CSRWire News

Fabri-Kal is proud to announce its role in producing medical face shields for local healthcare workers. In less than one week, the Fabri-Kal team quickly came together to develop a plan to meet this critical need. Fabri-Kal, Schupan & Sons and Tekna went from prototype to production on face shields that will be provided to workers treating patients impacted by the coronavirus. Fabri-Kal is producing the plastic shields in its Kalamazoo, Mich., technical center. The first batch of face shields is planned to arrive later this week at healthcare facilities located in southwest Michigan.

Focusing on the community, Mike Roeder, president and chief operating officer at Fabri-Kal said the decision to support this effort was an easy one. “We started this whole thing with the idea that we need to protect our employees, protect our community, and then protect our business,” Mike said. “Because if you don’t have the first two, the third one doesn’t much matter.”

Click here to learn more about our partnership to make these face shields a reality.

About Fabri-Kal

Fabri-Kal is a leading provider of foodservice and custom thermoformed packaging solutions. One of the largest thermoformers in North America, Fabri-Kal’s customer base includes foodservice operators and consumer product manufacturers. Fabri-Kal specializes in a variety of materials including renewable agricultural fiber. Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Mich., and in continuous operation since 1950, Fabri-Kal employs more than 1,000 people in six manufacturing, printing and warehousing facilities throughout the United States. More information about Fabri-Kal may be found at the company’s website, www.fabri-kal.com.

Contact:

Wendy Pheils

Fabri-Kal Corporation

269-385-8061

Business Fights Poverty is coordinating an urgent process to protect the most vulnerable in the face of COVID-19, in partnership with the Harvard Kennedy School Corporate Responsibility Initiative to publish the ‘Business and COVID-19 Response Framework’.

Today marks the publication of the ‘Business and COVID-19 Response Framework’ which provides practical guidance on how businesses can protect the most vulnerable. Developed in collaboration with Jane Nelson, Director, Harvard Kennedy School Corporate Responsibility Initiative, the framework builds on the analytical work that has already been done in the last couple of weeks by McKinsey, the World Economic Forum, and others, and draws upon Business Fights Poverty’s 15 years of experience in the social impact space and that of our business-led network of 25,000+ professionals. Click here to download the Business Fights Poverty COVID-19 Response Framework.

‘If ever there was a time for us to stand up together and protect the most vulnerable, this is the moment.  I invite you to work with us to develop the tools business needs to put people first in the decision-making process.’

Zahid Torres-Rahman, Co-Founder and CEO, Business Fights Poverty

The novel coronavirus pandemic is creating the worst humanitarian and economic crisis in a generation, threatening the lives, livelihoods and learning of people around the world. Government leadership is crucial, but companies and civil society organizations also have a vital role in working together to respond to the immediate crisis and develop plans for longer-term recovery and resilience. This includes the urgent need for concerted action to support the most vulnerable people.

The Response Framework is intended to support a process of rapid shared learning and co-creation. We hope that it will provide a useful framing for practical conversations, and will inform coalition-building and local action.

The paper forms one part of a wider response that Business Fights Poverty is convening to crowdsource and share best-practice examples and insights from a variety of companies, industry sectors, and countries. It is accompanied by an active program of online events and virtual peer group convenings.

Business Fights Poverty is developing a live database of business case studies, including videos, which are mapped across the Response Framework, as well as topic- and sector-specific practical toolkits to guide immediate and longer-term decision-making. You can find out more by registering your interest in this work here. 

The work is grounded in local action, and Business Fights Poverty is collaborating with national coalitions. This includes the Kenyan National Business Compact on COVID-19 that is developing a unified communication platform on handwashing and other measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, as well as a flexi-fund to support government-prioritized community activation. The aim is to facilitate and learn from local action.

Business Fights Poverty have formed a global coalition, which so far includes the UK Department for International Development, the UNDP Business Call to Action, and Business Partners for Sustainable Development, an initiative of the US Council for International Business (USCIB) and the USCIB Foundation, with support from a core group of companies and a wide range of expert organizations and networks.

We invite other individuals, businesses, civil society organizations, government agencies and networks to get involved to scale this collective effort to drive global learning and local action.

To get involved register your interest at https://snipbfp.org/coronavirus #FightCOVID19 @FightPoverty.

