Episode 235 Summary: Building Long-Term Value Through Corporate Social Impact With Jeremy Brown

In Episode 235 of "What the Fundraising", host Mallory Erickson sits down with Jeremy Brown, founder and CEO of Social Impact World, to explore the intricate dynamics of corporate social impact and its long-term value. This in-depth conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by social impact leaders within corporations, the importance of genuine commitment from executive teams, and strategic approaches for nonprofits aiming to forge meaningful partnerships with businesses.

1. Introduction to Jeremy Brown and Social Impact World

Jeremy Brown begins by sharing his journey from corporate America to becoming a pivotal figure in the social impact sector. He founded Social Impact World in 2014, initially organizing volunteering events for startups in the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization has since grown into a thriving global community with over 2,000 members, primarily comprising corporate impact leaders.

Jeremy Brown [01:56]:
"I'm the founder and CEO of a company called Social Impact World, which is a community made up primarily corporate impact leaders."

2. The Isolation of Social Impact Leaders in Corporations

A significant portion of the discussion highlights the isolation experienced by social impact practitioners within large corporations. Jeremy emphasizes that many operate as lone agents without substantial support, making their roles particularly challenging.

Jeremy Brown [07:24]:
"Social impact in the corporate sector, it's very isolated. Many of the practitioners are team of one even at large companies."

He cites an example of a former practitioner at a public company with 13,000 employees across 27 countries, yet only one person managing all aspects of social impact, from volunteerism to grant-making.

3. Corporate Commitment to Social Impact: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

Jeremy and Mallory delve into how economic downturns and shifting priorities can lead companies to retract their social impact commitments. Jeremy expresses concern that such pullbacks can erode consumer trust and negatively impact a company's long-term success.

Jeremy Brown [10:50]:
"Companies that pull their commitments are going in the long term, are going to struggle."

He discusses the importance of sustained commitment from the C-suite to ensure that social impact initiatives remain integral to the company's mission, rather than being perceived as trendy or superficial responses.

4. Recommendations for Nonprofits and Social Impact Leaders

Transitioning to actionable strategies, Jeremy advises nonprofits to adopt a targeted approach when seeking corporate partnerships. Instead of a "spray and pray" method, organizations should:

1. Align Missions: Ensure that the corporation's social impact goals align closely with the nonprofit's mission.
2. Seek Long-Term Relationships: Aim for enduring partnerships that offer mutual benefits beyond financial contributions.
3. Thorough Research: Utilize corporate websites and annual impact reports to understand a company's values and focus areas before outreach.

Jeremy Brown [16:12]:
"Look for corporations that have social impact arms of their business that are focusing on those core initiatives."

5. Evolving Corporate Social Impact into a Revenue Generator

One of the most compelling topics Jeremy introduces is the necessity for corporate social impact functions to evolve into revenue-generating entities. He argues that for these departments to remain vital within companies, they must demonstrate tangible business value alongside their social contributions.

Jeremy Brown [19:52]:
"Corporate social impact has to evolve... turning social impact into a revenue generator."

This evolution not only secures the sustainability of social impact initiatives but also aligns them with the fiduciary responsibilities of corporate executives to generate profit.

6. Balancing Integrity and Practicality in Fundraising

Mallory and Jeremy discuss the delicate balance nonprofits must maintain between upholding their mission's integrity and engaging in pragmatic partnerships with corporations. Jeremy emphasizes that while collaborations should be mission-aligned, they should also contribute to the nonprofit's sustainability and growth.

Mallory Erickson [23:02]:
"Social impact leaders are starting to realize that change needs to happen in order for their value to truly be seen."

Jeremy reinforces that social impact leaders bring versatile skills to the table, including program management and communication, which can significantly benefit corporate partners when properly harnessed.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Jeremy underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking for social impact leaders. He encourages ongoing conversations and practical implementations to ensure that corporate social impact remains a robust and value-driven component of modern businesses.

Jeremy Brown [24:29]:
"Social impact leaders are starting to realize that change needs to happen in order for their value to truly be seen."

Mallory expresses her gratitude for Jeremy's insights, highlighting the essential role of building bridges between nonprofits and corporations to foster a more impactful and sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

• Executive Commitment is Crucial: Sustainable corporate social impact initiatives require strong backing from the highest levels of leadership.

• Targeted Partnership Strategies: Nonprofits should focus on aligning their missions with corporations that share similar values and goals, fostering long-term relationships.

• Revenue Integration: Transforming social impact functions into revenue-generating departments can enhance their viability and importance within corporations.

• Community and Support: Platforms like Social Impact World are vital in mitigating the isolation felt by social impact practitioners, providing necessary support and networking opportunities.

Resources

• Social Impact World: Explore more about Jeremy Brown's community and upcoming events at SocialImpactWorld.com.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers invaluable insights for both social impact leaders and nonprofit organizations navigating the complex relationship with corporate partners. Jeremy Brown's experiences and strategic recommendations provide a roadmap for fostering resilient and impactful collaborations that benefit both businesses and the communities they serve.