Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # encast ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://encast.gives/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://encast.gives/blog/) - [Unlock Bold Results: Giving with Cause Mutual Funds™](https://encast.gives/transform-giving-cause-mutual-funds/) - Discover how Cause Mutual Funds™ simplify giving, ensure impact, and adapt as needs change—transforming donations into bold results. - [The Power of a Positive Business Culture](https://encast.gives/the-power-of-a-positive-business-culture/) - Too many companies bet on having a cut-throat, high-pressure, take-no-prisoners culture to drive their financial success. But a large and growing body of research on positive organizational psychology demonstrates that not only is a cut-throat environment harmful to productivity over time, but that a positive environment will lead to dramatic benefits for employers, employees, and - [Simple Ideas Change the World](https://encast.gives/simple-ideas-change-the-world/) - The most powerful ideas are simple. They are what change the world. And always have. We had one that caused us to found our company. It’s this: Anyone can be a philanthropist. Encast believes giving is at the very nature of who we are as people. We want to help each other. So, we are - [Charitable Giving and the Fabric of America](https://encast.gives/charitable-giving-and-the-fabric-of-america/) - By Karl Zinsmeister Editor’s note: The following is adapted from a talk delivered on January 29, 2016, at Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C. The opinions expressed in Imprimis are not necessarily the views of Hillsdale College. Private philanthropy is crucial in making America the unusual - [How Millennials Are Reshaping Giving](https://encast.gives/how-millennials-are-reshaping-giving/) - George Norlin, president of the University of Colorado, once said, “He who knows only his own generation remains always a child.” By extension, his words instruct us to listen actively to build an understanding of the innovative perspectives of Millennial Generation and their collective wisdom. Indeed, the nonprofit or philanthropic organization that knows only its own generation foregoes opportunities and risks - [The Middle Path of Giving](https://encast.gives/the-middle-path-of-giving/) - As I vaguely remember from growing up in Spain in the 80’s and 90’s, giving was not a major part of culture; we will get into this in a future post. What I have been more aware of recently is the fact that nobody talks in public about giving. Even those few who actually donate - [Five Reasons Your Business Should Support a Charity](https://encast.gives/five-reasons-your-business-should-support-a-charity/) - One of the great privileges of running a small business is being able to give generously to community organizations and charitable causes that matter to you. Every day, small business owners share their success by giving money, products, volunteer hours and charitable outreach efforts to good causes in their communities. Nonprofits and charities are constantly - [Why Corporate Giving Makes Employees Happier](https://encast.gives/why-corporate-giving-makes-employees-happier/) - Supporting worthy causes helps a business buff up its image and can open the door to valuable networking opportunities. Those effects of charitable giving have been supported by much research and practical experience. But does corporate philanthropy have any effect on employees? The answer to that question hasn't been as clear. Even while surveys show that millennial employees would - [Are the Wealthy Sufficiently Generous?](https://encast.gives/are-the-wealthy-sufficiently-generous/) - When Mort Zuckerman, the New York City real-estate and media mogul, lavished $200 million on Columbia University in December to endow the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, he did so with fanfare suitable to the occasion: the press conference was attended by two Nobel laureates, the president of the university, the mayor, and journalists from some - [Baby Boomers Expected to Donate $8 Trillion in Coming Years](https://encast.gives/baby-boomers-expected-to-donate-8-trillion-in-coming-years/) - David Campbell was on the cusp of retirement at age 63 after a successful career in the technology sector when a tidal wave altered his path. Moved by the profound humanitarian need in Thailand in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, Campbell flew across the world to try using the Internet to organize volunteers in - [Roddick Serves Up An Ace](https://encast.gives/roddick-serves-up-an-ace/) - Andy Roddick was the keynote speaker at a Luncheon hosted by Austin Gives, a program that recognizes philanthropy for all central Texas businesses donating one per cent or more of pre-tax earnings. Roddick talked about his foundation's mission to bring opportunities to young people in the community, and used the word hero frequently to refer to - [Delta Airlines to Contribute One Percent of Net Income to Charitable Causes](https://encast.gives/delta-airlines-to-contribute-one-percent-of-net-income-to-charitable-causes/) - Today, Ed Bastian shared the below letter to employees, customers and community members announcing Delta's investment in communities worldwide. To Delta employees, customers and community partners: Giving back to the communities where Delta employees live, work and serve has been at the heart of our company for more than 80 years. Many people are drawn to Delta - [What Encast is Up To](https://encast.gives/what-encast-is-up-to/) - We have two goals at Encast. The first is to increase charitable giving by making it easier and more accessible for individuals and businesses. But equally important: we want to see that the dollars are spread more equitably to causes and charities. By some measures, 3% of gross domestic income goes to charity, and it's - [Giving at Work: "The Most Dramatic Shift We've Ever Seen"](https://encast.gives/giving-at-work-the-most-dramatic-shift-weve-ever-seen/) - The holidays are a distant memory now, and for many companies, so is their annual giving campaign. As you say “sayonara” to 2013, are you pleased with your company’s giving results? Whether you’re patting yourself on the back or striving to do better, now’s a great time to assess some eye-opening statistics about corporate giving. - [Global Causes Attract Increasing Share of U.S. Giving](https://encast.gives/global-causes-attract-increasing-share-of-u-s-giving/) - WASHINGTON: After the 2008 financial crisis, economic growth took a tumble, and amid anemic indicators since, charitable giving would be expected to decline. Indeed, after the global recession, giving dipped in the United States. Yet US giving to charities international in scope rose an estimated 15.3 percent in 2010 – the largest percentage increase of - [Encast Can Improve Beleagured Cause Marketing](https://encast.gives/encast-can-improve-beleagured-cause-marketing/) - By Russ Stoddard As a marketing guy who’s spent a large portion of a long career forging connections between companies and causes, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about the state of cause marketing. And I’ve come to the conclusion that cause marketing needs to die. Harsh words from someone who’s generally congenial, but - [Giving at Top of Life's Important Endeavors for SXSW Attendees](https://encast.gives/giving-at-top-of-lifes-important-endeavors-for-sxsw-attendees/) - The thousands of people who thronged to Austin for South by Southwest apparently share more in common than a love for music, tech and film. An overwhelming majority say giving charity is at the top of their life's set list. More than 87 percent of surveyed participants said they donate money to causes, with human - [One Last Favor: Let Us Give Back to You](https://encast.gives/one-last-favor-let-us-give-back-to-you/) - During most of last year, I went for coffee with dozens of people in the Austin community as I tried to find the best next career opportunity for me. I asked them for their time, insights, and contacts. All that help, all that advice, and all those connections got me today exactly where I need - [Encast Closes $2.25 Million Angel Round for SXSW Launch](https://encast.gives/encast-closes-2-25-million-angel-round-for-sxsw-launch/) - AUSTIN, Texas, March 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In advance of the SXSW Interactive Conference, Austin startup Encast (www.encast.co) closed an initial angel round of funding totaling $2.25 million. The company's technology delivers cloud-based services to businesses with a platform that increases charitable giving by employees and improves work place cultures. The early money in the product and idea is an - [Charitable Giving in a Time of Uncertainty](https://encast.gives/charitable-giving-in-a-time-of-uncertainty/) - In the current economic environment, smart giving requires the same carefully constructed, strategic thinking that we apply to the rest of your finances. Even during the recession, almost half of all donors made gifts at the same level as in years past, with 26 percent of donors actually increasing their gift levels.* We need to - [Retiree Giving Becomes a Force for Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/retiree-giving-becomes-a-force-for-philanthropy/) - When Carol Nash retired four years ago from Dimensions Healthcare System in Maryland after a long career in nursing, she had no inkling that she would soon be working harder than she ever did before. But Ms. Nash, 70, is fine with that. “I burn with a passion for what I am doing,” she said. - [Disruptive Philanthropy and Cause Capitalism](https://encast.gives/disruptive-philanthropy-and-cause-capitalism/) - By Lee Fox for Cause Capitalism. Philanthropy is characterized by specific behaviors in the context of compassion (the love of humanity), action (volunteerism), donation (the gift of money) and collaboration (partnerships). Successful social enterprises require each of these elements to healthfully co-exist. Of course, all it takes is the pinch of a bad economy to throw the harmony off-key. Many nonprofits are experiencing the downwards - [The Realities of Millennial Giving](https://encast.gives/the-realities-of-millennial-giving/) - “What motivates Millennials is a desire to affect THEIR cause through YOUR organization with their friends.” - Derrick Feldmann, CEO of Achieve Consider there are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations nationally. Nearly all are convinced their mission is the most important, the needs of their constituents the most critical. While there are countless worthy, underfunded causes, we need to stop telling and - [The Future of Progressive Business is Companies That Are Good, Not Just Doing Good](https://encast.gives/the-future-of-progressive-business-is-companies-that-are-good-not-just-doing-good/) - These days, we have high expectations of what companies should be. It’s not enough that they make good products. They also need to be good citizens. We expect them to minimize their social and environmental harm, to report their "impacts," and to give money to charity. And we expect them to do more than simply - [If Google = Search, Then Encast = Giving](https://encast.gives/if-google-search-then-encast-giving/) - I sit with my cape in one of the couches at the SXSW Trade Show Bar and Lounge and see how our Friday news release about our Angel funding is being picked up by the national media. Of this, I’m not that surprised. What I didn’t expect is that writers would go beyond reporting the - [Giving as a Service](https://encast.gives/giving-as-a-service/) - One of our new ideas at Encast is a concept we call Giving as a Service, or GaaS. Giving as a Service is a pretty interesting notion that we've been exploring as we built our platform. We believe we're on to something GaaS. It's really actually rooted in something a little bit deeper, and that's - [The Boomer Challenge for Charities](https://encast.gives/the-boomer-challenge-for-charities/) - From top-notch schools to groups like Heifer International, charities want the same thing from baby boomers that they wanted from your parents and grandparents: money. The trouble is figuring out how to get it. There’s gold in them thar boomers, but how do you mine it? Researchers have estimated that the baby boomer generation gives more money to - [Millennials Seek Higher Purpose in Work Place](https://encast.gives/millennials-seek-higher-purpose-in-work-place/) - Millennials have quietly surpassed Generation X to become the largest demographic group in the U.S. workforce. Today, millennials — adults ages 18-34 in 2015 — make up more than 33 percent of all employees. Yet, despite this impressive takeover, according to Deloitte’s 2016 Millennial Survey, one in four millennials said that if given the choice - [Growth in Charitable Giving Plummets Over Previous Decade](https://encast.gives/growth-in-charitable-giving-plummets-over-previous-decade/) - More Americans are opening up their wallets to give to their favorite causes, but the economic turmoil over the last 10 years has taken its toll. The growth in charitable giving between 2006 and 2016 has slowed considerable compared to the previous decade, according to The Philanthropy Outlook 2016 & 2017, a report released Tuesday - [How Does Your Charitable Giving Measure Up?](https://encast.gives/how-does-your-charitable-giving-measure-up/) - Giving is truly better than receiving, especially when your generosity can provide income tax benefits. There are a lot of good reasons to make donations to charity, but most boil down to one simple fact: Giving feels good. It’s no surprise, then, that many Americans give money or property to organizations they care about. In - [The Measure of a Man](https://encast.gives/the-measure-of-a-man/) - We usually cannot assess the importance of various moments in our lives until many years have passed and we able to look back at those inflection points. I found my direction in