Prince William Takes After His Mother on Charitable Pursuits

He is the world’s most beloved crown prince and was, until recently, the most eligible bachelor alive. With his charming good looks and bashful smile, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, is one of the most sought-after personalities followed by the international media. His high-profile life is well-documented; everyone saw him as the young boy who trotted behind his well-loved mother, the dashing teen overcome with grief with her passing, and the blissful husband to Catherine Middleton.

Aside from being one of Britain’s royals, Prince William is also a compassionate human being.  Taking after her mother, the Duke of Cambridge has supported various organizations ever since he was a young lad.
The prince is Royal Patron to Tusk Trust, an organization that protects the wildlife in Africa, supports communities and promotes education. He became patron of this charity in 2005 and has been supporting its ultimate aim of securing a peaceful coexistence for Africa’s wildlife and its people since. Back then, his commitments to Tusk Trust was fitted around his military training schedule. Today, Prince William has introduced his bride into the organization and together they have been active benefactors to the charity.

The prince also founded a charitable organization with his younger brother Prince Harry in 2009. It was reported that the royal brothers used the money left to them by their mother to fund causes for underprivileged children and wounded servicemen. Although their charity will not be in a position to make grants for a few more years, the royals have pledged their life-long commitment.

Other organizations the prince has supported include Child Bereavement Charity, Diana Awards, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, Help for Heroes, Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, National AIDS Trust, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Wedding Charity Fund, Sentebale, Skill Force, Teenage Cancer Trust, and The Countryside Foundation For Education.

Polaris Project Leads the Fight Against Human Trafficking

“Slavery still exists. Be a part of the movement to end it.” Such bold and challenging statements will greet you on the Polaris Project’s website. Although this grassroots organization is relatively new, having been established in 2002, it has been successful in creating comprehensive approach to combat human trafficking and modern-day slavery. In fact, the organization prides itself for donating 90% of their funding to programs. Their commitments have landed them a spot Marie Claire’s top 10 best charities.

The founders of the Polaris Project are Katherine Chon and Derek Ellerman, who were seniors at Brown University when they founded this organization. Their concern about human trafficking began when they discovered that this inhumane act was happening in their neighborhood. When the issue became personal, Chon and Ellerman founded Polaris Project to combat trafficking in America and abroad.

The organization applies what they learn from human trafficking survivors to create long-term solutions. They are striving for systematic change – and do so by lobbying for stronger federal and state laws. The Polaris Project also operates the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline 1.888.3737.888. Victims or concerned people located all over the world can call this number anytime to get immediate help and guidance.

Aside from operating this emergency hotline, the Polaris Project also conducts public outreach and communications; it also provides training and technical assistance to local, national and international audiences. In addition, another project involves running strategic campaigns that will appy pressure on criminal trafficking networks and their support structures.

The Polaris Project is noted for its ability to remain on top of human trafficking situations especially in the United States. In 2009, they shed light on how runaways use sex for survival – how young teens, placed in a situation of despair and ignorance, voluntarily traffic their bodies to survive. Reported by the New York Times, this story raised the awareness of parents and local communities, which led to immediate and ongoing action to save the runaways.

A Wish to See Michelle Kwan

The world of figure skating would never be the same without Michelle Kwan. As a graceful dancer, she has taken on the world by storm with her flawless signature spiral.

photo via Kevin Rushforth

Kwan can be considered as the most decorated figure skater in American history. She has competed at the highest level for over a decade. She is known for artistry and consistency on the ice, captivating viewers with such display of effortless grace and fluidity. Throughout the years, Kwan was able to maintain her status as one of the most popular figure skaters and female athletes of all time – two titles that not many can claim.

Kwan’s unprecedented popularity grew even more when she decided to do philanthropic acts towards others. She used her numerous million-dollar commercial deals, appearances and endorsements to set the wheels in motion. Wielding her resources, Kwan was able to find the perfect young woman to help and make a simple wish come true: Leah Smith.

Just over two years ago, Kwan and Leah Smith, a pediatric heart-transplant survivor, skated together for the first time. Smith was a self-confessed staunch supporter of Kwan, and one of her biggest wishes was to meet and skate with the popular figure skater. Without hesitation, Kwan prepared a memorable event for the both of them, one ice skater to another.

When they met, Kwan and Smith immediately clicked. Both women lived and breathed figure skating, and Kwan was more than willing to teach a few tricks and techniques to her number one fan. Smith, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Who knew that a girl like her, who was probably too weak to become a professional figure skater, would get a rare opportunity such as this? That day left both skaters something to treasure and remember for a long time.