About Business Fights Poverty

Business Fights Poverty is an award-winning, business-led collaboration network focused on social impact.  For 15 years, it has been bringing together organizations and individuals to collaborate on questions that matter to business, people and planet. Along with over 100 international companies, NGOs, universities, and government bodies, it has a global network of more than 25,000 professionals who share their collective insights to move the needle on pressing global challenges. 

More information is available at www.businessfightspoverty.org

About The Corporate Responsibility Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government

The Corporate Responsibility Initiative is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder program that seeks to study and enhance the public contributions of private enterprise. It explores the intersection of corporate responsibility, corporate governance, public policy, human rights, and international development. It bridges theory and practice, builds leadership skills, and supports constructive dialogue and collaboration among business, government, civil society and academics.

For more information, visit: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/programs/cri

Media Contact:

Anna Johnson

Communications Director

T. Rowe Price offers fun and informative in-home learning with its Money Confident Kids® program. Parents and educators looking for instructive online resources to support learning while many schools are closed amid the coronavirus pandemic can take advantage of the program’s activities, which include:     

• Learn how to build a budget

• Play the Spend & Save Wisely Game

• Create and spend your own currency

• Play the Heads or Tails Savings Game

• Connect with grandparents and learn about inflation by filling out this chart on what different items cost when their family members were children

• Demonstrate how inflation works with this activity

• Complete the Costly Crossword Puzzle of Inflation

• Make investment decisions by matching savings goals with investment strategies using the Three Little Piggybanks

• Play the Risk Management Decision Game

Money Confident Kids is a free, five-step program that explains the concepts of goal setting, decision-making, money and inflation, asset allocation, and diversification. Parents can tackle one step each day and even quiz kids at the end of each section to test what kids have just learned.

“Nearly everyone can benefit from learning more about financial education, but it’s especially important for kids to start early building their financial literacy skills,” says David Malone, a program manager in Corporate Responsibility at T. Rowe Price. “We understand it can be a little intimidating, but that’s why we developed the Money Confident Kids program, which helps parents and teachers teach basic financial concepts in a fun and approachable way. The program has easy-to-follow lesson plans and activities to help guide parents in teaching their kids to be more money confident.”

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE

Founded in 1937, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (troweprice.com) is a global investment management organization with $1.15 trillion in assets under management as of February 29, 2020. The organization provides a broad array of mutual funds, subadvisory services, and separate account management for individual and institutional investors, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries. The company also offers a variety of sophisticated investment planning and guidance tools. T. Rowe Price's disciplined, risk-aware investment approach focuses on diversification, style consistency, and fundamental research. For more information, visit troweprice.com or our Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook sites.

In the period of a few short weeks, the way we live and work has been upended.  The length of time this “new normal” will last is not yet clear.  What is clear is that individuals and non-profits are doing incredible work in local communities around the world in light of the extraordinary reach of the coronavirus pandemic.

Yet, this crisis, like many others before it, is bringing out the best in people.  Many of those efforts are on a small scale, yet are making a difference in important, less visible ways.   There are many generous people in our organization and across all our communities who are looking to take positive action. With this social campaign, we hope to bring them ideas that are easy to adopt.

We will be sharing those inspiring stories on 3BL, Legg Mason’s social channels and our personal feeds under the hashtag #InspireACTION. We know this situation can feel overwhelming in its totality, so we invite others to join us in telling stories that show how even initiatives on a small scale can make a large difference.

Our first #InspireACTION featured organizations:

Our first three stories involve local organizations that have quickly adapted their mission to the current environment to provide critical support to those in need. We are proud to support them:

• Living Classrooms, The POWER House, Baltimore: Living Classrooms is focused on “learning by doing,” utilizing its environmental campuses, athletic fields, community centers and historic ships as “living classrooms” to engage youth. With its classrooms closed, the POWER House at Living Classrooms is serving over 100 meals a day, serving as a food distribution hub for East Baltimore public housing, delivering various food items – including 950 loaves of bread – and providing hope during an uncertain time. To connect with students who cannot come into their facility, they are working with families over the phone to develop plans for continuing their educations and to simply check in. Learn more here.

• The Y in Central Maryland: With regular activities mostly on pause, the Y in Central Maryland has shifted their focus to caring for the most vulnerable in our community. They have reopened 11 health and wellness centers to provide care for the children of first responders and frontline health care workers. They are helping to feed students in neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty, many of whom are food insecure. They are calling their thousands of senior members to check on them, provide resources and human connectivity in a time of increased isolation. They are supporting over 1,600 Y Head Start families through phone calls, FaceTime and video chats to provide referrals to vital resources such as food and health care, along with learning activities for children and guidance on delivering home instruction. They have also developed an extensive library of online resources to help keep families safe, busy and engaged at home including story times, enrichment projects, exercise and more. Learn more here.