life from my grandfather, but didn’t realize it until he was gone. My maternal grandfather, Andres, was the first grandparent I lost. In - [The Year Around Cause of Giving](https://encast.gives/the-year-around-cause-of-giving/) - Four years ago, a New York cultural center founded in 1874 began promoting a clever way to encourage people to donate to nonprofit charitable causes. It was called #GivingTuesday, designed to connect donors to charities through social media on the day after the ubiquitous promotions for Cyber Monday online retail sales. The idea worked. Last - [Charitable Giving by Small to Medium Business On the Increase](https://encast.gives/charitable-giving-by-small-to-medium-business-on-the-increase/) - In a nutshell, 47 percent of small businesses (SMBs) or small-business owners (SBOs) plan to give more to charity this year, 49 percent plan to donate the same amount, and 90% of donations are to support local causes. As a social network for small businesses, it was a great opportunity to collect this data and shed light on the engine that fuels 50% of the nation's GDP. - [Technology and Corporate Social Responsibility](https://encast.gives/technology-and-corporate-social-responsibility/) - Innovations in technology are helping companies to maintain their corporate social responsibility commitments, according to a survey by BBC. CSR is the division in companies that protect the environment, help poor people around the world, and be responsible for the planet where people live. More and more corporations see the value in having CSR commitments. Customers - [Fund Raising: It's Common Sense](https://encast.gives/fund-raising-its-common-sense/) - by Jim Eskin Have you ever noticed that people who are fearless about virtually everything else they need to face in life are terrified of asking for a gift for a favorite cause? It doesn’t need to be that way. Most of the fear stems from not knowing what’s involved in fundraising. Professionals and volunteers alike - [Five Companies Doing Corporate Philanthropy Right](https://encast.gives/five-companies-doing-corporate-philanthropy-right/) - By Adam Weinger Some companies just get it. They understand that nonprofits are out there fighting to make the world a better place, so they institute corporate giving programs that provide more funds, in more ways, to more organizations. Two popular ways that companies donate to nonprofits are: Matching gift programs – Corporations match employee donations to - [What Businesses Want Out of Giving Back](https://encast.gives/what-businesses-want-out-of-giving-back/) - As we look ahead to the trends in corporate philanthropy, there’s food for CSR thought in the 2014 Trend Report from The Association of Corporate Contributions Professionals (ACCP). This annual report distinguishes itself by offering forward-looking data collected by surveying corporate contribution professionals about their plans, including their budgets, for the upcoming year. The headline takeaway is - [Spring Cleaning for Fund Raisers](https://encast.gives/spring-cleaning-for-fund-raisers/) - By Jim Eskin It might not feel like it yet in some parts of the country, but spring is here with March 19th marking the beginning of the season in 2016. Many people associate the start of the season with the labor-intensive practice of spring cleaning. This is a time for opening windows, letting in fresh - [The Least and Most Charitable States of 2015](https://encast.gives/the-least-and-most-charitable-states-of-2015/) - America is a selfless nation. In fact, it ranked second overall in 2015’s World Giving Index and in the top 10 for two of the three charitable-giving behaviors that are tracked by the index. Just how altruistic are Americans? 95.4 percent of households donate to charities, each contributing an annual average of $2,974. According to the National Philanthropic - [Getting Involved in Corporate Social Responsibility](https://encast.gives/getting-involved-in-corporate-social-responsibility/) - by Kevin Xu, CEO of MEBO International My father was a remarkable doctor. Growing up, I witnessed his unflagging devotion to alleviating his patients’ pain. He worked with burn victims, so he was constantly confronted by suffering. But he never wavered in his dedication. I used to wonder how he could be so committed. Then, - [Where Attention Goes, Giving Flows](https://encast.gives/where-attention-goes-giving-flows/) - You know how they say when you buy a brand of car you leave the shop and suddenly you start seeing that car everywhere. Something similar has happened to me since I started working at Encast when it comes to opportunities for giving. I see them coming from every direction, left and right. Three reasons - [Knocking Down Psychological Barriers to Giving](https://encast.gives/knocking-down-psychological-barriers-to-giving/) - I’ve long been fascinated by how helpful an understanding of some basic psychological principles can be to the effective practice of fundraising. One of my favorite blogs, focused on consumer marketing, is Sean D’Souza’s Psychotactics. It applies in spades to fundraising, because it involves getting inside your target constituent’s brain — the essence of donor-centered fundraising. Recently - [A Better Way to Be](https://encast.gives/a-better-way-to-be/) - Keanu is 50. He posted this picture and this message “You see these people behind me? They are rushing to work and not paying attention to anything. Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to take the time out. Say Hi to someone you see and maybe give a - [Teaching Children Charity and Sharing](https://encast.gives/teaching-children-charity-and-sharing/) - Sharing is a concept usually beyond the understanding and grasp of most toddlers as sharing is not really in their nature. Fortunately, there are ways to teach kids how to share through teaching and practice. 1. Lead by example Sharing personal items build the concept of sharing so avoid putting labels on items inside the - [How to Increase Charitable Giving to Three Percent of GDP](https://encast.gives/how-to-increase-charitable-giving-to-three-percent-of-gdp/) - by Kevin Murphy As 2015 came to a close, nonprofits were cheering a major legislative victory: Congress made permanent a tax law allowing people to more easily send money from their retirement accounts to charity, and it extended the incentives for making donations of food and of land that deserves environmental protection. For a long - [Cosmetics Company Discovers Charitable Giving is Great for Business](https://encast.gives/cosmetics-company-discovers-charitable-giving-is-great-for-business/) - Lush Cosmetics is proving that it’s good business – maybe even great business – for retailers to invest in sustainable charitable giving. Through the sale of a single item, the Charity Pot, the Vancouver-based company has donated more than $11 million to 900 organizations in 42 countries over the past eight years. The Charity Pot is Lush’s best-selling - [Giving as the Secret to Life](https://encast.gives/giving-as-the-secret-to-life/) - by Megan Wyatt At a glance, Leonard Louvierre might not be the kind of person you'd expect Junior Achievement of Acadiana to name Business Person of the Year. You won't find him in a suit-and-tie working 9-to-5 in an office. Instead, you'll find him working weekends until 2 a.m. at Zea Rotisserie & Grill in a - [A Corporate CEO Gives to His Employees](https://encast.gives/a-corporate-ceo-gives-to-his-employees/) - Greek yogurt is known for being rich in flavor and protein. Now, some employees at Chobani could become rich themselves. On Tuesday, founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya announced that he would be giving all of his 2,000 full-time workers awards that could be worth up to 10 percent of the privately held company's future value if it becomes public or - [How Social Good Fuels Recruiting](https://encast.gives/how-social-good-fuels-recruiting/) - Generation Y, also known as millennials, is made up of interesting social creatures — and not just when they’re online. Millennials, defined as those born roughly between 1980 and 2000, in particular claim to care deeply about the people, products and companies they invest in. And they expect their employers to do the same. Nearly - [Charitable Giving as a Form of Investment](https://encast.gives/charitable-giving-as-a-form-of-investment/) - Feeling charitable? You’re not alone. As a nation, Americans donates more to charity than almost any other country in the world. Individuals, foundations and businesses gave an estimated $358.38 billion to charity in 2014, according to the Giving USA Foundation. But in recent years a number of fraudulent charities have come to light. Last year, the FTC announced that four cancer charities: - [One Man's Quest to Master the Art of Donating](https://encast.gives/one-mans-quest-to-master-the-art-of-donating/) - My visits to Starbucks have lately become significantly less enjoyable. This is partly because my shaky middle-aged body is more prone to caffeine jitters. But it's also because I recently read a book called The Most Good You Can Do, by Princeton University philosopher Peter Singer, which introduced me to some stark ethical math. If I - [The Business of Giving: Not That Simple](https://encast.gives/the-business-of-giving-not-that-simple/) - If you’re anything like me, the thought of giving is a no-brainer! You have stuff to give, people need stuff, so you give. Pretty easy. In my personal life, giving generally accompanies the ritual of spring cleaning, that time of year when you take an assessment of the items you have, clothes, furniture, books and - [What Smart Businesses Know About Corporate Social Responsibility](https://encast.gives/what-smart-businesses-know-about-corporate-social-responsibility/) - When you look to the year ahead, what do you see? Ensia recently invited eight global thought leaders to share their vision for the environment as it relates to business, culture, ecosystems, energy, food, health, water and the world (see more). In this installment, Alice Korngold, author of A Better World, Inc.: How Companies Profit by Finding Solutions - [Four Ways Your Company Benefits from Giving Back](https://encast.gives/four-ways-your-company-benefits-from-giving-back/) - by John Boitnott Modern society gives some great rewards to entrepreneurs who find what people need and want, and provide it. This exchange is huge part to the free market philosophy that has led to much prosperity (although unfortunately not for everyone). Successful business people are well rewarded for their ability to provide what society - [Why It's Crucial for Your Company to Give Back](https://encast.gives/why-its-crucial-for-your-company-to-give-back/) - If you polled every entrepreneur in the U.S., nearly 100 percent would say that giving back is important. But if you asked how many of them have philanthropy programs in place, you'd encounter a much lower number. Most would hold that their focus is building the core business and that they don't have the resources to focus - [The Power of Giving Back: Community Investment and the Bottom Line](https://encast.gives/the-power-of-giving-back-community-investment-and-the-bottom-line/) - by Lindsay Lavine Companies that encourage community involvement distinguish themselves from their competitors, and see many benefits, including loyal customers and happier employees. According to a May 2013 studyby Cone Communications and Echo Research, 82 percent of U.S. consumers consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop. "I've found - [One for One Giving: The Movement Started by Tom's Shoes](https://encast.gives/one-for-one-giving-the-movement-started-by-toms-shoes/) - 10years ago today, we sold the first pair of TOMS shoes to a guy named Ben Katz. I still remember how I felt getting that email notification. But I could have never imagined all that was to come. 3,650 days later, we have created four additional One for One businesses, and are selling TOMS in - [Prince Was a Prince of Charitable Giving](https://encast.gives/prince-was-a-prince-of-charitable-giving/) - News that Prince Rogers Nelson died this week shocked music fans and the public alike. Authorities said Friday that while an autopsy was performed, no cause of death has been determined. Authorities discovered the 57-year old musician unresponsive in an elevator of his estate and studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota on Thursday. Coverage of the musician’s - [Charity Choice and Work Place Giving](https://encast.gives/charity-choice-and-work-place-giving/) - by Charisse Browner I had a conversation with a family member recently when asking him if he "gives at the office." He stated that he does not participate in their company's workplace giving program. When I asked why, he explained, "My small dollars won't make a difference and besides, we can't select the charity we - [The Value of Employee Giving Programs](https://encast.gives/the-value-of-employee-giving-programs/) - If workplace giving seems to increase every year, that’s because it does! While the US economy may have taken a beating in the past 5 years, studies show that employees are just as likely to give as ever, especially as the economy recovers and begins to grow in new and different ways. Just how much? - [Five Key Ways to Engage Employees in Corporate Social Responsibility](https://encast.gives/five-key-ways-to-engage-employees-in-corporate-social-responsibility/) - by Debbie Haski-Leventhal As engaged employees are essential for retention, good consumer relationship and corporate performance, employee engagement has become the holy grail of management. Employers want employees who will go the extra mile in their jobs and involve in extra role behaviour. On the other hand, employees want jobs that are challenging and meaningful. - [Crowdfunding: Redefining Philanthropy in the Work Place](https://encast.gives/crowdfunding-redefining-philanthropy-in-the-work-place/) - by Meg Garlinghouse Three months