To this day, Kwan continues to inspire other girls to pursue their dreams with acts of charity and generosity.

UnionBank's Community Commitment

UnionBank is one of the leading companies in the financial services industry. A full-service commercial bank, the company provides an array of financial services to private individuals and small to large-scale companies. These services include private banking, investment and financial management, trust services, insurance services and global custody services.

But aside from investing in customers, companies and employees, UnionBank also invests in communities. This Fortune 500 Company has long been implementing a commitment to the community as part of their corporate social responsibility. As part of their 10-year community commitment, Union Bank has allotted at least two percent of their annual after-tax net profit for charity work.

During the first six years of their pledge, Union Bank has donated an estimated sum of $72 million. Their increasing support to non-profits organizations was first recorded in 1995, when Union Bank nearly tripled their charitable contribution. Five years later, the bank’s charitable investment totaled $10.1 million in grants and investments to finance chosen NGOs.

Union Bank’s charitable commitment is achieved through grants and investments made by the Union Bank Foundation. The bank initiates contributions and sponsorships, but there is also a way for people and organizations to apply for a charitable request. Union Bank Foundation’s online application makes it easy for anyone to submit a sponsorship or grant request; all they need to do is to sign up and choose the most appropriate application that best corresponds to their charitable request.

Some of the recipients of Union Banks’s foundation grants are the American Red Cross, Arts in Education Aid Council, Inc., California Housing Partnership Corporation, Chicana Latina Foundation, and Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing. Corporate contributions were distributed to the American Cancer Society, Asian Pacific Fund, Voices for Children, and many more.

As an industry leader, Union Bank is continuously helping the rest of the community achieve their goals through charity.

The KeyBank Foundation

Being the 19th largest bank in the United States based on total deposits, and the 24th based on total assets, KeyBank was only formed in 1994, and has become one of the major players in the finance services industry. They now have over 17,000 employees handling diverse client base – spanning from retail, small business, corporate, and investment clients. Out of that 17,000, a small yet significant group makes the company’s role of extending to the rest of the community.  The KeyBank Foundation, through its civic programs, volunteerism support organizations and corporate contributions, fosters economic self-sufficiency in the society wherein it operates.

The KeyBank Foundation is viewed as one of the most effective corporate, non-profit charitable foundations in the United States. Funded by KeyCorp, the organization was first named in 1969 as Society Foundation. They became known as Key Foundation in 1996 and KeyBank Foundation thirteen years later in 2009.

The KeyBank Foundation has pledged their help to the community by being a corporate neighbor. They take an active role in the advancement of economic self-sufficiency through funding priorities.  By giving financial support, the KeyBank Foundation helps communities and individuals prosper.

They offer three funding priorities, namely Financial Education to foster effective financial management and understanding; Workforce Development to train people and give them better access or placement to job opportunities; and Diversity to promote inclusive environments  and improve the access of individuals coming from different backgrounds.

The KeyBank Foundation provides support through grants, sponsorships, matching gifts, community leadership gifts, and volunteers. As much as they would like to support all worthwhile endeavors, the company has to set limits. Grants are not made available to individuals, fraternal organizations, athletic teams, advertisements, and organizations outside the United States.

In 2009 and 2010, the KeyBank Foundation’s total contributions reached $18.1 million. A projected increase in funding for community development can be expected in the years to come.

The Global Philanthropy of JP Morgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase is one of the oldest financial institutions in the United States. Their history dates back over 200 years, but they have managed to break old traditions to provide clients with modern services. Today, the company is the leading global financial services firm with assets worth $2.2 trillion. They operate in more than 60 countries, serving millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world's most prominent clients from different sectors. 

With all these achievements under their belt, JPMorgan Chase is undeniably a leader in financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking.

But like any other successful company, JPMorgan Chase recognizes their responsibility to the society that helped them reach the top of their game. As they become one of the world's most influential global financial institutions, their philanthropy has also evolved. 

The company’s goal is to become a catalyst for positive and sustainable change within less privileged communities across the globe. Last year alone, JPMorgan Chase donated $150 million worth of grants and sponsorships to thousands of non-profit organizations across more than 25 countries. In a smaller scale, the company also supports the interests of their employees through the Matching Gift and volunteer programs.