• Books for Kids: Books for Kids creates libraries and runs literacy programs to help children develop the critical early literacy skills necessary for them to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. With schools closed as New York goes on “pause,” the schools Books for Kids supports have pivoted to sourcing food and other necessities in conjunction with their communities.  Books for Kids is working to make books available alongside those necessities. Library specialists the children know and love are offering online story hours and video stories. Finally, they are sharing reading tips, book activities and lesson plans with school communities to encourage children to continue learning. Learn more here.

About Legg Mason
Guided by a mission of Investing to Improve Lives™, Legg Mason helps investors globally achieve better financial outcomes by expanding choice across investment strategies, vehicles and investor access through independent investment managers with diverse expertise in equity, fixed income, alternative and liquidity investments. Legg Mason’s assets under management are $790 billion as of Feb. 29, 2020. To learn more, visit our website, our newsroom, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

Quakes and Tremors: What Foundations Can Do to Safeguard Childhood Wellbeing in the Wake of a Pandemic

The world is experiencing a series of quakes and tremors caused by a global pandemic. The quakes are the unprecedented shocks and strains we are witnessing in our health, economic, and education systems. Tremors, on the other hand, are far less obvious because their disruptions occur at a much deeper level and during timeframes when the average individual may feel that they have successfully distanced themselves from the more pronounced quake(s). Both earthquakes and tremors have the same cause; both have the potential to create long-lasting damage.

Many within the philanthropic community are concentrating resources to focus on the quakes. While these resources are desperately needed, a collective focus should also be placed on the tremors.

Research shows that childhood wellbeing can be severely impacted by traumatic events like those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continue reading Quakes and Tremors by Ursula Wright on the FSG blog >

About FSG
FSG is a mission-driven consulting firm supporting leaders in creating large-scale, lasting social change. Through customized consulting services, innovative thought leadership, and support for learning communities, we help foundations, businesses, nonprofits, and governments around the world accelerate progress by reimagining social change. Learn more at www.fsg.org.

Fifth Third Bank is offering seven financial tips during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For additional resources and to learn more, visit 53.com.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, National Association, a federally chartered institution. As of December 31, 2019, Fifth Third had $169 billion in assets and operated 1,149 full-service banking centers and 2,481 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 53,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of December 31, 2019, had $413 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $49 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

Tetra Laval Group is donating € 10 million towards COVID-19 relief effort

The COVID-19 pandemic has made an unprecedented impact on communities worldwide. Our thoughts and concern are with all those whose lives have been affected.

To support the global response to this crisis, the Tetra Laval Group will donate € 10 million​ to various voluntary organisations supporting the health care systems across the countries that we operate in.

While maintaining important measures to ensure the health and safety of its employees, the Tetra Laval Group which comprises Tetra Pak, Sidel and DeLaval, is fully committed to play its part in ensuring uninterrupted food supplies during these difficult times.

We are grateful for the unwavering contribution of our employees to address this extraordinary challenge, in striving to maintain the health and safety of individuals as well as the continuity of food supplies.​

Please read Whole Planet Foundation and Microfinance Partners Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis.

It takes the combined efforts of our generous stakeholders to create opportunities around the globe. Suppliers who sell products in select Whole Foods Market stores donate to alleviate global poverty through Whole Planet Foundation. Their contributions fund microloans for entrepreneurs, primarily women, living in poverty in the United States and in 76 other countries where Whole Foods Market sources products. This year, suppliers in the $100,000 giving level will collectively contribute $400,000 to fund microcredit. 

We are proud to announce brands in our top giving level.

Allegro

Allegro Coffee Company, producer of sustainably sourced coffee and tea since 1977, is a decade-long partner of Whole Planet Foundation. Allegro shares Whole Planet Foundation’s mission of helping women entrepreneurs lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Allegro also supports gender equality through their sourcing practices. Research from the Specialty Coffee Association and UN Food & Agriculture Organization shows that women coffee farmers reinvest up to 90% of their earnings into the household – on things like school fees, clothing, nutrition, health care, and home improvements. This helps the family break out of generational poverty and has positive outcomes for entire communities.