ago I had my first experience leading a crowdfunding campaign. I joined a team of returned Peace Corps Volunteers to help raise funds for a first of its kind, world-class documentary about the legacy and future of Peace Corps. This experience reinforced my belief that the world wants to help - [Millennials Want More than a Paycheck](https://encast.gives/millennials-want-more-than-a-paycheck/) - New York-Based ReWork has made it its mission to connect the world’s best talent to careers working on the world’s most pressing issues. It matches professionals directly to full-time job opportunities exclusively with organizations making social, environmental, and cultural progress. After working with more than 150 of the world’s most innovative nonprofits and socially responsible businesses, - [Creating Successful Employee Giving Programs](https://encast.gives/creating-successful-employee-giving-programs/) - Staff giving makes a huge difference to outside funders. Consider this comment from a local banker we solicited for a capital campaign gift to Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma: “One of the most important things you said during the presentation was that 100 percent of the employees of the organization have contributed to the campaign. That - [How to Persuade Donors to Give](https://encast.gives/how-to-persuade-donors-to-give/) - In a time of economic uncertainty when many nonprofits are seeing donations fall, one way to conquer a potential donor’s concerns about the economy is to learn whether it is personal or national discomfort that causes their reluctance. Learning the source of discomfort could lead to a donor’s realization that the gift should still be - [Diverse and Creative Corporate Giving Programs](https://encast.gives/diverse-and-creative-corporate-giving-programs/) - David Yaskulka, Vice President for marketing and communications at Halo, Purely for Pets, an all-natural pet food company, says that the company’s commitment to donate 1.5 million pet meals per year reflects the shared passion of the investors, Ellen DeGeneres and Pegasus Capital Partners, and of CEO Steve Marton. Yaskulka explained, “Through the Halo Pet Foundation, - [Can a Business Make a Profit and a Difference?](https://encast.gives/can-a-business-make-a-profit-and-a-difference/) - Encast has a pretty significant revenue model. But we will also be doing a lot of good in the world. For one, most nonprofits lose significant amounts of their donations to bank and credit card fees. We believe in the concept of having a double bottom line and we are committed to fee-free charitable transactions. Encast - [Top Fourteen Entrepreneurs Who Give Back to the Community](https://encast.gives/top-fourteen-entrepreneurs-who-give-back-to-the-community/) - As a successful entrepreneur, some consider it their obligation to give back to the community. For them, it’s not “just a tax write-off” or a way to boost their PR campaign. In fact, with the world’s leading entrepreneurs such as Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg and Charles Johnson constantly making Top Philanthropist lists, it’s clear that it goes deeper than an angle. - [The Business of Giving Back](https://encast.gives/the-business-of-giving-back/) - The art of philanthropy is alive and well. Even in today’s financially challenging climate, many businesses are maintaining their commitment to fundraising and giving to charity; recent research conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation — the summary of which is published here by the Guardian— revealed that the amount donated to charity by FTSE 100 companies has risen - [Why Do People Donate Money to Charitable Organizations?](https://encast.gives/why-do-people-donate-money-to-charitable-organizations/) - by Amanda C. Kooser Community involvement is a key part of the philosophy of many businesses. Charitable donations are one way that companies, owners and employees give back. Fundraising brings workers together in support of a common cause and helps raise a business' community profile. Knowing what motivates people and businesses to make monetary donations - [Employees Expect Workplace Giving programs](https://encast.gives/employees-expect-workplace-giving-programs/) - Are you checking the corporate volunteering box? I hope not. Because if you’re treating this aspect of corporate philanthropy like an obligatory chore, you’re missing the point and probably not running a successful program either. These days, employees expect companies to offer a corporate volunteer program. A study by America’s Charities revealed that 68% of - [Employees Expect Workplace Giving programs](https://encast.gives/employees-expect-workplace-giving-programs-2/) - Are you checking the corporate volunteering box? I hope not. Because if you’re treating this aspect of corporate philanthropy like an obligatory chore, you’re missing the point and probably not running a successful program either. These days, employees expect companies to offer a corporate volunteer program. A study by America’s Charities revealed that 68% of - [The Future of Job Benefits: Employee Giving Programs](https://encast.gives/the-future-of-job-benefits-employee-giving-programs/) - by Nita Kirby As we move through 2016, research continues to show that effective corporate giving programsremain beneficial to all key stakeholders, including the company, employee donors and the benefitting charities. Research suggests the presence of corporate philanthropy programs have the potential to increase revenue by up to 20 percent, reduce staff turnover by up to 50 percent, and can even - [Seven Reasons Businesses Give to Charity](https://encast.gives/seven-reasons-businesses-give-to-charity/) - Contributing towards charities can have an immediate and beneficial impact on any business. Discover the reasons why so many companies are taking this route to expand their reach. Have you always wondered why big businesses sponsor or have partnerships with local and international charities? It is not just a pat on the back for their - [The Changing Culture of Corporate Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/the-changing-culture-of-corporate-philanthropy/) - Facebook is full of references to its founder’s historic philanthropic commitment of $46B. No matter the unusual structure of the pledge, it highlights the corporate sector’s growing interest in supporting the nonprofit community. For many companies, though, there’s more to the story than donating dollars — beyond the big business bucks, companies are increasing activities - [Giving Back to the World is Good for Business](https://encast.gives/giving-back-to-the-world-is-good-for-business/) - MELBOURNE, Australia, May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- If you want to succeed in business, there is an increasing need to consider what you have to give back to the world, according to serial entrepreneur and business legend Sir Richard Branson. He believes people are tired of seeing businesses simply focus on making profits and want to spend their - [How Do Millennials Give to Charity?](https://encast.gives/how-do-millennials-give-to-charity/) - by Melissa Schorr TIME TO GET out your checkbook. Wait — what’s a checkbook again? That thousand-dollar-a-plate charity gala may seem hopelessly out of touch, not to mention financially out of reach, to your average debt-ridden, tech-savvy millennial. But that doesn’t mean that Boston-area nonprofits aren’t devising new ways to win this generation’s philanthropic hearts. This cohort — the - [Giving Back to the World is Good for Business](https://encast.gives/giving-back-to-the-world-is-good-for-business-2/) - MELBOURNE, Australia, May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- If you want to succeed in business, there is an increasing need to consider what you have to give back to the world, according to serial entrepreneur and business legend Sir Richard Branson. He believes people are tired of seeing businesses simply focus on making profits and want to spend their - [The Happiness of Workers at Charitable Causes](https://encast.gives/the-happiness-of-workers-at-charitable-causes/) - by Theodore Dalrymple A lengthy paper in the Journal of Economic Psychology (54 (2016) 64 – 84), lyrically titled ‘“… Do it with joy!” — Subjective well-being outcomes of working in non-profit organisations’ — tries to demonstrate that British workers in the so-called third sector — that is to say, non-profit organisations — derive considerably more life - [What Makes Millennials Give to Charity?](https://encast.gives/what-makes-millennials-give-to-charity/) - By Melissa Schorr TIME TO GET out your checkbook. Wait — what’s a checkbook again? That thousand-dollar-a-plate charity gala may seem hopelessly out of touch, not to mention financially out of reach, to your average debt-ridden, tech-savvy millennial. But that doesn’t mean that Boston-area nonprofits aren’t devising new ways to win this generation’s philanthropic hearts. This cohort — the - [Fee Free Giving from Encast](https://encast.gives/fee-free-giving-from-encast/) - by Leo Ramirez, Jr., Encast CEO and co-founder Encast is bringing revolutionary new approaches to charitable giving. As a for-profit social venture, revolutionizing the social sector without significant revenues is impossible. In that respect, we are like every business and are bound to provide profits, if at all possible, to our investors and shareholders. We believe in - [The Encast Effect](https://encast.gives/the-encast-effect/) - There are some new questions for businesses. First, as an employer, why do I want my employees to give? And, if I believe in charitable giving in the workplace, why would I choose Encast to facilitate our giving? Those are, obviously, two different questions with two different answers, but both are very, very important. So, - [Volunteer Programs to Attract Cause-Minded Employees](https://encast.gives/volunteer-programs-to-attract-cause-minded-employees/) - by Dana Manciagli Contributing Writer More and more employees say making a difference at their jobs is one of the most important factors they consider when selecting a company to work for. A study by The Case Foundation found that 63 percent of female millennials were attracted to a company based on its corporate social responsibility programming. To attract top talent - [The Balance Between a Good Company and Doing Good](https://encast.gives/the-balance-between-a-good-company-and-doing-good/) - These days, we have high expectations of what companies should be. It’s not enough that they make good products. They also need to be good citizens. We expect them to minimize their social and environmental harm, to report their "impacts," and to give money to charity. And we expect them to do more than simply - [Millennials Seek Work That Has Meaning](https://encast.gives/millennials-seek-work-that-has-meaning/) - By Jack and Suzy Welch Entitled. Greedy. Disloyal. The perceptions surrounding today's millennial generation aren’t always flattering. But we don’t get why this group so often gets a bad rap. In fact, we think the crop of twenty somethings breaking into the business world right now is about as energized and exciting a group of - [Volunteer Programs to Attract Cause-Minded Employees](https://encast.gives/volunteer-programs-to-attract-cause-minded-employees-2/) - by Dana Manciagli Contributing Writer More and more employees say making a difference at their jobs is one of the most important factors they consider when selecting a company to work for. A study by The Case Foundation found that 63 percent of female millennials were attracted to a company based on its corporate social responsibility programming. To attract top talent - [Americans Give a Billion Dollars a Day](https://encast.gives/americans-give-a-billion-dollars-a-day/) - NEW YORK (AP) — Americans are now donating to charities and nonprofits at a record-high rate of more than $1 billion a day, according to the latest comprehensive report on the nation's charitable giving. The Giving USA report, being released Tuesday, said giving from individuals, estates, foundations and corporations reached an estimated $373.25 billion in - [U.S. Charitable Giving Soars as Economy Recovers](https://encast.gives/u-s-charitable-giving-soars-as-economy-recovers/) - By Andrew Soergel Americans' proclivity to give has never been higher after two consecutive years of record-setting charitable donations, according to a report out Tuesday from the Giving USA Foundation and Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Researchers estimate charitable giving totals in 2015 soared to $373.25 billion – up about 4 percent from the previous record - [Successful Businesswomen Emphasize Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/successful-businesswomen-emphasize-philanthropy/) - by Debrah Lee Charlatan As a businesswoman in the commercial real estate industry and a philanthropist in the New York City community, I'm well aware that philanthropy can amplify one's success and crystalize the vital relationship between giving back and enhancing business performance. Related: A New Dell Initiative Asks Women Entrepreneurs to Give Back When intelligently coupled, business - [How Old School, Iconic Charities Are Trying to Win Over Millennials](https://encast.gives/how-old-school-iconic-charities-are-trying-to-win-over-millennials/) - Some of the country's most iconic nonprofits have struggled to raise money in the past few years while a new breed of philanthropic organization is thriving thanks in large part to its appeal to millennial donors. While the American Red Cross ran an operating deficit after its worst fundraising year in over a decade in - [A Credit Card for Buying and Doing Good](https://encast.gives/a-credit-card-for-buying-and-doing-good/) - by Caitlin O'Dowd Businesses are often born from unexpected coincidences. No matter what Stephen Garten did, he often heard the words of his father, “Do the right thing.” He’s tried to make the phrase the mantra for his