The firm’s charitable programs are focused on three areas. They are: community development, education, arts, and culture. JPMorgan Chase is working with the best community-based partners to provide support to families in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, giving them long-term solutions to alleviate the quality of their lives. Disadvantaged children can also benefit from high-quality educational opportunities initiated by the company. Teachers are also taught to deepen their knowledge and become more effective educators for the youth. Last but not the least, the company considers arts and culture an integral part in the education of the youth. As such, JPMorgan Chase builds the capacity of community-based arts institutions for local cultural and economic revival.

Morgan Stanley's Commitment to Help Underprivileged Kids

Since its inception in 1935, Morgan Stanley has given a completely new meaning and purpose to financial services. The firm is considered a pioneer in creating new platforms and providing sound advice to clients about strategic transactions. They have paved the way to global expansion in finance and capital markets, and provided opportunities for small and large scale investors.

But their commitment lies not only in the financial services industry, but also to social responsibility. The Morgan Stanley International Foundation (MSIF) is committed to making positive impacts in communities in several continents, including Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Their community affairs programs involve employee volunteer engagement, children’s health, education, employee charity support and funding.

In the employee volunteer engagement program, Morgan Stanley encourages employees to share their time and expertise in community outreach programs. These outreach programs could either be mentoring disadvantaged students or participating in a charity board.

Morgan Stanley also realizes the need for financial support in the children’s healthcare sector. In partnership with several charitable institutions, the company focuses on supporting young people up to 18 years of age by giving them access to quality healthcare.

The Morgan Stanley International Foundation also supports programs that are predominantly based in schools to ensure a child’s academic achievement and employability skills. There are many state-funded schools that have received the help of MSIF, and countless children from ages four to 21 have received proper education through them.

The company also supports the personally selected charities of their employees. Through the Employee Volunteer Incentive Program (EVIP), MSIF provides assistance to a wide range of charities and organizations where employees volunteer their commitment.

Morgan Stanley has reached out to underprivileged kids in Singapore a few years ago, which is an example of their commitment to uplifting children’s rights and welfare. The company also holds a record in charity donation with a £10m contribution to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for children in the United Kingdom.

Citigroup Makes its Presence Felt in the Community

Most of the time, a business is only relevant in the industry it belongs to. CitiGroup, however, makes their presence felt all throughout the community through corporate citizenship.

Citigroup realizes the importance of contributing to the society in which they operate. As such, Citigroup affiliates all over the world have pledged to support various good causes. This is made possible through the Citi Foundation, the company’s own charitable institution that supports economic empowerment of less-fortunate people in various communities. The company employs a “more than philanthropy” approach – an all-out campaign which involves Citi’s business resources and people to work to improve their philanthropic investments.

Citi addresses the needs of six focus areas in the community, which are: financial capability and asset building, microfinance, enterprise development, college success, youth education and livelihood and neighborhood revitalization.

In finance capability and asset building, Citi seeks to expand the financial capability of the underserved by helping them adopt positive financial behaviors and accumulate and preserve financial assets.

With microfinance, Citi supports the development of financially inclusive products supplied by microfinance institutions. This campaign then improves the financial inclusion of low to moderate-income businesses and individuals.

Enterprise development creates sustainable enterprise and jobs through the creation of employment opportunities for the same underserved demographic.

Recognizing the importance of education, Citi also builds college aspirations by removing financial barriers. This way, the youth of today can get equal opportunities to education, thus increasing their chances of financial security and success in the future.

Youth education and livelihood services increase income generation opportunities for young adults who display adequate skill. Qualified students can be employed in a minimum wage job or start their own business through this program.

Finally, neighborhood revitalization expands access to capital to strengthen communities. This program empowers the community on a macro level.

Charles Schwab Simplifies Strategic Giving

Charles Schwab has built an empire that helps people make smart decisions with their money. His company covers everything there is about financial management, such as advice on active trading, financial products, research, education, and investment.

Although much is known about Schwab and his business, only few know that this man is a philanthropist. Throughout the years, he has slowly made a name in the community for his charitable acts.

Schwab Charitable is one the largest fund-raising charities in America. It is a leading national donor-advised fund which has gathered over $5 billion for philanthropy. It also awarded more than $2 billion grants to charity, through the generosity of its donors.

Raising this amount of money and awarding it to those who most deserve it is not an easy task. To accomplish such a feat, Schwab takes a strategic, tax-smart approach to charitable giving. Schwab Charitable created the Charitable Gift Account, where contributors are awarded with income tax deductions, low-cost services, convenient management of funds, and efficient administrative services for every contribution. Donors can also directly transfer funds to the Charitable Gift Account without a hassle.

