’t have a background in environmental science or anything like that, but in terms of general management experience, managing growth and development, I could bring something additional to the table.    Leave No Trace is a timeless message. I often think that whether you were living in Ireland in 1824, 1924 or 2024 the principles of Leave No Trace are valid.    The central message is about leaving the minimum impact you can on the environment. The organisation conveys that message through education programmes, advocacy, research, public awareness campaigns and engagement with partner organisations who will help drive the message.    We’ve grown a lot. When I started, the research and the ideas were there but it was quite small in terms of its footprint. Now there are 12 people on the team, there's 160 accredited trainers right around the country. There's a whole raft of engagement. We work with all the key players in outdoor recreation in Ireland and we're very much involved in outdoor recreation strategy. We're a trusted partner.    The role of the board is to oversee strategy, to ensure financial stability and sustainable growth. We're fortunate, we have a very strong and motivated management team who are committed to good governance.    Good governance is about having good policies and procedures in place, monitoring them, auditing them, and making sure they actually work and that they are relevant. I think that's why the organisations we work with are comfortable partnering with us. Our transparency is good. Our reporting is good. If you look at our report, you can see exactly what our money is spent on, down to the last euro.    We’ve been growing fast and you have to manage that. Sustainable growth is critical to ensure that expenditure doesn’t grow ahead of revenue, and that the commitments we’ve made can be delivered on.    It's a great pleasure to be the chairperson of Leave No Trace. We’re making more progress, it’s having more impact, it’s getting more support, and all that makes me happy!"

I’m back from an inspiring two days at the The Partnership Conference with incredible clients, future partners, and so many corporate partnership leaders. Meeting so many familiar and new faces was a reminder of the strong community we’re building together. A heartfelt thank you to Brad Offman for leading and convening, and to everyone who took a moment to connect, especially those who shared how my posts on LinkedIn have added value to your work! 💙 There were many inspiring presentations but a couple of themes that resonated across speakers and informal conversations. One major theme resonating across sessions: the deepening commitment to employee engagement—more than ever, companies are expanding their impact beyond group volunteering. Speakers and data showed growth in employee resource groups, skills-based volunteering, and leadership opportunities that offers real contributions to communities and growth for employees. My takeaway: on the charity side, understanding this and looking for ways that it is truly meaningful and supportive of the mission is going to be extremely important in 2025. Also, be ready to partner with employee resource groups directly! Equally important was the heightened focus on impact measurement. Companies are increasingly clear about the need for rigorous, evidence-backed metrics to demonstrate results. The tools emerging—like those from Impact Genome Project and Benevity—reflect this change, helping organizations and partners translate investment into meaningful outcomes. My takeaway: the challenge persists: partners require unique metrics, often without providing extra resources. It’s a dialogue we need to keep advancing as the demand for measurable impact grows. The tech platform solutions combined with AI are part of the answer. Finally, there were several presentations about companies embracing social purpose. Data and case studies were mixed in terms of the degree this is happening in the bold and courageous way required. (Courage perspective borrowed from Phillip Haid who had some awesome examples!). However, there clearly was a belief that many companies are moving towards a more strategic and sophisticated approach, with some looking to influence broader societal issues through procurement, while others through their ability to mobilize people. My takeaway: There are some leading examples of companies embracing purpose, and several of them were represented at the conference, but the degree to which this embracing of purpose and partnering with charities comes together is still uneven. I will be sharing more thoughts, data, and takeaways in my upcoming newsletter, and individually with clients - so if that's you, it's coming! And if you'd like to receive my newsletter, link to sign up in comments, or DM me. Cheers to everyone pushing forward with purpose, clarity, and measurable change! #CorporatePartnerships #EmployeeEngagement #Impact #PurposefulPartnerships #NonprofitInnovation