“We’re all on this planet together, and we should work together to lift each other up. We are so thankful for Whole Planet Foundation’s shared vision and are proud to partner with them.” says Christy Thorns, Director of Sourcing at Allegro Coffee Company.

Naked

Naked, a PepsiCo. brand, has been proudly supporting Whole Planet Foundation since 2007. Members of the PepsiCo. brand team have met microcredit clients whose loans were funded by Whole Planet Foundation in the United States, Nepal, and most recently South Africa.

“For PepsiCo, Performance with Purpose means we want to win by making a difference in our society. We want to advance the interests of our communities and the planet by leveraging our scale and the power of our brands. Microfinance and poverty alleviation are key in this mission and we are proud to partner with Whole Planet Foundation to do so,” says Katie Kowalski, Strategy Manager of PepsiCo’s Natural Channel.

Papyrus-Recycled Paper Greetings

Papyrus-Recycled Paper Greetings is the founding member of Whole Planet Foundation’s $100,000 fund. To date, the company has donated $700,000 to alleviate global poverty through microcredit.

“Papyrus-Recycled Paper Greetings is honored to partner with Whole Planet Foundation to alleviate global poverty,” says Kelsey Haig, Account Executive, Papyrus-Recycled Paper Greetings.

Wallaby

Wallaby is a proud supporter of Whole Planet Foundation’s mission to alleviate poverty.

“As a certified B-Corp, Wallaby takes a holistic view of what it means to be an organic brand. Sustainability isn’t merely using organic ingredients, engaging in regenerative soil practices, and preserving the welfare of our farmers and animals alike. Rather, we believe that sustainability also means meaningfully empowering the communities in which we operate. For these reasons, we are so proud to continue supporting Whole Planet Foundation. With our combined efforts, we believe that we can truly lead the way to a more just world that sustains not only the environment, but also the people who live within,” says Kiersti Bird, Brand Manager for Wallaby Organic.

Tune into our Whole Planet Foundation Facebook Page to win prizes donated by our generous supplier partners!

Join our Mission

Learn more about the transformative power of microcredit by reading stories about the entrepreneurs who have received an opportunity to change their own lives. You can donate online to fund the future of women entrepreneurs worldwide. Because the average first microloan funded by Whole Planet Foundation is $176 and our operating expenses are covered by Whole Foods Market, 100% of your donation makes an impact. Thank you for your support.

Navigating a career and leadership roles within an organization can be tough. We asked some of our women leaders across the ScottsMiracle-Gro business to share the experiences, successes and challenges of their leadership journey in order to inspire and encourage us all.

Question: What is one core message you would share with women today who hope to enter a leadership role?

Give yourself grace – Ann Aquillo, vice president of corporate affairs

“I’ve learned to give myself grace. And to be willing to give it to others. It’s important to be forgiving with yourself when things don’t go as planned, learn from the situation and move on. I strive for grace, not perfection. Giving grace to others can be difficult, so try to better understand the context and background around the situation. When you extend grace to others, they’re more likely to follow you as a person, not just because of your title, and you can often build a stronger relationship.”

Be present in the moment – Ann Aquillo, vice president of corporate affairs

“The concept of work–life balance is a myth, and it’s even harder for moms who juggle a lot of family responsibilities. One habit that I try to practice is being present in the moment. When I’m at work, I focus on work. When I’m at home with my husband, daughter and labradoodle, I focus on my family. This isn’t always easy, and there are times when I fail and struggle to do both at once, but, for the most part, I’ve found some peace in being present in the moment.”

The power of being uncomfortable – Kristin Dean, vice president of human resources, shared services

“One thing I’ve learned during my leadership journey is that it’s not good to get comfortable. Oftentimes, it’s when I’m feeling uncomfortable that I grow the most professionally. Change isn’t always easy, but with change comes the opportunity to learn and grow. I’ll often do a gut check and ask myself, “Am I feeling comfortable? And if so, why?”  If the answer is yes, then, maybe it’s time to stretch, approach the work differently and put myself out there.”

Stop apologizing – Kristin Dean, vice president of human resources, shared services

“I’m not sure if it’s due to personal nature or the fact that we’re women, but we have to learn to stop apologizing so much. I’ve found myself apologizing when there was nothing for me to apologize for, and that’s not okay. I would apologize before sharing information in case it was not perfect or for having a different point of view. It’s important to find the confidence in yourself, even when you don’t know everything. It’s okay to not be perfect, be curious, ask questions when you don't understand and share your point of view. You don’t have to apologize for that.”

