2004, The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship (BCCCC)
The partnerships represented in this study have been time tested, collectively representing 50 years of collaboration. Each relationship has weathered severe external changes involving economic climate, industry structure, and government regulation, as well as internal changes such as personnel turnover, budget cuts, and shifts in infrastructure. The partnerships showcased in this project are all examples of resilience, innovation, and success.
Another key common denominator: the corporate involvement was not focused on philanthropy. The companies in this study were all initially motivated by business needs and opportunities that included market and product development, workforce development, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. The nonprofits in the study all brought sound management, a solid understanding of their organizational objectives, and a clear vision of how their mission would be advanced through the partnership. Together, the companies and nonprofits were willing to test assumptions and make significant changes to plans and expectations over time as their partnerships and the surrounding circumstances evolved.