Another program of Schwab Charitable is the Double Give program. This allows donors to maximize their philanthropy by setting aside a portion of their donor-advised accounts, which will be used to guarantee loans to the world’s poorest entrepreneurs. This way, the company is also helping you build opportunities for other people.

Schwab Charitable is accessible to donors from all backgrounds. Unlike other charitable organizations, it enables donors to customize their experience and protect privacy. Technologically advanced options also allow them to manage philanthropy and charity online and seek advice from knowledgeable financial advisers and staff.

With Schwab Charitable, financial services entrepreneur Charles Schwab is at the forefront of strategic philanthropy.

Bank of West Gives Back to the Community

Bank of West, one of the six highest-rated banks in the world, has more than $60 billion in assets and more than 700 banking locations in 19 states across America. Countless private individuals and small to large-scale businesses have entrusted money to this bank during its 135years of existence.

To give back to the community that strengthened its foundation, the Bank of West has pledged to support non-profit organizations that aim to improve the lives of low and average income individuals and communities. They also sponsor events that promote synergy and harmony in the neighborhoods and communities.

Charitable giving categories include civic and cultural, education and job training, health and human care, and community and economic development. Funding and investment requests are based on the non-profit organizations eligibility, as stipulated in the bank’s charitable giving criteria. To qualify, recipient organizations must serve the bank’s geographic areas, fit within their charitable giving categories, provide equal opportunities as an employer, be governed by a board of directors and have systematic administrative and financial operations.

As much as the bank would like to help all charitable organizations in every community, these standards must be implemented to maintain realistic goals for community development. Still, the Bank of West’s Charitable Investments Program makes every effort to assist all eligible non-profit organizations to the best of it's capability. They also celebrate the achievements of non-profit organizations by holding the annual Philanthropy Awards. This event showcases the excellence of these organizations in creating innovative solutions in the community.

In 2009, the Bank of West provided more than 2,000 grants to community organizations. In order to reach more organizations, the Bank of West introduced the online charitable grants system, which makes it easier for non-profit organizations to apply for charitable investments.

To this day, the Bank of West continues to make a difference by investing in non-profit organizations.

BB&T Bank Shares Fortune to Charity

BB&T is a leader in the financial services industry that prides itself for its stature and longevity. The company has continued to build a tradition of excellence in community banking since 1872, and it remains to be one of the oldest and most trusted institutions in the industry. For over a century, BB&T has provided lending, insurance, trust, and wealth management solutions to its loyal clients.

Aside from providing these financial services, BB&T is also known for its contributions to  the community. The company considers corporate social responsibility as one of its priorities – for BB&T, this is a way of returning what society has given to them.

One of  BB&T's programs in community development is the Capacity Building Training Program. The program facilitates improvement in the local community by allowing participants to form new partnerships and generate ideas for community involvement. Participants are also taught how to identify needs related to affordable housing and economic development. Planning, however, is just the first step. To execute their plan, the participants are grouped into subcommittees to develop feasible strategies to accomplish the specific goals and objectives. BB&T is with them every step of the way to assure that the community development plan will be implemented.

The company also offers community lending to support the credit-needs of the communities they serve. Last year, their Community Development lending reached $701.3 million – a big increase from 2009’s $584.7 million. To raise such large sums, BB&T has aligned with McDonald's to raise money for charity. The company has had several partners from various industries in order to fulfill a common goal.

BB&T also reaches out to the Hispanic community, the largest minority group in the country. They are committed to partnering with key Hispanic organizations to welcome them and provide needs to their growing community.

With all these concrete contributions to society, BB&T Bank takes the lead in corporate responsibility.

Risks of Prematurity

Premature birth can present significant, lifelong problems for babies born before they have reached full gestation. Thanks to the aid of concerned, everyday people like Ashok Bagdy, the March of Dimes Foundation can protect babies from preterm birth through maternal education, as well as to provide support when babies are born prematurely.

A full-term pregnancy lasts 37 to 42 weeks. Babies need this long in the womb in order to develop important neurological and pulmonary systems. Because of supporters like Ashok Bagdy who help raise awareness, the general public can learn that infants born before 37 weeks may be subject to long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of learning and attention disabilities, lung problems, vision and hearing loss, behavioral issues, sudden infant death, and cerebral palsy. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the chance of developing any of these difficulties.