Saying no and being respected for it – Janelle Restum, vice president of regulatory affairs

“As I’ve grown in my confidence and leadership role, it’s become easier for me to say no when I need to. However, I’ve learned that I need to say no in a way that my colleagues will respect and understand. It’s important to provide the context, background and reasoning for that answer. Once colleagues have all of the information, they’re more likely to understand and respect my decision.”

The one in the chair – Amy Michtich, vice president of supply chain

“Most of my career, I’ve held what could be considered non-traditional roles for women. It’s been an incredible learning experience for me along the way. When you’re the sole woman at the table, or the one woman amongst a group of men in a meeting, you have to be your own advocate. Also, you have earned that seat at the table, and it’s important for you to "own that seat.” Make sure your voice is heard through purpose and clarity of your message, along with having relevant timing. As a woman, you also have to learn to be a better negotiator for yourself. It’s not always easy, but this is a necessary business skill to lead and serve our teams. This is our ownership piece as women in closing any perceived equity gaps.  In time, there will be more women at the executive table, however, for now, it's our job to prepare ourselves and others to enable that transition." 

Meet more of ScottsMiracle-Gro’s associates. 

Originally published on wrbl.com

A million-dollar gift from Aflac Chairman Dan Amos and his wife, Kathelen, will allow Piedmont Columbus Regional to put 36 new beds in the old Doctors Hospital building, according to a news release Monday morning.

The space will be used for COVID-19 patients. It is expected to renovated and ready in about two weeks, a Piedmont Columbus Regional spokesperson tells News 3.

The project will cost $2 million. The Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation is seeking to match the donation, which will fund expedited renovation for patients on the fifth floor at former Doctor’s Hospital Building.

Read more here

MetLife Foundation announced today that it is donating $50,000 to Northern Illinois Food Bank to help deal with increased demand for their services as a result of coronavirus. 

Food banks face the challenge of getting shelf-stable food into people’s homes as quickly as possible, especially now that vulnerable populations such as the elderly have been advised to practice social distancing. In addition, food banks face greater need from families with children who no longer have access to meals at schools. 

“We want to help those impacted by coronavirus,” said Mike Zarcone, head of Corporate Affairs for MetLife and Chairman of MetLife Foundation. “That includes the communities in Illinois where we work and live. We know that children out of school and seniors face food insecurity as a result of COVID-19, and we are committed to help.” 

Northern Illinois Food Bank serves communities in a 13-county area outside Chicago and Cook County, partnering with local pantries, businesses, and nonprofits to support families and individuals in need. 

“We are grateful for MetLife’s commitment to helping feed neighbors in our communities who are being affected by this outbreak,” said Julie Yurko, President and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank. “Our neighbors already often have limited resources and tight budgets, so we know that any reduction in work hours, income, or time spent in school for children as a result of this crisis will create additional financial strain and difficulty in accessing nutritious foods, thus making our work more important than ever.” 

# # # 

Media Contact: Liz Harish, 929-343-7473 

About MetLife Foundation

At MetLife Foundation, we believe financial health belongs to everyone. We bring together bold solutions, deep financial expertise and meaningful grants to build financial health for people and communities that are underserved and aspire for more. We partner with organizations around the world to create financial health solutions and build stronger communities, engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its founding through the end of 2019, MetLife Foundation provided more than $860 million in grants and $85 million in program-related investments to make a positive impact in the communities where MetLife operates. To date, our financial health work has reached 9.9 million low-income individuals in 42 countries. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org. 

About MetLife

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. 

Watch: ON Semiconductor donates 10,000 face masks to healthcare organizations

Today, we recognize Good Deeds Day (3/29) a day late - a global day that unites people from 108 countries to do good deeds for the benefit of others and the planet. Since 2007, millions of people from thousands of organizations and businesses join together every year to volunteer and do good. 

All over the world, hundreds of thousands choose to volunteer and help others, putting into practice the simple idea that every single person can do something good, be it large or small, to improve the lives of others and positively change the world.

As we celebrate this annual day of doing good, we wanted to take a moment to highlight how ON Semiconductor donated 10,000 face masks in Phoenix, Arizona on March 26th to kick-off the city of Phoenix’s personal protective equipment donation drive for first responders as well as assist the largest health care provider in Arizona, Banner Health, with much needed supplies during the outbreak of COVID-19.