life, and he was thinking about his dad when he realized there were about $16 billion in - [Beyond the Talk: How Corporate Social Responsibility Makes Companies Operate Better](https://encast.gives/beyond-the-talk-how-corporate-social-responsibility-makes-companies-operate-better/) - by Christopher P. Skroupa Paula Luff is founder and CEO of Viso Strategies Corporation, a sustainability advisory firm based in New York. From 2007 through 2015, Luff was Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Hess Corporation, where she established and led the global Social Responsibility and Philanthropy functions for the company. Prior to joining Hess, - [Top 20 Most Generous Companies Gave $3.5 Billion to Charities](https://encast.gives/top-20-most-generous-companies-gave-3-5-billion-to-charities/) - by Caroline Preston Gilead Sciences, Walmart, and Wells Fargo are the most charitable companies in the Fortune 500. Roy Castro never finished high school. But earlier this month, he gave the graduation speech for his class of 33 participants in 10,000 Small Businesses, an intensive entrepreneurship program funded by Goldman Sachs GS 1.11% . Behind a lectern at - [Chauncy Gets a Chance](https://encast.gives/chauncy-gets-a-chance/) - A Memphis teenager asked a stranger at the grocery store to buy him and his mother some food in exchange for carrying the man's groceries to his car, and what happened next will tug at your heartstrings. An unlikely bond formed between the pair, and within two weeks, the stranger helped raise more than $103,000 - [And the Second Most Charitable City in America Is?](https://encast.gives/and-the-second-most-charitable-city-in-america-is/) - Detroiters are generous people, and the 2016 Fidelity Charitable Giving Report reveals they’re more likely to help out their fellow citizens by donating to human services like food banks and homeless shelters. Metro Detroit ranked second when it came to giving to charities that focused on helping the homeless. The 2016 Fidelity Charitable Giving Report looked at - [Corporate Giving is Losing Influence and Interest of Millennials](https://encast.gives/corporate-giving-is-losing-influence-and-interest-of-millennials/) - ARLINGTON, Va., June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Right now, corporate philanthropy is used to generate consumer goodwill and represents an important funding stream for charities, but new survey data shows that nearly 70 percent of millennials say corporate giving doesn't impact their buying decisions, which may lead corporations to modify their giving strategy, if known. Moreover, nearly 50 - [Corporate Giving is Losing Influence and Interest of Millennials](https://encast.gives/corporate-giving-is-losing-influence-and-interest-of-millennials-2/) - ARLINGTON, Va., June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Right now, corporate philanthropy is used to generate consumer goodwill and represents an important funding stream for charities, but new survey data shows that nearly 70 percent of millennials say corporate giving doesn't impact their buying decisions, which may lead corporations to modify their giving strategy, if known. Moreover, nearly 50 - [Millennials Want Connection to Causes](https://encast.gives/millennials-want-connection-to-causes/) - it comes to insights about Millennials, our most populous generation, the annual Millennial Impact Report never disappoints. Created by research firm Achieve and the Case Foundation, the Millennial Impact Report is the most comprehensive study of the millennial generation (born 1980-2000) and their involvement with causes. Last year, the report examined the relationships between Millennial employees and their managers as - [Philanthropy in a Time of Turmoil](https://encast.gives/philanthropy-in-a-time-of-turmoil/) - by Tom Watson Earlier in this roiling election cycle, I found myself in a heated political discussion — shocking, I know — and faced this snappy dismissal: "Oh, I get it. You’re one of those nonprofit people." Why, yes — I am. What my antagonist meant to suggest, though, is that I am a card-carrying - [PayPal Adds Donate Button to Functionality](https://encast.gives/paypal-adds-donate-button-to-functionality/) - PayPal is rolling out an update to its mobile application which it hopes will put charitable giving in the forefront of customers’ minds. With a new button that appears at the bottom of the home screen of its app – below options to order ahead or pay in-store – PayPal users can support a favorite cause through an - [Airline to Give Half of Profits to Charity](https://encast.gives/airline-to-give-half-of-profits-to-charity/) - This is the golden ticket. If a new airline raises enough funds to launch, it will donate at least 51 percent of its net profits to charity, according to the company’s website. People Over Profit is calling its approach the “caring capitalist” model. Its efforts will support orphans, homeless people, people with disabilities and women and - [The Role of Children and Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/the-role-of-children-and-philanthropy/) - A new website aims to highlight the grant-making prowess of a surprising set of philanthropists: children and teenagers. YouthGiving.org, a project of the Foundation Center, compiles data on young people who directly oversee the distribution of money to nonprofits. So far the project has documented more than $14.7 million in grant funding since 2001 — - [How We Helped Our Sons Learn the Value of Giving Back](https://encast.gives/how-we-helped-our-sons-learn-the-value-of-giving-back/) - Giving back to others tops the list of life lessons we’ve tried to teach our two boys since they were little. To drive this point home over the years, we adopted a three-pronged approach to giving: we donated our money, gave away our things and offered up our time. Sometimes we did this as a - [Boomers About to Give $8 Trillion to Charity](https://encast.gives/boomers-about-to-give-8-trillion-to-charity/) - David Campbell was on the cusp of retirement at age 63 after a successful career in the technology sector when a tidal wave altered his path. Moved by the profound humanitarian need in Thailand in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, Campbell flew across the world to try using the Internet to organize volunteers in - [Working for Nonprofits After Retirement](https://encast.gives/working-for-nonprofits-after-retirement/) - ARCHIE ELAM is on his third career transition. Now 61 and living in Stamford, Conn., Mr. Elam is a 1976 graduate of West Point. His two-decade Army career included acting as head of operations for the 18th Airborne Corps 24th Infantry Division in the first war against Iraq. The Army sent him to get an - [Charitable Giving Not Just for the Wealthy](https://encast.gives/charitable-giving-not-just-for-the-wealthy/) - by Jim Eskin We just received another vivid reminder of the scope of America’s vast philanthropic enterprise and its impact. The 2016 release of Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy estimates that the total of charitable contributions from individuals, estates, corporations and foundations was $373.25 billion in 2015, a 4.1 percent increase in current - [Democratizing Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/democratizing-philanthropy/) - ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jul. 13 /CSRwire/ - Global Impact, whose mission is to build partnerships and resources for the world’s most vulnerable people, today announced new search capabilities for Growfund users to find current information about more than 800,000 charities, which greatly expands and informs donation opportunities. Donors can search by local or international needs, high-impact areas and among - [Teaching Children to Give Back to the Community](https://encast.gives/teaching-children-to-give-back-to-the-community/) - When school is in session, it may seem like the greatest lessons to be learned revolve around reading, writing and arithmetic. But teaching children the importance of getting involved in their community and lending a hand to neighbors should not be overlooked. Here are a few ideas on how individuals of all ages can make - [Philanthropic Giving to Women's Causes](https://encast.gives/philanthropic-giving-to-womens-causes/) - According to recent research published by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI), a research arm of Indiana University’s Lilly Family School for Philanthropy, 44 percent of philanthropists give to women’s and girls’ causes. To break that down further, nearly 15 percent of these donors give to areas that directly impact women and girls, while just over - [Salesforce Chief Philanthropy Officer Wants All Companies to Drive Social Change](https://encast.gives/salesforce-chief-philanthropy-officer-wants-all-companies-to-drive-social-change/) - by Michael Zakaras, Contributor What role should businesses play in social change? In political advocacy? Is it okay for corporations to take a public stand, as Salesforce has and does, on issues like equal pay for women or LGBTQ rights? What do these actions signal about the future of CSR and corporate giving? To get some perspective - [Optimize Giving Using Donor Advised Funds](https://encast.gives/optimize-giving-using-donor-advised-funds/) - In addition to the personal fulfillment many individuals find by supporting charitable causes special to them, a thoughtfully planned and implemented charitable giving strategy can result in greater tax savings and after-tax results. For investors who own appreciated assets, such as publicly traded or privately held stock, mutual funds, real estate or a sizeable IRA, - [The Future of Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/the-future-of-philanthropy/) - By Jee Kim, Ford Foundation Philanthropy, in its current institutional form, is only about a century old. Since its inception, both donors and the larger public have debated how individuals can deploy their accumulated wealth to serve the greater good. In fact, the discussion of institutional philanthropy’s role in society, and its relationship to government - [The Long-Lasting Impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge](https://encast.gives/the-long-lasting-impact-of-the-ice-bucket-challenge/) - If you were conscious and connected to the internet in 2014, there’s a reasonably good chance that you or someone you loved, or at least were Facebook friends with, participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. George W. Bush had freezing water poured on his head, so did Bill Gates, so did Amy Schumer (kind of). New York Magazine said it - [Redefining Charity in Mid-America](https://encast.gives/redefining-charity-in-mid-america/) - by Adam Brake A Mid-Missouri organization is aiming to move from a conventional charity model to embracing collaboration on health projects in Africa. "There's a thing called parachute service; oftentimes Westerners show up, do something they think will help, and leave. There are some cases where it doesn't last very long, and in some cases - [How Fintech is Weaving Charitable Giving into Everyday Transactions](https://encast.gives/how-fintech-is-weaving-charitable-giving-into-everyday-transactions/) - Today, even the smallest businesses can capitalize on the power of digital platforms to better understand their customers’ needs and behaviors, engage with them more effectively, and provide customized offerings. But many of today’s consumers want more. A 2015 Nielsen Global Sustainability Reportfound that 43% of consumers say that a company’s commitment to social value “very - [Richard Branson on the Purpose of Purpose in Business](https://encast.gives/richard-branson-on-the-purpose-of-purpose-in-business/) - by Richard Branson I am passionate about running purpose-driven businesses. I get asked a lot, why? What’s it about and why bother? Here’s what I’ve learned. The purpose of business-purpose is to both run better companies, and to run companies better. Richard Branson and Australian team members at the Virgin Way Co-Lab Image by Eventive - [Charitable Giving on the Rise in China](https://encast.gives/charitable-giving-on-the-rise-in-china/) - WHEN Warren Buffett and Bill Gates held a banquet for Chinese billionaires in 2010, they hoped to win them over to philanthropy. They got the cold shoulder. Many wealthy industrialists stayed away, and none of those who attended signed their “Giving Pledge”. This meanness was not due to penury: China boasts more dollar billionaires today - [Let Logic, Not Emotions, Drive Charitable Giving Decisions](https://encast.gives/let-logic-not-emotions-drive-charitable-giving-decisions/) - by Sandra Guile National and local news broadcast horrific images of terror, tragedies, and trauma unfolding around the world. Users on social media post political rhetoric, opinions, and online outbursts – all of which should probably be reserved for in-person conversation – online for all to read. Unless everyone unplugs from the television, the radio, - [How Charitable Giving Strengthens the U.S. and Improves Mobility](https://encast.gives/how-charitable-giving-strengthens-the-u-s-and-improves-mobility/) - by Karl Zensmeister Capitalism and philanthropy have always been closely tied. In the 1600s, when the Netherlands was gestating free trade and other modern business patterns, commercial negotiations often took place in taverns, and successful deals were frequently sealed with charitable contributions to the alms box. Today, philanthropy and business are entwined especially tightly in - [Encast Launches Lifestyle of Giving Web Magazine](https://encast.gives/encast-launches-lifestyle-of-giving-web-magazine/) - AUSTIN, TEXAS (PRWEB) JULY 25, 2016 Encast (http://www.encast.co), creator of the new WorkHERO™ platform and Giving as a Service™ for businesses, has just launched a web magazine dedicated to informing readers about the lifestyle of giving and philanthropy. The site, branded as “GetMouse” (http://getmouse.com), will feature consistent