Often, we find ourselves wondering what happens to the abundance of money that corporations receive from their services. Yes, we know that many founders and CEOs have become millionaires from their jobs, and that many people in the United States don't have that luxury. But what we don't know, or choose to overlook, is the fact that there are many businesses and corporations that donate millions of dollars every year. Both nationally and internationally, it's becoming more and more common to see "Big Businesses" giving back, but we as a country still remain unaware. Here are ten companies who are currently leading the pack and making the world a better place.
1. Warby Parker
This designer eyewear company not only allows you to see, but it also allows those in developing countries to do the same. For every pair sold, Warby Parker makes a donation to their non-profit partners to cover the costs of that many pairs of glasses, as well as the costs to train individuals to give eye exams. The company has given nearly two million pairs of glasses globally.
2. Macy's Department Store
Macy’s gives to local communities through volunteer work and donations. Notable cause-related programs include the Believe campaign, that uses letters to Santa every holiday season to raise funds for Make-A-Wish, the Go Red for Women campaign that raises awareness for the American Heart Association’s efforts for women with heart disease, the March of Dimes campaign.
3. Apple
Apple has recently started a new campaign for their phones called (Product) Red. (Product) Red is a new color available for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus; a portion of the proceeds from every phone bought is going to the Global Fund to finance projects that will end HIV and AIDs in our society. Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg for Apple, who annually donate to hundreds of U.S-based non-profits. Since April 2011, they’ve matched over $25 million in employee donations.
4. Pura Vida Bracelets
This company doesn’t just sell stylish tropical bracelets. They employ over 100 impoverished Costa Rican workers to ensure a quality life, as well as partnering with over 190 charities. They’ve donated $935,538 to these charities, and that number continues to grow.
5. TOMS
By buying any of the TOMS brand shoes, coffee, bags, and eyewear, you’re providing support programs to communities in need from around the world. Through their collaboration with Giving Partners, shoes, sight, clean water, and safe birthing methods are provided with the funds donated by the company.
6. Amazon Smile
Instead of simply ordering off Amazon, you can instead go to Amazon Smile and help non-profits every time you shop. Offering the exact same products as normal Amazon, Amazon Smile allows you to choose a non-profit from their approved list, and portions of every purchase you make are sent directly to that organization. Considering how often we use Amazon today, the funds add up quickly. The best part is that you can change your organization at any time.
7. Starbucks
Starbucks has its own foundation to support a wide array of causes, accurately called the Starbucks Foundation. The foundation, as well as the corporation itself, donates millions to causes such as Opportunity for Youth, Ethos Water Campaign, military and veteran Support, and college achievement programs. In addition, many individual products sold in stores go towards other foundations and organizations.
8. Walmart
Walmart also has its own foundation. Focusing on “opportunity, sustainability, and community,” they strive to provide money and volunteers to community projects across the country. From natural disaster relief to education grants, they do it all. They even give internationally, including expanding their Global Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative.
9. Google
Google has a global impact, not just in their search engines and smart technology, but also in their charity work. Google has matched $21 million in employee donations, which have gone to over 9,000 organizations and charities internationally. From offering community service to improving technology in impoverished schools and cities, they’ve made a massive impact on the advancement of the world.
10. Pepsi Co
\While known for their food and beverage empire, Pepsi has also donated millions to causes around the world. Most known for grants for education, business, non-profit organizations, and more, the foundation they’ve established does so much more than just that. Community service and natural disaster relief are also center to their goals.