A group of community-based organisations have been awarded funding to invest in Bournville’s culture and help boost the local economy. The Hub on the Green, St Francis Church and Bournville Village Trust have secured £63,000 from the Enterprise Zone fund administered by Birmingham City Council to create a Cultural Action Area in the village. Birmingham City Council want Cultural Action Areas to play a major role in revitalising high streets and local centres, with the aim of improving community cohesion, business resilience and more. John Dolan, Chair of Trustees at The Hub on the Green, said: “Bournville Green has hosted some fantastic cultural events this year including a celebration of Chinese New Year and the Pride Picnic on the Green. We have also welcomed a new Bournville Artisan Market which has been very successful. “Not only do all these events bring the community together but they also bring trade to the shops on the Green, helping to boost the local independent economy. “This new funding will give us the opportunity to build on the work we’ve been doing and to make Bournville Green a thriving community space for the benefit of everyone who uses and enjoys it.” Elaine Li, Community Development and Involvement Manager at Bournville Village Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be one of the partners to have secured this funding. We look forward to working with The Hub on the Green, St Francis Church and other local stakeholders to shape how the funding is used to invest in Bournville’s culture and local economy.” Councillor Suleman, Birmingham City Council member for Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism, said: “Cultural Action Areas (CAAs) are proving effective in bringing local cultural, community and business organisations together around a shared vision. “They provide seed money to bring practical change, such as new facilities, and enable local groups to pool their expertise and resources around the unique opportunities of their locality. “I am pleased to see that Bournville’s CAA will be focusing on bringing a wider and more diversified range of events to strengthen Bournville still further as a visitor destination and vibrant local centre.” Key stakeholders in the area including shopkeepers on Sycamore Rd, the Rest House, Bournville Primary School, Maple House School, Selly Manor Museum, Friends of the Meeting House and Ruskin Hall have all been invited to join a group to influence plans. Plans include using some of the funds to create a ‘Green Stage’ area on Bournville Village Green. The stage will allow cultural performances to be held on the Green with lights and sound equipment. 

🌍 Community Organizing for Action: Mobilizing for Change 🌍 In a world where collective effort drives monumental change, community organizing emerges as a powerful force. It's about bringing people together, harnessing their collective energy, and transforming shared visions into tangible actions. 🤝 What is Community Organizing? Community organizing involves uniting individuals around common goals to address issues and create positive change. It's about empowering communities to identify their needs, develop strategies, and take collective action. 🔑 Key Principles: 1️⃣ Inclusivity: Ensuring everyone's voice is heard and valued. 2️⃣ Empowerment: Providing tools and resources for individuals to take charge of their destinies. 3️⃣ Collaboration: Working together to pool strengths and resources. 4️⃣ Sustainability: Building long-term capacity for ongoing advocacy and action. 5️⃣ Accountability: Holding ourselves and our leaders responsible for actions and outcomes. 🚀 The Power of Organizing: 📌 Amplifies Voices: A united community can speak louder and command more attention. 📌 Drives Policy Change: Collective action can influence policymakers and bring about legislative changes. 📌 Builds Strong Networks: Fostering connections that offer support, resources, and solidarity. 📌 Promotes Equity: Addressing disparities and advocating for marginalized groups. 📌 Catalyzes Innovation: Diverse groups bring different perspectives, leading to creative solutions. 🌟 Success Stories: - Civil Rights Movement: A prime example of how organized efforts led to profound societal changes. - Environmental Advocacy: Grassroots movements have significantly impacted policies on climate change and sustainability. - Local Community Projects: Initiatives like neighborhood cleanups, educational programs, and local business support demonstrate the power of local organizing. 💡 How to Get Started: 1️⃣ Identify Common Goals: Understand the issues that matter most to your community. 2️⃣ Build a Core Team: Gather passionate individuals who are committed to the cause. 3️⃣ Develop a Plan: Outline your objectives, strategies, and actions. 4️⃣ Mobilize and Engage: Use meetings, social media, and events to rally support and participation. 5️⃣ Take Action and Reflect: Implement your plan, and continuously evaluate and adapt your approach. 📣 Final Thoughts: Community organizing for action isn't just about addressing immediate concerns; it's about building a foundation for sustained change and empowering communities to shape their futures. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. Let's come together, organize, and make a difference. 🌟 Congratulations! Johnmac Chidiebere Clement has successfully completed the Community Organizing for Action course from Young African Leaders Initiative Network. #YALIStands4All #YALINetwork #diversity #Acceptance #equity #communityorganizing #CollectiveAction #empowerment #advocacy #Grassroots #Leadership