original content on charitable causes, people who are living - [Why Startups Can't Ignore Corporate Social Responsibility](https://encast.gives/why-startups-cant-ignore-corporate-social-responsibility/) - Startups need to embrace corporate social responsibility to capitalise on a growing trend among consumers and make the world a better place, Zendesk vice president of public policy and social impact Tiffany Apczynski says. She says that more than 90% of consumers around the world today will move to brands associated with a good cause. During - [Nonprofits Take Note - Not a Proud Admission](https://encast.gives/nonprofits-take-note-not-a-proud-admission/) - The year before last, the son of a colleague I highly respect passed away. There were no notices about causes the family desired to support after his passing nor guidance on monetary gifts. However, I wanted to contribute. Rather than burden the grieving family by sending a check with the request to donate where they desired, I opted - [The Most Generous Cities in America](https://encast.gives/the-most-generous-cities-in-america/) - With so much negativity in the news of late, the Barna Group decided to embark on a quest to help the world remember "the reality of human kindness." "Stories of police brutality and violence against police, terrorist attacks and negative political rhetoric have filled the news cycle of late, making it easy to forget the - [Richard Branson on the Purpose of Purpose in Business](https://encast.gives/richard-branson-on-the-purpose-of-purpose-in-business-2/) - by Richard Branson I am passionate about running purpose-driven businesses. I get asked a lot, why? What’s it about and why bother? Here’s what I’ve learned. The purpose of business-purpose is to both run better companies, and to run companies better. Richard Branson and Australian team members at the Virgin Way Co-Lab Image by Eventive - [Charitable Giving Tips for Boomers](https://encast.gives/charitable-giving-tips-for-boomers/) - When it comes to charitable donations, boomers aren’t hesitating to open their wallets. According to a recent study from Blackbaud that analyzed the donation habits among the generations, baby boomers made up 34% of the donor base in the U.S. What’s more, the company, which provides software to nonprofits, revealed that the bulk of charitable - [Philanthropy Matters: How to Create a Charitable Giving Plan](https://encast.gives/philanthropy-matters-how-to-create-a-charitable-giving-plan/) - by Henry Barrios Collectively, Americans gave $373 billion to charity in 2015. Given such a large number, it is not surprising that most people automatically think that the bulk of giving comes from foundations and corporations. In reality, however, individuals accounted for 80 percent of that giving. Clearly, your philanthropy makes a difference. But when - [Seven Incredible People You've Never Heard Of](https://encast.gives/seven-incredible-people-youve-never-heard-of/) - August 8, 2016 by John Henderson Leave a Comment All my life, I always wanted to be somebody. Now I see that I should have been more specific. – Jane Wagner Undoubtedly you know the story of the Titanic, or do you? It is common knowledge that the “unsinkable” ship struck an iceberg and sunk in the early morning - [How Generous is Your Country?](https://encast.gives/how-generous-is-your-country/) - The Charities Aid Foundation surveyed 150,000 people in 145 countries to compile its 'generosity league' Those in Burma gave more money and time while citizens in Iraq were the most likely to help a stranger Burma was followed by far wealthier nations with the US in second place followed by New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the - [What Millennials Want in the Workplace](https://encast.gives/what-millennials-want-in-the-workplace/) - Health insurance, vacations and sick days, and all the usual necessary benefits aside, Millennials are looking for something different -- companies that think out-of-the-box and create an environment that appeals to their lifestyle and sense of fun. While 60 minutes of shooting nerf darts at each other may take the edge off after a tough - [The Rise of Social Responsibility in Higher Education](https://encast.gives/the-rise-of-social-responsibility-in-higher-education/) - by Brennan Weiss Corporate social responsibility has been a fixture in the business world for decades, and has become embedded in many universities as higher education leaders seek alternative ways to achieve sustainability. The purpose of corporate social responsibility or CSR is to guide organisations to act “in an ethical and transparent way that contributes to - [The New Nonprofit Regulatory Environment](https://encast.gives/the-new-nonprofit-regulatory-environment/) - By LLOYD HITOSHI MAYER In an extraordinary development, all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the Federal Trade Commission filed a federal lawsuit in May 2015 against four charities and their operators, alleging that they had defrauded more than $187 million from donors.1While the dollar amount was staggering, the most unusual aspect of the lawsuit - [Marketing Tips for Corporate Philanthropy Programs](https://encast.gives/marketing-tips-for-corporate-philanthropy-programs/) - by Larry Alton Marketing is obviously a very important aspect of business, yet few organizations do an effective job of leveraging it for corporate philanthropy programs. For some reason, the idea of exposing philanthropy seems awkward and forced to many – but do not let this scare you. The Value of Corporate Philanthropy Programs The - [7-11 Sets Measurable Corporate Social Responsibility Goals](https://encast.gives/7-11-sets-measurable-corporate-social-responsibility-goals/) - IRVING, Texas — 7-Eleven Inc. is working to set measurable corporate social responsibility goals (CSR) to reduce its environmental footprint through a collaboration with Conservation International (CI), a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to building a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet through science, policy and partnerships. The convenience store retailer's CSR mission consists - [Corporate Ethics in the Era of Millennials](https://encast.gives/corporate-ethics-in-the-era-of-millennials/) - by Paul A. Argenti Corporate social responsibility has been added to the growing list of demands that investors, customers and employees present to companies. In 2015, 81 percent of Fortune 500 companies published sustainability reports, up from 20 percent in 2011, according to a report released by the Governance & Accountability Institute in June. Companies are publicizing - [Corporate Giving: How to Ease the Transition from a Manual to Automated System](https://encast.gives/corporate-giving-how-to-ease-the-transition-from-a-manual-to-automated-system/) - Dear Andy: We have a corporate giving program but our process is totally manual (about 16 different spreadsheets, hundreds of emails), and things are falling through the cracks. I want to move to something automated but am nervous about the transition and losing critical data. What do you recommend to make the transition easier? – Trapped - [Millennials Ready to Donate Their Biggest Asset: Time](https://encast.gives/millennials-ready-to-donate-their-biggest-asset-time/) - At age 22, fourth-grade teacher Jessica King is already a charity veteran. The recent University of Pennsylvania graduate, with a degree in civic communications, started volunteering when she was 15, as a swimming teacher to special education students. As an undergraduate, King and her friends mentored children in West Philadelphia through the Netter Center for - [A Pair of Fours](https://encast.gives/a-pair-of-fours/) - by Ricardo Jimenez-Hernandez A few weeks ago, I got an email from my gym, Danes Body Shop, saying we were partnering with one of our gym member’s organizations, HeartSupport, “to raise money to help people heal from their past, break free from addiction, and choose life over suicide.” HeartSupport “[raises] money to help people heal from their - [New Poll Shows Millennials Prefer Companies That Give to Charities](https://encast.gives/new-poll-shows-millennials-prefer-companies-that-give-to-charities/) - Millennials are more likely than Gen X’ers and Baby Boomers to say it matters if American businesses give back to society, according to a new poll conducted by Morning Consult for Fortune. The survey of more than 2,000 individuals found that nearly two-thirds of people between the ages of 18 and 34 were at least somewhat - [Corporate Social Responsibility and Brand Promotion](https://encast.gives/corporate-social-responsibility-and-brand-promotion/) - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the code that companies have to live by in order to ensure that they go about their business helping all the way and not hurting anyone and anything. This is done by having high business ethics and moral standard. There is always a tie between CSR and BP (Brand Promotion) - [How to Build a Social Good Company from the Start](https://encast.gives/how-to-build-a-social-good-company-from-the-start/) - by Susan McPherson Startup founders face many decisions in the early days – how to price their products and services, who to hire, when to launch. When you’re focused on fundamental choices like these, there’s a good chance that social and environmental responsibility may be the last thing on your mind. But ignoring sustainability in - [Helpful Places Where Your Money Can See a 5-1 Return](https://encast.gives/helpful-places-where-your-money-can-see-a-5-1-return/) - The Texas cities of Houston and Austin are a short three hour drive apart. This distance makes for great weekend trips and so the cities exchange residents every Friday and return them every Sunday. Giddings, Texas (population ~5,000) sits on Highway 290 in the middle of the two cities and watches the commotion every weekend. - [Everything You Need to Know About Deductions for Charitable Organizations](https://encast.gives/everything-you-need-to-know-about-deductions-for-charitable-organizations/) - Since no good deed goes unpunished, the federal income tax rules for deducting personal charitable donations are complicated. Here’s what you need to know to claim your rightful deductions: Charitable deduction basic Depending on the type of charity and whether you contribute cash or other stuff, your charitable write-off can potentially be limited to 20%, - [To the Stressed Out and Sad Dog in the Cage](https://encast.gives/to-the-stressed-out-and-sad-dog-in-the-cage/) - by Maggie McCarthy One year for my fiancé’s birthday, I surprised him with his favorite foods and his favorite beer. I went on a shopping spree for all of his favorite things and surprised him when he got home from work. Typically, we’d spend over an hour searching HBO and Netflix over a movie we - [A Chance Encounter](https://encast.gives/a-chance-encounter/) - Almost two decades ago, I remember needing a haircut. I walked into the local Supercuts, in Austin’s Arboretum, jotted down my name, sat, and waited. Soon, a guy with tattoo sleeves, glasses, and funky, short hair came up to the counter and called my name. “Leo,” he said, in a deep, musky, cigarette-inspired voice. I walked - [Give Like a Girl](https://encast.gives/give-like-a-girl/) - by Caitlin O'Dowd Last week, I arrived to work to find this month’s Chronicle of Philanthropy on my desk. “Thought you would appreciate this latest issue,” my boss said. And there it was in all of it’s glory – surrounded by pictures of some of the most powerful philanthropic women of the day read the - [Insider Information](https://encast.gives/insider-information/) - There are different kinds of people in the world. On one end of the spectrum are the skimmers and the other the researchers. The skimmers want information fast and they want it easily. They rely on things like friends’ advice and light reading to make decisions. The researchers enjoy or feel compelled to dig deep - [Never Have I Ever](https://encast.gives/never-have-i-ever/) - By Elisha Girkin I’m not much of a shopper but do have “shopping phases” once or twice a year. I find it hard to find clothes that fit my body the way I’d like so when I do encounter clothing that fits well I’m the girl buying it in every color available. This works for - [Helping Women Cross the Digital Divide](https://encast.gives/helping-women-cross-the-digital-divide/) - by James C. Moore On the runway at San Francisco International Airport that day, the plane looked like another British Airways 777 rolling out on the tarmac for an international flight. The giant aircraft, however, was filled with a group of creative thinkers and accomplished business people taking part in what the airline called an - [What the Hell is a Donor Advised Fund](https://encast.gives/what-the-hell-is-a-donor-advised-fund/) - If you don’t wear a top hat and a monocle on a regular basis, you probably don’t know what a Donor Advised Fund is. A Donor Advised Fund is a great tool to claim a tax break for your charitable giving. Usually used by high net worth individuals, a DAF is an account that can - [A Stroll Through the Tenderloin](https://encast.gives/a-stroll-through-the-tenderloin/) - I was walking from my San Francisco AirBnB host home on the corner of Larkin and California, on my way to the Cal Train Station on a cool Friday morning. I enjoy walking through the streets of San Francisco, taking in all that is wonderful about the city: its colors, fresh air, diversity, and the - [The 'Why' That Fuels Me](https://encast.gives/the-why-that-fuels-me/) - by Ryan Surber, Encast CSO and co-founder They say the most important thing to know in everything we do is the WHY behind it. That in order to achieve, in order to succeed the WHY must be crystal clear. In a large way, I do what I do because I want to succeed in carrying on my father’s legacy. My - [The Real Truth about HR Technology and Employee Giving Campaigns](https://encast.gives/the-real-truth-about-hr-technology-and-employee-giving-campaigns/) - From desktop computers and laptops to security systems and smartphones, technology is our constant companion. Many of the tools we rely on daily were originally conceived to make modern life a little bit easier, but we could live without them. But here's the thing: These tools have been so successful at achieving their goal, that - [The Generous Generation—3 Millennial Myths Debunked](https://encast.gives/the-generous-generation-3-millennial-myths-debunked/) - We’re pretty sure there’s some unwritten rule that every generation is supposed to rag on the generation after it—it’s one of the perks of getting old! Oftentimes it can just be good fun, but at what point do we realize it’s gone too far? It seems like lately everyone’s favorite generation to poke fun at - [​4 Predictions for the Future of Corporate Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/4-predictions-for-the-future-of-corporate-philanthropy/) - There was a time when a corporation giving back to the community was considered an anomaly, but that time has passed. For-profit businesses are learning what private individuals and nonprofit organizations have always known: The benefits of giving extend to the giver as well as the receiver. