Get Started with Pledge 1%
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:
- Describe how Pledge 1% is building a global corporate impact movement.
- Understand the Pledge 1% flexible framework of giving and how to start.
- Inspire your company to join the movement.
Help to Solve the World’s Biggest Challenges, Together
When companies work with their communities to create positive social impact, we have the opportunity to solve even the biggest challenges. That’s why Salesforce is a proud partner and founding member of Pledge 1%, a global movement to inspire every entrepreneur, company, and employee to be a force for good.
The basic idea is simple: Pledge 1% of time, product, equity, or profit to make a positive change for people, communities, and the planet. Since its launch, tens of thousands of companies in over 130 countries have joined Pledge 1% to make giving back part of their DNA.
A Flexible Framework for Giving
So, how can your company make giving back a part of your DNA? Pledge 1% is also a nonprofit that provides an easy-to-understand and flexible framework for you to build on. Your commitment and how you bring it to life is completely up to you.
Pledging 1% is a guideline. Every company has a different journey and path to growth. Some companies will strive to reach 1% of giving while others have the capacity and desire to do more.
Pledge Type | Action |
|---|---|
Pledge 1% of Time | Set aside volunteering opportunities for teams, or provide 3–7 days of volunteer time off for each employee. |
Pledge 1% of Product | Donate your product in full, offer a deep discount, or a combination of the two. |
Pledge 1% of Equity | Donate corporate or founder equity, and watch your potential for impact scale with the success of your business. |
Pledge 1% of Profit | Donate a percentage of your profit and start giving back right away. |
Get Started with Support from Pledge 1%
Joining Pledge 1% sets your company’s intent to give back to your community, and it only takes a few minutes to take the pledge. Pledge any combination of ways to give. You can always update the information you share when you pledge as your strategy evolves. It's ultimately up to you what you give, at what percentage level, and to which organizations or causes.
Once you set your intent, Pledge 1% can help you propel your pledge to action.
After you pledge, Pledge 1% provides extensive resources and guidance to help map out your program strategy and shares ongoing insights to keep you abreast of trends. As a member of the Pledge 1% community, you gain access to an incredible network of companies who care and want to collaborate.
There are also opportunities to share your experiences and best practices, highlighting your company’s impact and role as a leader of the movement.
Convince Your Company to Join the Movement
By now you’re probably thinking about how your company can take the pledge and all the meaningful ways your company can give back or already does! Chances are, though, you’re not a solo shop and you need to convince a few other stakeholders before your company joins the movement.
We’ve got you covered with this customizable email template. Copy and paste away!
Subject: Joining the Pledge 1% Movement
Dear [Executive Team],
I’d like to share a powerful corporate impact initiative I recently learned about called Pledge 1%. The concept is simple—companies pledge to donate 1% of product, profit, equity or employee time to charitable causes. This program drives both social and business value by formalizing our community commitments and demonstrating to our employees, customers, and partners that we are a purpose-driven company.
Thousands of companies have joined Pledge 1%, includingindustry leaders like Salesforce, DocuSign, and Atlassian.
I believe joining Pledge 1% would be a great step for [Company] for several reasons:
It aligns with our company values and can increase brand value. Joining the movement signals to our employees, customers, stakeholders, and community that we are leading with purpose.
It’s not just charity, it’s good business: 72% of B2B buyers say they are more likely to buy from firms that do well on socio-political issues they consider important (AMA), and 77% of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies committed to making the world a better place. (Aflac)
It boosts employee engagement. 91% of companies that measured found a positive correlation between employee volunteering and employee engagement scores. (Boston College Carroll School of Management)
It helps us hire and retain top talent. 92% of millennials consider a sense of purpose important for their job satisfaction and overall well-being. (Deloitte)
It’s easy to implement and flexible. It only takes a few minutes to take the pledge, and we can tailor our pledge to give any combination of product, profit, equity, employee time, or other unique asset. And as members, we receive turn-key solutions to develop our corporate impact program.
I'm confident Pledge 1% would add value to our brand and reputation, attract top talent, and expand our positive social impact, as it has for thousands of companies around the world. I'm happy to provide more details on the program and benefits. Looking forward to your thoughts.
Thanks for your consideration,
[Your name]
Sum It Up
To face today’s global challenges, businesses are rethinking their roles as corporate citizens. Now is the time for businesses to use their platform and get involved to drive the change we need to build a better future for all.