While governments, NGOs and healthcare agencies respond to this international crisis, we thought about how to give back to the many organizations in our local community, where ON Semiconductor’s headquarters are based, that are deeply affected by this unprecedented situation. Now was the time for our company to step up and help! In total, we were able to donate 8,500 N95 masks and 1,500 ActiveAir masks, half of which were given to the city of Phoenix and the other half to Banner Health Foundation.

“We were able to secure some additional masks so we decided it would be kind to donate them to help health care providers and the front liners,” said Jean Chong, vice president of ethics and corporate social responsibility for ON Semiconductor.

There have been many reports on the lack of proper masks and other protective gear in the healthcare industry and for those working on the front lines, who are working around the clock to fight this pandemic, while putting their lives at risk.

City of Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego, shared that ON Semiconductor’s medical mask donation is “humbling” and “will surely save lines in our community during COVID-19.” “Phoenix may be the fifth-largest city in the country but, particularly during times of crisis, we come together as one tight-knit community,” said Gallego.

Andy Kramer Petersen, the president and CEO of the Banner Health Foundation, also said they were extremely grateful for the donations. “With increased demands on our healthcare system, these supplies will ensure the safety of our patients and health care workforce,” said Petersen.

ON Semiconductor also donated similar materials in other global cities where it has operations. Learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility at ON Semiconductor.

With many parents at home with their children right now, a virtual field trip could be a nice break. Let your kids explore how our recycling centers and modern landfills operate from the comfort of home. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2QFyFnN

In these unprecedented times, we believe there is opportunity to be united more now than ever to usher conversations around design, sustainability, health and wellness into their next chapters. Amidst challenges can also come optimistic solutions, new ways of living, and beautiful surprises, seen both within mankind and nature. Now is an opportune time to slow down and experience quietude. It is a time where we can turn to our inner selves to seek serenity and calm. 

Listen to the sounds of nature, listen to your heartbeat, and listen to your breathing. Practice mindfulness, which requires no distractions and being present in this moment. Practice gratitude – even if you’re grateful for ten minutes to yourself. Quietude is not just about having a still mind and body, but also a place to experience tranquility and peace of mind.

Create this for yourself by embracing quietude with calming and comfortable interiors, both internal of body and mind, and of your living and working spaces. Lean on your family and friends, but also seek your inner strength. Find quietude in exercising creativity in an entirely new way.

We’ve compiled a palette of products that reflect this design principle to help you curate your space.

Recommended products:
Flight – 829 Great Horned, Fractal Ground – 829 Focus, Color Balance – 839 Bone, Balanced Weave – 828 Tea Leaf, Homegrown – 717 Homespun and 747 Patina, Large & Local – 865 Roan, Weave – 859 Zanshi, Tentree – 30 Pebble, Cove Base – 63 Buff

Royce Epstein is the A&D Design Director for Mohawk Group.
As the face to A&D, Royce shares her passion and vision for design, cultural trends, and the meaning of materials in a broad context. Her role is to evolve and share Mohawk Group’s Design Vision with the A&D community, and to leverage product design with what A&D desires in the field. Constantly on the watch for new trends in all aspects of design and culture, Royce feeds this insight to all our industry’s touch points.

A veteran materials and product specialist, Royce spent two decades working in A&D firms before working with Mohawk. She was named the 2015 Designer of the Year by Interiors and Sources Magazine, and received a HiP award for Rising Star from Interior Design Magazine at Neocon 2016. Royce lives in Philadelphia where she is active in the design, art, and music scenes. She is a board member of Collab at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Horizon Foundation announced today that it is donating $2.5 million in support of COVID-19 emergency relief efforts to nonprofit organizations throughout its footprint. The funding will be distributed to select organizations that provide meal, educational and emergency assistance relief in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

“We recognize that many individuals and families are experiencing hardship due to COVID-19,” said First Horizon National Corporation Chairman and CEO Bryan Jordan. “During this unprecedented time, we want those in need in our communities to know that the First Horizon Foundation and our employees are here to support them.”

The Foundation will collaborate with the First Horizon Bank market presidents across its footprint to identify and coordinate with the organizations that will receive expedited grants intended to help the broadest number of individuals and families impacted during this national healthcare crisis.

The special COVID-19 relief funds being provided are in addition to the Foundation’s annual charitable giving grants that supported 650 organizations in 2019.

