Monday, November 13, 2006

Working Assets

Working for Change
Every time a customer uses one of Working Assets' donation-linked services (Long Distance, Wireless and Credit Card), the company donates a portion of the charges to nonprofit groups working to build a world that is more just, humane, and environmentally sustainable. To date, over $50 million has been raised for progressive causes. The company also serves as a strong political force, dedicated to giving its customers the opportunity to speak out on critical public issues through its Web site and monthly phone bill.
Since 1985, Working Assets has generated over $50 million for progressive nonprofits, including Greenpeace, Doctors Without Borders, Planned Parenthood, Amnesty International and Project Vote, among many others. Each year Working Assets supports nonprofit groups in five categories: Economic & Social Justice, Environment, Civil Rights, Peace & International Freedom and Education & Freedom of Expression. Every year, a percentage of Working Assets' revenue is placed in a donations pool for annual distribution. Donations come from the top line (sales), not bottom-line (profits), therefore donations are made whether or not Working Assets makes a profit. Customers can nominate nonprofit groups to receive funding each year. Working Assets employees and board of directors select 50 groups for the annual donations ballot. At the end of the year, customers vote on how to distribute the donations among the groups. Customers can voluntarily "round up" their monthly long distance bills, donating the tax-deductible extra amount to Working Assets' general funding program. Working Assets also makes special appeals for round-ups, addressing immediate needs like emergency relief efforts.

Company explanation: http://www.workingassets.com/aboutwa.cfm

Donation: Portion of sales (not specified)


Nonprofit beneficiary: Various non-profits focusing on humanity and environmental sustainability


Use of funds: Varies per non-profit


When: Ongoing