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can attract new employees, - [​Employees Expect More than Just Checking the Box on Corporate Giving](https://encast.gives/employees-expect-more-than-just-checking-the-box-on-corporate-giving/) - The research is clear. Nearly 80% of Americans want to work for a company they consider to socially responsible. But this is not news to anyone. Over 85% of companies believe their employees expect to both support causes and issues that matter as well as provide these employees with the opportunity to engage in the - [Aligning Your Corporate Giving Programs with Millennials](https://encast.gives/aligning-your-corporate-giving-programs-with-millennials/) - Love ‘em or hate ‘em, millennials are flooding into the workforce. You know what that means? You will need to tailor parts of your company’s benefits to them. It’s no secret that company culture is key to attracting like-minded individuals—and if millennials are going to be new additions to your team (hint: they will be), - [Corporate Social Responsibility Isn't Just the Cool Thing to Do](https://encast.gives/corporate-social-responsibility-isnt-just-the-cool-thing-to-do/) - Corporate Social Responsibility, once a rare occurrence, has become the standard for companies of all sizes. Consumers, job seekers, and stakeholders have all come to expect that businesses participate in corporate social responsibility programs on some level. This isn't news to anyone. Even ten years ago, over 50% of corporate managers surveyed across the - [The Cause Generation—Why Millennials Are Key to Employee Giving Programs](https://encast.gives/the-cause-generation-why-millennials-are-key-to-employee-giving-programs/) - Do you have any idea how many of your employees are millennials? Despite all the negative press calling millennials lazy, chances are they are a pretty significant percentage of your company. In the United States, millennials will make up over half the workforce by 2020 (Really!). There is a lot of research being done to - [Are Businesses Measuring Their Corporate Social Responsibility?](https://encast.gives/are-businesses-measuring-their-corporate-social-responsibility/) - Companies start corporate social responsibility initiatives for a variety of reasons. At the core of all of them, however, is the idea that it's possible to do well by doing good. In fact, not only is it possible, it’s expected—by consumers, stakeholders, and even job seekers. Soon, companies may find they have a difficult time - [Motivating Employees to Give Back Is Easier Than You Think](https://encast.gives/motivating-employees-to-give-back-is-easier-than-you-think/) - Not getting the response you expected from your employee giving campaign? Don’t just assume your employees aren’t motivated to give. Over $4 billion is raised every year from workplace giving. Employees, for the most part, are ready and willing to give. And while there are probably a few employees who need some motivation, most will - [How Corporate Social Responsibility Can Actually Be Easy](https://encast.gives/how-corporate-social-responsibility-can-actually-be-easy/) - If it seems to you that everyone in the business world is focusing on corporate social responsibility, it's because they are: Over two-thirds of American companies believe their employees want them to be socially responsible and over 90% believe their customers have similar expectations. And they’re not wrong—nearly 80% of employees prefer to work for - [​8 Must-Take Steps Before Launching a Corporate Giving Program](https://encast.gives/8-must-take-steps-before-launching-a-corporate-giving-program/) - Corporate social responsibility has gone from a buzzword to an expectation. Companies of all sizes are recognizing job seekers, employees, and consumers are demanding that corporations give back and help their employees give back as well. Given this environment, it can be tempting to try and get corporate giving programs up and going as soon - [​How HR Technology Can Fuel Your Corporate Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/how-hr-technology-can-fuel-your-corporate-philanthropy/) - Wondering what's standing between your current corporate giving strategy and your ideal corporate philanthropy? Ever considered that it might be you? Not you personally, of course, but you – the company. Here’s the thing: With most corporate giving strategies, the company partners with a charitable cause. Then the company turns to its employees to create - [Participation in CSR is Born From Choice—NOT Mandates](https://encast.gives/participation-in-csr-is-born-from-choice-not-mandates/) - Imagine this: you go to work one day only to find that a percentage of every employee’s paycheck will now be automatically deducted and donated to the CEO’s favorite charity. No opportunity to opt out or to divert the money to a charity of your choosing. It doesn’t take much of an imagination to guess - [Is Facebook a Viable Giving Platform?](https://encast.gives/is-facebook-a-viable-giving-platform/) - Thanks to ever-evolving technology, there are a wide array of tools designed to facilitate and increase charitable giving. But, as the adage goes, the best tool is the one you already use. With over 1 billion daily active users, there’s little doubt that Facebook is the tool people are using. The power and reach of - [It's Never Been Easier to Give Like You Mean It](https://encast.gives/its-never-been-easier-to-give-like-you-mean-it/) - When I was a kid, my first foray into charitable giving was to participate in a walk for the local children’s hospital. I was in elementary school, maybe nine or ten years old. In order to raise money, I walked door to door throughout my neighborhood, asking for donations and pledges. As I recall, it - [How Are You Defining Corporate Social Responsibility Success?](https://encast.gives/how-are-you-defining-corporate-social-responsibility-success/) - Is your corporate social responsibility program successful? How do you know? There are a variety of ways that companies measure corporate social responsibility success. How much money is raised as part of a corporate giving event? Has there been an increase in productivity since the implementation of your corporate social responsibility strategy? What percentage of - [Changing Intentions into Actions:  A Mind Changed In The Face of New Information & Technology](https://encast.gives/changing-intentions-into-actions-a-mind-changed-in-the-face-of-new-information-technology/) - While there are areas in my life I can be decidedly stubborn I like to think of myself as a reasonable person. Subject matters I know little or no information about I inquire. I am mostly successful in not letting my ego get in the way of this practice, clear down to asking you to define a - [Are You Thinking Big Enough?](https://encast.gives/are-you-thinking-big-enough/) - We’ve all heard someone tell us to “think big,” but what does that mean? Recently, I have opened myself up to the world of social impact and corporate social responsibility. I am learning about non-profits, philanthropists, conscious capitalism, pre-tax donations, etc. and in the process, I am meeting some wonderful people and organizations that have - [Shut Up and Do Something—A SXSW Panel from Real People Who Took Action](https://encast.gives/shut-up-and-do-something-a-sxsw-panel-from-real-people-who-took-action/) - We talk a lot about doing good around here at Encast. If you haven't caught on, yet—it's what we're all about. It's what brings us to work every single day. Many of us will come across a moment of revelation where we want to do good in our own way. You might have the spark - [5 Questions to Gauge the Strength of Your Employee Culture](https://encast.gives/5-questions-to-gauge-the-strength-of-your-employee-culture/) - Workplace culture is the environment created by your corporate values and vision. It is the personality and character of your company. Ideally, your company culture demonstrates a commitment to your mission and values. But that’s not always how it works out. At its best, your workplace culture can strengthen your business, encourage employee engagement, and - [How to Actually Implement Your Great, Charitable Idea](https://encast.gives/how-to-actually-implement-your-great-charitable-idea/) - Ever have a moment where you come up with an amazing idea that could benefit your community or maybe even the world at large? One of those moments when, whether through sudden insight or long, hard work, you suddenly “get it"? Yet, no matter how fantastic your idea is or how much you believe in - [Employee Knife Skills: Companies Empowering Employees to Create Their Company Culture](https://encast.gives/employee-knife-skills-companies-empowering-employees-to-create-their-company-culture/) - I was listening to a podcast this morning about the importance of teaching children how to cook. When you can break lessons down into manageable, repetitive, learning opportunities, they’ll get it. In this story a mother is teaching her son kitchen basics at age 4. He learns how to carry a plate of food to - [Why Your Employee Giving Program Should Include Employee matching](https://encast.gives/why-your-employee-giving-program-should-include-employee-matching/) - When it comes to creating a corporate giving strategy, you have a lot of options. Unfortunately, many of those options – such as partnering with a large charitable organization – actually limit choices for employee giving. Instead of choosing a charity for your charitable giving and asking employees to pitch in, why not flip the - [Pop-Up Village Provides Food, Haircuts and Other Services to Austin's Homeless During SXSW](https://encast.gives/pop-up-village-provides-food-haircuts-and-other-services-to-austins-homeless-during-sxsw/) - Ever wondered about the difference a shower can make? If you have never experienced homelessness, chances are your answer is no. Most people take access to personal hygiene for granted. But basic hygiene is not available to those experiencing homelessness. Lava Mae is a nonprofit organization that recognizes the profound impact this lack can have - [Featured Charity: Lava Mae—Bringing Dignity to the Homeless](https://encast.gives/featured-charity-lava-mae-bringing-dignity-to-the-homeless/) - Ever wondered about the difference a shower can make? If you have never experienced homelessness, chances are your answer is no. Most people take access to personal hygiene for granted. But basic hygiene is not available to those experiencing homelessness. Lava Mae is a nonprofit organization that recognizes the profound impact this lack can have - [4 Rock-Star Community Gardens That Are Making a Huge Impact](https://encast.gives/4-rock-star-community-gardens-that-are-making-a-huge-impact/) - Food brings people and communities together. We were reminded of that recently when we saw this cool NPR article about a community garden in Detroit that connects Bangladeshi women growing vegetables in their backyards with restaurants interested in featuring locally grown produce on their menus. The article got us thinking. We wanted to know: What - [SXSW Recap: Pop-Up Care Villages, Panelists, and Growing Communities.](https://encast.gives/sxsw-recap-pop-up-care-villages-panelists-and-growing-communities/) - This year Encast had the privilege to host a panel at SXSW interactive as well as cohost a care village helping the homeless in Austin, Texas. Our SXSW 2017 Panel For a startup to be selected for a panel at SXSW is a major accomplishment. Our aim was to bring together a group of people - [Celebrate Mom and Pop Business Day](https://encast.gives/celebrate-mom-and-pop-business-day/) - March 29th is Mom and Pop Business Day in the United States. According to the United States Small Business Association, there are approximately 28 millions small business in the United States. Mom and Pop Business Day is a day set aside to recognize and celebrate the small, locally-owned business across the country. Not sure if - [A Thoughtful Review of Why Millennials Suck as Much as They Do](https://encast.gives/a-thoughtful-review-of-why-millennials-suck-as-much-as-they-do/) - Millennials have been in the workforce for more than a decade. So why are companies still struggling to keep them on board? Is it their unrealistic expectations? Laziness? Or is it because companies don’t invest enough in what it means to be a great manager? There are many theories out there, many opinions even coming - [Local vs Global Charities—Who Do I Donate To?](https://encast.gives/local-vs-global-charities-who-do-i-donate-to/) - You’ve found a cause that you are passionate about – you want to work to eliminate childhood hunger. You are ready to make a donation and you really want it to count, so you start to do some research. Before you