Another strategy is to create a dataset to tailor measurement to particular corporate initiatives. For the Synopsys Outreach Foundation Science Fairs, the Outreach Foundation contracted with a consulting firm to do an extensive survey of the impact their program was having on students. They examined the support of handson science learning through science fairs and its impact on 21st century skills. While science projects may serve to inspire a number of future scientists, the survey indicates that hands-on learning can also significantly contribute to students gaining the 21st century skills they’ll need. By conducting the survey, Synopsys is able to have data to show their board, teachers, students and the communityat-large. CASE STUDY itemizing its outputs and outcomes, PG&E found that Bright Minds was one of its most effective, efficient and popular corporate giving programs, and opted to continue it. PG&E has now adopted this measurement model to evaluate the effectiveness of all its signature programs, and has made enhancements, including tracking of reputational impact. Democratizing Philanthropy Many companies have built upon the employee-directed matching practice by providing program structures to help foster further engagement with nonprofit organizations. For instance, several companies provide specialized training on how to be a more effective board member and volunteer. Through this approach, the companies do not dictate the cause or organization that employees should support, but rather they enhance the engagement of employees where they are already involved. The core concept of these programs is empowering employees to see themselves as philanthropists and agents of change in their communities. CASE STUDY “One growing model of employee engagement is skills-based volunteering, in which employees’ skills and interests are matched up to fit nonprofits’ needs.” PG&E participates in a study to evaluate the outcomes of its corporate giving strategy Metrics help companies systematically evaluate their philanthropic strategy and better understand the return on investment of donations. Often, individual companies will identify indicators and metrics that are specific to their company or a particular grant, as determining standard metrics that apply across companies is notoriously difficult. However, a national professional association for corporate contributions professionals was interested in tackling this challenge and launched a pilot project among major international companies, including San Franciscoheadquartered PG&E, to test their standardization model. Utilizing an international measurement model, the pilot hoped to capture a more systematic view of the impacts of corporate contributions while standardizing tracking. They examined inputs such as financial contributions, administrative costs and employee volunteer hours and outputs such as the number of families served and leveraged funds raised as a result of the company contribution. Additionally, they tracked how these programs have affected the community and company. The model helped to standardize the ways in which companies account for contributions. For example, during the pilot, companies’ value in-kind donations (e.g., products, pro bono services) at the cost to the company, rather than at the commercial price charged in the market. Through this pilot study, PG&E was able to evaluate its Bright Minds Scholarship Program, which grants full-ride scholarships to high performing students. As a result of Employee Engagement Programs Domestically & Internationally VMware amplifies its employees’ passion through its giving programs VMware encourages its employees to support their personal causes and give voice to their values. VMware is an information technology company headquartered in Palo Alto, with more than 13,000 employees around the world. At VMware, giving is rooted in the approach to giving back called “citizen philanthropy.” By democratizing philanthropy, VMware believes that every person has something they can contribute whether it’s their time, skills or financial resources. As a result of this approach, the VMware Foundation is issue agnostic and the focus is on amplifying the contributions of VMware employees through all of its programs. Another way VMware supports democratizing philanthropy is by expanding access to the resources of the Foundation to all its employees through its Milestone Awards program. Celebrating service with VMware, people receive charitable donation gift cards when they join the company and when they reach their 1-year and 12-year anniversaries. VMware employees can then direct the donations to a charitable project that’s close to their hearts. Through this citizen philanthropy model, employees are able to deepen their commitment to their personal causes, express their values and inspire others to give back. Ultimately, this generates a ripple effect, strengthening VMware’s collective impact. 14 SVCF CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP REPORT SVCF CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP REPORT