The education that the March of Dimes supplies to mothers-to-be is important because certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of preterm labor. These factors include receiving prenatal care late in the term or not at all. Smoking, alcohol, illegal drug use, medication intake, domestic violence, high stress, extended periods of standing while working, exposure to environmental toxins, and lack of social support can also increase risk of premature birth.

Along with providing educational information and support to parents and families, the March of Dimes also offers research grants to scientists seeking a better understanding of preterm labor prevention. Ashok Bagdy, and thousands more like him, support each of these missions because they believe all babies deserve a chance at a healthy, happy life.

Bank of America's Philanthropy

photo via Brian Katt

The goal of the Bank of America is to invest in communities and the economy – they believe that new funding helps fuel opportunities. Their business, which spans more than 200 years, is an assemblage of American financial institutions that has shaped the economy of the country in terms of industry, infrastructure, and individual development. But as one of the shapers of the entire nation, the bank decided to go beyond the limitations of their business to fulfill their goal.

The Bank of America is not only a giant in the financial services industry, but also an admired trustee or co-trustee to a wide variety of charitable foundations. The bank has a philanthropic management group – a faction dedicated only to the fulfillment of charitable intent for the non-profit community.

This Fortune 500 Company caters to the needs of various programs such as community improvement and capacity building, education, employment, environment, health, human services and medical research.  One of their programs is the Charitable Gift Fund, which is a donor-advised fund that gives their clients a flexible and convenient way of supporting their personal causes. With this program, the Bank of America extends their commitment to clients who are willing to help.

When a client signs up for a donor-advised fund, he or she can avail the following benefits: receive current-year income tax deduction, make grand recommendations and donate assets sans capital gains taxes. Opening an account requires a $5,000 initial contribution. The bank then provides the client with a financial adviser to help him or her manage the charity.

The Bank of America also gives clients the option to open their own private foundation. A client’s philanthropy is supported by a broad range of customized services provided by the bank, thus helping him or her take an active role in charity.

By building a charitable network of clients, the Bank of America becomes an admirable leader in the financial services industry.

American Express' Charitable Giving

American Express is the world’s largest card issuer, processing thousands of transactions daily. It also helps small businesses succeed by providing them purchasing power and financial control. This Fortune 500 Company offers commercial payment tools that aid individuals and companies in controlling their spending and saving money to pursue ventures.

As one of the most innovative companies in the financial services industry, American Express continues to think of ways to improve their services – not only to their clients but also to the community. As a way of giving back, the financial services institution created programs that encourage community service and engagement. They do this by supporting organizations that cultivate meaningful opportunities for civic engagement, and by providing immediate support and relief to help victims of natural disasters.

One of their recent grants was awarded to the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) in Singapore. This organization provides shelter and rehabilitation to over 100 seniors lacking financial or familiar support. American Express’ funding made possible the improvements in the living conditions of the residents, uplifting their morale.

AWWA is just one among thousands of non-profit organizations that American Express supports. There are many other unnamed benefactors of their charitable giving, realized through the use of any American Express card. This new innovation in their system allows clients to make charitable donations with every credit card swipe.  It works this way: every credit card purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the additional change added to the charge is donated to a charity the client has chosen. A passive cycle of charitable giving is fostered through this method.

Clients can also purchase charity certificates from American Express. Charity certificates are a gift people can send to anyone all over the world. This gift not only benefits others but you as well. Every tax benefit purchase is tax deductible to you to the extent allowed by the law.

American Express is one of the best partners you can have when giving to charity.

Ashok Bagdy Supports the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation

A resident of Tampa, Florida, Ashok Bagdy serves as Vice President of Outsourcing Services for Cameo Corporate Services Limited, a business process outsourcing company headquartered in Chennai, India. Mr. Bagdy, who received a Bachelor of Commerce from Madras University and a Master of Business Administration from Bharathiar University, maintains a deep interest in the opportunities available to the people of India. In order to improve access to education, health care, and other resources in rural India, Ashok Bagdy supports the efforts of the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation.

Members of the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation note that while India continues to make great strides in fields such as technology and nuclear power, many Indian citizens still struggle with core skills and concerns such as literacy. The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation and generous donors like Ashok Bagdy aim to erase illiteracy in India, currently at 65.4 percent in rural and tribal areas, by 2015. Though the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation's goal may seem intimidating, the charity possesses the numbers to see its mission through: 34,343 teachers, 22 field organizations, 8 support agencies, roughly 6,000 volunteers and thousands of supporters such as Ashok Bagdy. Together, these individuals and entities form a powerful network that advocates literacy and self-empowerment through one-teacher schoolhouses all across India.