know it, you have ten different tabs open on your internet browser linking to - [What Should My Employee Retention Rate Be?](https://encast.gives/what-should-my-employee-retention-rate-be/) - Your employee retention rate is the percentage of employees who have stayed with your company over a certain period of time. It is essentially the inverse of your turnover rate. It’s fairly easy to calculate this number. Figuring out whether or not your employee retention rate is good, on the other hand, is not always - [Featured Charity—Hill Country Youth Ranch](https://encast.gives/featured-charity-hill-country-youth-ranch/) - Our childhood experiences shape our lives. A glimpse at the night sky can inspire a career in astronomy. Losing a family member to a terminal disease may be the motivation behind a medical researcher. But what about the children whose childhood is marred by painful and traumatic experiences? According to the Centers for Disease Control, - [Try Our New Attrition Calculator!](https://encast.gives/try-our-new-attrition-calculator/) - Not everyone who works for your company will remain there. Some employees will stay for years. Others may fizzle out within a few weeks. The last two words a company wants to hear, however, are "high turnover". As an employer, it's important that you understand all the reasons why employees are leaving your company and - [4 Out-of-the-Ordinary Animal Shelters You Need to Hear About](https://encast.gives/4-out-of-the-ordinary-animal-shelters-you-need-to-hear-about/) - In 2015, charitable giving to benefit animals and the environment totaled 10.68 billion dollars. This was up 6.5% from the previous year and the upward trend is expected to continue. All across America, there are fantastic animal shelters doing amazing things for the good of pets. From caring for senior dogs to housing over 1,700 - [10 Employee Giving Campaigns Ideas that Actually Sound Fun](https://encast.gives/10-employee-giving-campaigns-ideas-that-actually-sound-fun/) - We all have slightly different things we like to do for fun. While a messy obstacle course may bring the inner child in some of your employees, other employees may do everything in their power to steer clear of the mud and muck. So how do you ensure your fun fundraising ideas are things your - [6 Small Things to Do Today to Help Your Favorite Causes](https://encast.gives/6-small-things-to-do-today-to-help-your-favorite-causes/) - Have a cause or charity that matters to you, but are unsure how you can help? You are not alone. Despite how it may seem, the little things do count! Not everyone can donate the funds to build a brand new animal shelter or host a massive fundraising ball. In fact, most of us cannot. - [Featured Charity: Latinitas - Empowering Latina Youth](https://encast.gives/featured-charity-latinitas-empowering-latina-youth/) - There are problems among young Latinas. Latina youth show some of the most alarming rates of teenage pregnancy, suicide, dropout, and low self esteem. One of the many factors influencing these patterns is the lack of role models, especially in the areas of journalism, media, and technology. Latina youth show some of the most alarming - [Employee Turnover is Always Bad for an Organization, Right?](https://encast.gives/employee-turnover-is-always-bad-for-an-organization-right/) - Not every employee is a great fit for every company. We know that. It’s why companies spend a significant amount of time and money reviewing applications and interviewing candidates before making job offers. But sometimes, even after the screening process, you end up with employees who don’t quite work out and they leave. Employee turnover - [The Future of Work](https://encast.gives/the-future-of-work/) - Following my time in college, I found myself frantically looking for a job or internship for much longer than I thought I would. I remember my mother talking about how difficult the job market was at the time to her father (my grandfather) who was surprised by my lack of job after three months. “Well - [Featured Charity: Orbis—Bringing the World to Fight Blindness](https://encast.gives/featured-charity-orbis-bringing-the-world-to-fight-blindness/) - No one asks the government for a penny. Everything is accomplished through donations. Corporations have given much. But the average contribution is $76. And all of that private money has been keeping an airborne eye hospital traveling for 30 plus years to more than 90 countries, performing surgeries to restore sight and training doctors. The - [Why Were Some People Unwilling to Give Money to Charity?](https://encast.gives/why-were-some-people-unwilling-to-give-money-to-charity/) - When you establish a corporate social responsibility program, it’s natural to focus on why people give. The theory being: if you know what motivates people to give, you can create a program that will appeal to those motivations. It seems like it’s only after setting up the corporate social responsibility program that companies start to - [A Boy in Africa](https://encast.gives/a-boy-in-africa/) - “The rich swell up with pride, the poor from hunger.” — Sholom Aleichem There’s a boy in Africa who calls me Daddy. I guess he’s become a man now, in his early twenties. But he still refers to me as Daddy and my wife as Mommy. His name is Izdeen, and he has lived - [Do I Need a CSR Tool? Or Is It a Waste of Money?](https://encast.gives/do-i-need-a-csr-tool-or-is-it-a-waste-of-money/) - You would be hard-pressed today to find a company, employee or consumer with zero interest in corporate social responsibility. Much of this change is driven by millennials, who already represent nearly $2.5 trillion in spending power and will soon be the largest generation in the American workforce. Despite the pervasive myths of millennial entitlement, 70% - [Girl Power! 5 Charitable Organizations That Aim to Help Young Girls](https://encast.gives/girl-power-5-charitable-organizations-that-aim-to-help-young-girls/) - Girls and young women are the community leaders and CEOs of our future, but many face obstacles and barriers to their success. These following organizations work to empower and inspire young women to reach their potential and lead us all into a better tomorrow. 1. Latinitas Latina girls between the ages of 12 and 17 - [On the Case](https://encast.gives/on-the-case/) - I’m sure many of you have seen Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. In the off chance that you haven’t, it’s an American crime/drama television series that has been on probably since before you were born. Seriously, the series is working on it’s 17th season and has aired almost 400 original episodes. Based and filmed - [4 of Our Favorite Charities to Help Refugees](https://encast.gives/4-of-our-favorite-charities-to-help-refugees/) - Across the globe, catastrophes from famine to war force millions of people to flee their homes each year. In response to these humanitarian crises, charities and nonprofit organizations step up to offer relief and aid in a variety of different ways. Here in the United States, we have many different organizations, including large international charities - [7 Attention-Grabbing Words to Describe Company Culture](https://encast.gives/7-attention-grabbing-words-to-describe-company-culture/) - If you want to attract top talent on the job market these days, you need to give job seekers a peek into your company culture. And your company culture needs to be more than just ping pong tables and bean bag chairs in the break room or beer on thirsty Thursdays. Your company culture should - [How to Spend $100,000 on Prom](https://encast.gives/how-to-spend-100000-on-prom/) - Giving. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Frankly, it’s something we learn to do. Babies are not innately generous. We as a species have to take care of our own needs first, as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs teaches. So giving is something that we have to learn to do.A Legacy of Giving is an organization - [My Employees Think I'm an A**hole—Now What?](https://encast.gives/my-employees-think-im-an-ahole-now-what/) - So, your employees think you’re an asshole? Ouch! That sucks to hear. After the shock has worn off a bit, it’s time to figure out how to fix it. If you need to mend your relationship with your employees, here are a few tips to get you started: Check In Your employees’ opinions of you - [A New Kind of Philanthropy](https://encast.gives/a-new-kind-of-philanthropy/) - By Leo Ramirez Jr., Encast Co-Founder and CEO At Encast, we want to convince the world that people don’t have to be wealthy to be philanthropists. We can all start giving early in our lives and our careers and have an immediate impact on charitable causes. Cumulatively, if we make this a broad movement, our - [Why a CSR Tool Might Not Be For You](https://encast.gives/why-a-csr-tool-might-not-be-for-you/) - We know what you’re thinking: “Why would a company that sells CSR tools write a blog post explaining why I shouldn’t buy a CSR tool?” We understand your skepticism, but the truth is – we know that CSR tools, even our amazing CSR tools, are not for everyone. There are a variety of reasons a - [Average Joe Philanthropist Wants Invite to Party](https://encast.gives/average-joe-philanthropist-wants-invite-to-party/) - To live a philanthropic or giving life doesn’t mean you aren’t fun. It doesn’t mean you give large swaths of your income to charity. It doesn’t mean it’s all you talk about. It doesn’t mean that’s all you’re interested in. What it means to be a philanthropist in this world needs a makeover. Philanthropy needs - [5 Charities for Helping the Environment](https://encast.gives/5-charities-for-helping-the-environment/) - Helping the environment can mean a lot of different things. The fact is that there are a lot of areas where our planet and its inhabitants could use a helping hand. From rising waters due to climate change and the endangerment of species due to habitat destruction and deforestation, there are charitable organizations working on - [Why Your Charitable Giving Isn’t—and Shouldn’t Be—About “Politics”](https://encast.gives/why-your-charitable-giving-isnt-and-shouldnt-be-about-politics/) - It’s a tough time right now. The current political climate is intense and heated. We understand that you have deep, personal beliefs on many issues. We do too! And guess what? So do your employees. You and your employees may disagree with each other, even strongly, but that is okay. It’s important for your company - [The Real Reasons You Have to Hire Millennials](https://encast.gives/the-real-reasons-you-have-to-hire-millennials/) - There are a lot of articles, jokes, and memes about millennials that get shared on social media. Largely based on pejorative stereotypes, this content ranges from one- liners to long rants and will almost always guarantee likes, shares, and comments. Some of the most common grievances millennials are accused of include being self-obsessed, glued to - [A Better Name than "Nonprofit"](https://encast.gives/a-better-name-than-nonprofit/) - We all know businesses are out to make a profit, either for the owner or for their shareholders. And I think we would agree that, for the sake of our financial markets and the economy at-large, this is a good thing. So for years, I’ve advocated for replacing the terms “Nonprofit” and “Not-for-profit” with “Social - [Featured Businesses: 4 Companies Who Truly Give Back](https://encast.gives/featured-businesses-4-companies-who-truly-give-back/) - Wondering what a successful corporate social responsibility program looks like? By now, most everyone is familiar with the giving models used by TOMS, Google, and other high profile corporations. While these are fantastic examples of corporate social responsibility programs that resonate with employees and customers alike, they are far from the only ways to give - [5 Need-to-Know Organizations That Are Actually Helping Veterans](https://encast.gives/5-need-to-know-organizations-that-are-actually-helping-veterans/) - As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. Across the country, there are innumerable organizations and charities working hard to ensure our veterans are taken care of and not forgotten when they return home. Here are just a few of the - [What the hell is a donor advised fund and why should I care?](https://encast.gives/what-the-hell-is-a-donor-advised-fund-and-why-should-i-care/) - If you don’t wear a top hat and a monocle on a regular basis, you probably don’t know what a Donor Advised Fund is. A Donor Advised Fund is a great tool to claim a tax break for your charitable giving. Typically used by high net worth individuals, a DAF is an account that can - [Top 15 Reasons People Quit Their Job](https://encast.gives/top-15-reasons-people-quit-their-job/) - Every time an employee quits, there is a reason––or many. Leaving a job isn't just something people do on a whim. While each individual instance is going to have its own distinct situation or surrounding concern, as an employer, you can start to identify common themes, like difficult management, lack of culture, or even low - [The Truth About Donation Processing Fees (And Why You Should Be Mad)](https://encast.gives/the-truth-about-donation-processing-fees-and-why-you-should-be-mad/) - Fees seem to be everywhere these days. Want to access your money from the closest ATM? You will probably have to pay a fee. Take a close look at your utility bills; chances are you will find fees there, too. Membership fees, late fees, processing fees – there are so many fees in our day-to- - [How to Increase Employee Volunteering AND Build Company Culture](https://encast.gives/how-to-increase-employee-volunteering-and-build-company-culture/) - A successful corporate social responsibility program is one that gets employees excited about being involved and supports your company's core values. For this reason, volunteer opportunities with organizations that align with your company mission and values are a great addition to any corporate social