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 philanthropy 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, thousands of companies in over 100 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 30 seconds to take the pledge. Pledge one or any combination of ways to give. You can always update the information you share 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’ve set your intent, Pledge 1% can help you go from pledge to action.
After you pledge, Pledge 1% shares extensive resources and guidance to help map out your program strategy, and 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, receiving exposure and recognition as a leader of the movement.
Convince your Company to Join the Movement
By now you’re probably thinking about all the meaningful ways your company can give back and take the pledge! Chances are, though, you’re not a solo shop and you’ll 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 social 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%, including industry 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 around community engagement. Joining the movement would formalize our commitment to giving back.
- It’s not just charity, it’s good business: 77% of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies committed to making the world a better place. (Harvard Business School)
- It boosts employee engagement. Companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable than ones with low engagement. (Zenifits)
- It helps us hire and retain top talent. 60%+ of Millennials state that a “sense of purpose” is a key reason why they work for their current employers and companies with giving programs have 2.3 times the employee retention rate. (Deloitte)
- It's flexible and customizable. We can tailor our pledge to give any combination of product, profit, equity, employee time, or other resources that showcase our company’s unique value.
- It provides great PR and brand visibility. Pledge 1% promotes our membership and engagement across their media channels and community.
- It’s easy to implement. It only takes 30 seconds to take the pledge, and members receive turn-key solutions to engage employees, consumers, and partners around their 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, every business is rethinking its role 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.
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