Thanks largely to the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation's robust network of contributors, its program has become the country's dominant education movement. But the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation sees achieving basic literacy for India as only the beginning. The next step is to teach rural communities the skills they need to seek greater development and political influence. To achieve that goal, the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation must become even stronger. Visit Ekal.org to learn more about this powerful educational movement.

What do Sesame Street and Andrew Carnegie have in Common?

Do you remember watching the credits roll after your daily dose of Sesame Street? When they would announce the sponsors who made the show possible along with the Children’s Television Workshop — now known as the Sesame Workshop? In the list of names is the Carnegie Foundation, founded by Andrew Carnegie. 

Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 and migrated to America in 1848 with his family. He became an amazing entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist. Starting as a millworker in a bobbin factory, then landing a job as a telegraph messenger boy, he learned the value of hard work and networking. When a man in his Allegheny, Pennsylvania community opened up his personal library to working boys, Carnegie grew intellectually and came to value a strong educational foundation.

Carnegie amassed his wealth by investing in railroads, iron, and bridges. He then founded the Carnegie Steel Company; which, after a good run, he sold to J.P.Morgan, who formed the United States Steel Corporation. This transaction was the largest-ever personal commercial transaction and equivalent to $13.7 billion in today’s prices. After John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie became the second richest man in the world.

Soon after the buyout, Carnegie’s focus turned to philanthropic efforts; and he immediately ensured there would be free public libraries in New York. In 1911 the Carnegie Corporation of New York was established “to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.” It is this foundation that helped establish the Sesame Workshop.  

The Carnegie Corporation of New York is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this year. Even though it seems Maria and Luis never age, they really do. Sesame Street is in its forty second season! Thank you, Mr. Carnegie!

Tiffany’s Blue Mission

When we see or hear the words “little blue box”, chances are that one thing comes to mind: the jewelry boxes used by Tiffany & Co., a world class jeweler that has set the standard for engagement rings. Since its inception in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been known for its fine jewelry’s signature style.

Lately, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation has been making a mission out of its signature color, Mission Blue to be exact. Mission Blue was a TED Prize wish made by Sylvia Earle “to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.” Sylvia’s rousing speech at TED ignited overwhelming interest into what would become an excursion of ideas. Mission Blue managed to raise $15 million for the good of our environment.

This is not the only mission for the Tiffany & Co. Foundation. In 2000, Tiffany established the foundation in order to concentrate its philanthropic efforts in two main areas of concern: the environment and the arts. Since saving the coral reefs has historically been a focus for the foundation, Mission Blue’s efforts fit right into this niche.

Tiffany’s philanthropic efforts began where its business was founded, mining. The foundation contributes funds to organizations that practice responsible mining and to ensure surrounding communities enjoy economic and social development as a result. Tiffany & Co. states that they are “guided by the belief that a successful company has a responsibility to the greater community.”

The Million Moms Challenge

“Be the Change: Save a Life”, a year-long spotlight series on global health issues partially sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and broadcast by ABC News has now launched the Million Moms Challenge.

In collaboration with the United Nations, the Million Moms Challenge is bringing light to the staggering statistics surrounding children’s health, childbirth, and pregnancy issues in developing nations. For example: did you know that a woman dies every ninety seconds during pregnancy, or that eight million children under the age of five die each year from largely preventable diseases?

There are several ways to get involved in the Challenge to bring about much needed awareness to these crucial issues. You don’t have to be a mom yourself in order to be involved. Simply start by logging on to the website, MillionMomsChallenge.com. When the first 100,000 participants sign up, baby product giant, Johnson & Johnson, will donate $100,000 to several non-governmental agencies (NGO) that help moms and babies survive and thrive.

You can also make donations directly, tweet to raise awareness, or even donate your old cell phone to raise funds. These NGOs then use the funds to provide vaccines imperative for children to survive their first year and to educate both mothers and midwives on proper health and nutrition, and aspects of safe and healthy deliveries.

You can wear your support with a sterling silver necklace manufactured by single American moms of American MoJo, a socially responsible apparel company. $Ten dollars of the twenty-five dollar list price goes overseas, and the rest is contributed to the Million Moms Challenge. A win-win-win!