responsibility program. When they're are done right, that is. If you - [Women in the Workplace – What’s the Fuss and What We Can Do](https://encast.gives/women-in-the-workplace-whats-the-fuss-and-what-we-can-do/) - There is no denying that there is a gender gap in the workplace. It’s a gap we hope we can close. Before we can do that, however, we have to be willing to take a good look at what that gap includes and do our best to determine why the gap exists in the first - [4 Nonprofits for Labor Rights](https://encast.gives/4-nonprofits-for-labor-rights/) - Labor rights have come a long way since the founding of America. While there should be pride in where we are now, there is still more progress to be made. Progress like universal maternity and paternity leave or group-focused rights like protecting our migratory farmers. From universal workers rights groups to group-focused orgnations there are - [How to Calculate the Cost of Employee Turnover](https://encast.gives/how-to-calculate-the-cost-of-employee-turnover/) - We all know that no matter the industry, your employees are your company's most valuable resource. Since we know this, we realize that high employee turnover is a really bad thing. Yes, some level of employee turnover is unavoidable. There are instances where employees are not the right fit, change careers, or retire. But even - [How to Recruit a Millennial When You’re a Bitter Gen X-er](https://encast.gives/how-to-recruit-a-millennial-when-youre-a-bitter-gen-x-er/) - Image Credit Coffee Geek At Encast, we write a lot about Millennials. Specifically, we have written quite a few pieces exploring the common stereotypes about Millennials – that they are lazy, entitled, and self-obsessed – only to find there was little evidence to support these arguments. Yet, despite the - [Your Baby Boomer and Millennial Employees Want the Same Benefits](https://encast.gives/your-baby-boomer-and-millennial-employees-want-the-same-benefits/) - Complaining about other generations is so commonplace it has become cliché. “Kids these days are so entitled.” “The older generation is so out of touch.” It’s nothing new, but it’s time for us to stop. Each generation needs to quit fighting and hating on each other. We are all guilty of it, but that doesn’t - [4 Incredible Organizations Helping Prepare Children for the School Year](https://encast.gives/4-incredible-organizations-helping-prepare-children-for-the-school-year/) - August. Known for its heat, the end of summer, and first-day-of-school photo ops. To parents with school-age children it’s also known as a month of spending. Arguably one of the two hardest times of year for families barely making it financially (the other being the holiday season). Thankfully there are programs and nonprofits that cater - [10 Employee Turnover Statistics That’ll Make Any HR Manager Cringe](https://encast.gives/10-employee-turnover-statistics-thatll-make-any-hr-manager-cringe/) - We all know employee turnover is bad, but are you aware of how much it is costing your company? From decreased productivity (that can last for years) to the hiring an employment firm to help you find new employees, your company is losing a lot of cash as a result of employee turnover. We've put - [How to Start Changing an Unhealthy Work Environment](https://encast.gives/how-to-start-changing-an-unhealthy-work-environment/) - Among all of the considereations business leaders have to confront on a daily basis, creating the right kind of workplace environment might be overlooked. They are often concerned with product deadlines and "sprints" and demanding customers and can fail to contemplate the daily needs of their employees. This is changing, sometimes too slowly, but most - [The Energy of Inspired Employees](https://encast.gives/the-energy-of-inspired-employees/) - "We all want to be a valued member of a winning team on an inspiring mission," he says. This is the kind of statement we've built our company Encast around and our main product of WorkHERO. A job is not enough. We need to be a part of something bigger than work, and bigger than - [A Quick Encast Howdy from Texas](https://encast.gives/a-quick-encast-howdy-from-texas/) - We often get asked about our company and how we improve workplace culture. The term can be considered vague, which is a bit ironic given how important it is to employee engagement and productivity, even a company's brand and share value. If that's a characteristic that your company values, you need to know about our - [How to Help Great Causes](https://encast.gives/how-to-help-great-causes/) - by Leo Ramirez, Jr., CEO, Founder of Encast A lot of people who want to help often struggle with where to make donations of their limited resources. Recent natural disasters with hurricanes and earthquakes have brought many more people into the community of charitable givers. But there are important issues to consider before giving your - [How Crypto for Social Good Will Change the Way We Give Back](https://encast.gives/how-crypto-for-social-good-will-change-the-way-we-give-back/) - In this episode, we’ll speak with three special guests - Drew Galloway, Ryan Lugalia-Hollon, and Willy Ogorzaly - about the basic questions surrounding cryptocurrency and the blockchain and how these technologies are being used for social good. What is cryptocurrency? What is a blockchain? Learn how this decentralized ledger, the blockchain, creates the potential to - [Why Try to Motivate Your Employees? ](https://encast.gives/why-try-to-motivate-your-employees/) - There are a thousand different dynamics that affect employees, their attitudes, productivity, and longevity in a job. The unanswered questions are always related to what makes someone happy in the workplace and why do they stay? Is an employer obligated to motivate the people they have hired to get the job done or should that - [What Is Workplace Culture?](https://encast.gives/what-is-workplace-culture/) - Culture is the character and personality of your organization. It's what makes your organization unique and is the sum of its values, traditions, beliefs, interactions, behaviors, and attitudes. Here's an overview of why workplace culture is important, what affects it, and how to define it. Why is workplace culture important?Culture is as important, if not - [Live, Give, and Amplify](https://encast.gives/live-give-and-amplify/) - by Adam Boles at CultureMap Austin In an age where everything we could possibly want is a mere click away — that snazzy kitchen gadget, those funky earrings, that cutting-edge 4K flat screen — retail therapy has never been easier to come by. It feels good, and gives us both an endorphin bump and mail - [SXSW and Givin' Good in the Neighborhood](https://encast.gives/sxsw-and-givin-good-in-the-neighborhood/) - The rites of spring in Austin tend to be fixed on Bluebonnets, Indian paint brush, warm winds off the Gulf of Mexico, and a gathering known internationally as South by Southwest (SXSW). Technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, filmmakers, musicians, and dreamers come to the Texas capitol city to learn about the latest trends and ideas and plan - [Branding and Workplace Culture](https://encast.gives/branding-and-workplace-culture/) - The trend toward Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) over the past decade has had a tremendous positive impact on businesses and various charitable causes. There is little doubt that companies grow and communities improve when there is a conscious effort to do more than just make a profit and provide dividends for shareholders. In fact, as - [Top 3 Business Imperatives for CSR in the COVID-19 Era](https://encast.gives/top-3-business-imperatives-for-csr-in-the-covid-19-era/) - Top 3 Business Imperatives for CSR in the COVID-19 Era Without a doubt, COVID-19 has had a pervasive impact on business ecosystems globally. Industries such as travel, energy, and retail have started facing significant headwinds as they slog through the remainder of 2020. In response to these headwinds, many key business functions have been burdened, - [Encast, COVID-19, & The Future of CSR](https://encast.gives/encast-covid-19-the-future-of-csr/) - From the entire team at Encast, we hope you and your families are safe and healthy. We realize that the current economic environment is tough for all, especially Corporate Responsibility, Citizenship, and Sustainability teams that are being asked to cut their budgets. And while we are surely concerned about the state of social impact, we’ve - [A Mind Changed in the Face of New Information](https://encast.gives/a-mind-changed-in-the-face-of-new-information/) - While there are areas in my life I can be decidedly stubborn in, I like to think of myself as a reasonable person. Subject matters I know little or no information about, I inquire. I am mostly successful in not letting my ego get in the way of this practice, clear down to asking you - [Better Leadership with Cross Cultural Awareness](https://encast.gives/better-leadership-with-cross-cultural-awareness/) - One of the strengths of today’s increasingly diverse global workforce is the fact that diversity brings innovation, fresh perspective, and creative problem solving to the workplace. In order to utilize the variety of skills and perspectives employees bring to the table, managers need to examine their own frame of reference, or paradigm through which they - [A Data Revolution in CSR: Data-Lakes & What They Mean For You](https://encast.gives/a-data-revolution-in-csr-data-lakes-what-they-mean-for-you/) - What is a data lake? A data lake is an architectural evolution in the way that the business community views data-sharing. Data has historically been shared on a case-by-case, slow, and manual way while data-lakes allow for standardized, fast, and automated ways of ensuring everyone has the data they need. How does a data lake - [Encast Impact Hour - Episode #2](https://encast.gives/encast-impact-hour-episode-2/) - In this episode, Special Advisor Mohammad Hamid facilitates a discussion with Encast's Board Member, Malcolm Goodwin, who shares a unique perspective on the evolution of corporate responsibility, supplier diversity, and how companies are beginning to think differently about racial inequality. - [Culture Turnarounds: How to Rapidly, Efficiency, and Effectively Get Workplace Culture Back on Track](https://encast.gives/culture-turnarounds-how-to-rapidly-efficiency-and-effectively-get-workplace-culture-back-on-track/) - Over the past several years, a spotlight has emerged on corporate culture. It’s not just something that Millennials and Generation-Zers in the workplace seek. Rather, it’s widely recognized as a key indicator of business performance and health from which your business deepens relationships, teamwork, and satisfaction. Peter Drucker said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Great - [Every Enterprise is a Social Enterprise](https://encast.gives/every-enterprise-is-a-social-enterprise/) - The state of public discourse surrounding the world’s expectations from the business community has evolved quite a bit over the years. In many ways, there has been a major paradigm shift from the Milton Friedman philosophy of corporations having no responsibility except to maximize shareholder value to a much broader expectation of adding societal and - [Corporate Social Justice: The Next Chapter of CSR](https://encast.gives/corporate-social-justice-the-next-chapter-of-csr/) - Corporate Social Responsibility has come a long way. From companies thinking of CSR as a necessity to maintain their license to operate, to the proliferation of corporate philanthropy, to even the more recent integration of environmental sustainability into CSR initiatives, the function continues its evolution towards a broader scope. In June of 2020, we find - [Encast Impact Hour - Episode #1](https://encast.gives/encast-impact-hour-episode-1/) - In this episode, Special Advisor Mohammad Hamid facilitates a discussion with Encast's Founder and CEO, Leo Reamirez Jr. The discussion includes background on Leo, his assessment on the current state of the economy, and key implications for Corporate Social Responsibility. - [The Power of Storytelling in CSR](https://encast.gives/the-power-of-storytelling-in-csr/) - In the world of Corporate Social Responsibility, businesses put extraordinary efforts into compelling and memorable programs. CSR has become one of the most high impact strategies for driving engagement, productivity, brand awareness, retention, and shareholder value. It’s become so important that investor heavyweights, such as Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, have boldly declared that portfolio - [Top 3 CSR Mistakes to Avoid During a Recession](https://encast.gives/top-3-csr-mistakes-to-avoid-during-a-recession/) - In the rapidly evolving environment surrounding COVID-19, companies are being pushed into thinking about conducting business in ways they have never had to consider before. From the way they structure physical workplaces to how companies market their products and services, it is a particularly unusual time for companies. To that end, we’ve received a - [4 Charities That Help Parents in Need](https://encast.gives/4-charities-that-help-parents-in-need/) - Parenting is hard, even in the best of situations. But for families in need, the burden of parenting can be especially difficult. Becoming a parent doesn’t make you immune to hardship. Instead, it means that any challenge you face will impact those you hold most dear, your children.All parents worry about their children. But for - [Empower Change: Lead Social Impact With Cause Mutual Funds](https://encast.gives/empower-change-lead-social-impact-with-cause-mutual-funds/) - Discover how influencers can drive authentic social impact with Cause Mutual Funds™, making philanthropy simple, transparent, and impactful for maximum change. ## Pages - [Home - Main V4](https://encast.gives/) - Turn your influence into a force for good with Encast. 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