About First Horizon Foundation

First Horizon Foundation is the private charitable foundation of First Horizon National Corporation. Founded in 1993, our Foundation has donated more than $100 million to meet community needs. Grants from the Foundation support the following impact areas: Arts & Culture, Education & Leadership, Environment, Financial Literacy, and Health & Human Services. More information is available at www.firsthorizonfoundation.com.

CONTACT: First Horizon Media Relations, Silvia Alvarez, (901) 523-4465

Today GivingTuesday, the groundbreaking global generosity movement, announced #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world. #GivingTuesdayNow Leadership Supporters the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and PayPal are already actively responding to COVID-19.  Confirmed additional partners include original #GivingTuesday co-founder the United Nations Foundation powering the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, the CDC Foundation, Facebook, LinkedIn, Guardian News and Media, the Aga Khan Foundation, United Way Worldwide, Candid, The Communications Network, Global Impact, Philanthropy Together, Teach for All, Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support (WINGS), and NBC News with MSNBC returning as GivingTuesday's signature media partner. 

#GivingTuesdayNow will mobilize GivingTuesday’s global network of leaders, partners, communities and generous individuals. GivingTuesday is also committing $200,000 to launch The Starling Fund, designed to support its existing network of official community and country leaders. Priority will go to leaders in the regions of greatest crisis or lowest resource in order to strengthen their #GivingTuesdayNow initiatives. 

The global day of action will rally people around the world to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities at the grassroots level. Communities are encouraged to take action on behalf of first responders, as well as the world’s other - often forgotten - frontline workers:  the nonprofits and community organizations that feed, house, educate, and nurture neighbors impacted by the global pandemic. The social sector is in crisis at the very moment the world needs it most, and GivingTuesday stands ready to rally the world at this critical time. 

On the last GivingTuesday, December 3, 2019, the global giving day generated $2 billion in giving, just in the United States, and inspired millions of people worldwide to volunteer, perform countless acts of kindness, and donate their voices, time, money, and goods. The additional giving day planned for May 5, 2020 is being deployed in response to needs expressed by communities and leaders around the world.

“For eight years, GivingTuesday has celebrated grassroots generosity, and has built a movement that empowers millions of people to give, engage their communities, and find common ground,” said Rob Reich, Faculty Co-Director, Stanford University Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society and chairman of the board for GivingTuesday. “We are all confronting the same challenge right now, we need the giving spirit more than ever.” 

People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow--whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts. The giving day will emphasize opportunities to give back to communities and causes in ways that comply with public health guidelines. Planned initiatives include:

• Dozens of countries will mobilize national networks to activate locally and promote generosity in their country.

• Hundreds of communities across the United States led by volunteer leaders and by organizations like community foundations, United Ways, and giving groups will both raise funds and provide safe opportunities for supporting neighbors in need with other forms of civic participation and generosity.

• Corporate and foundation partners from around the world will activate employees and provide technical resources and matching funds in support of efforts on the ground around the world.

• Giving platform partners are delivering solutions in response to the crisis already and will be coordinating those efforts for #GivingTuesdayNow; and, they have committed to sharing data and collaborating on research into giving patterns, interest, and impact.

• GivingTuesday Kids will offer opportunities for youth to organize internationally and give back while many young people are distanced from their schools and classmates.

• GivingTuesday Military will activate their network of military service members, families, and veterans around the world to engage with their communities to give back in a show of unity.

• The GivingTuesday Data Commons will continue to collaborate with online giving platforms around the world, and conduct primary research to provide in-depth analyses on giving trends and donor behavior in times of crisis, and offer recommendations in support of sector resilience and emerging best practices from this influx of generous behavior.

“As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another. We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure the sustainability of organizations and services that are crucial to the care and support of our communities,” said Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday. “#GivingTuesdayNow is a chance for us to stand united and use grassroots generosity to show that we are all in this together, beginning to end. Even as many face financial uncertainty, generosity is not about size. Every act of kindness is not only a beacon of hope, it’s a critical act of civic and social solidarity.” 

Created in 2012 at New York’s 92nd Street Y and incubated in its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact as a day to do good, GivingTuesday has grown into a year-round global generosity movement with leaders who have launched more than 200 community campaigns across the U.S. and national movements in more than 60 countries. At the grassroots level, people and organizations participate in GivingTuesday in every single country in the world. 

To learn more and participate in #GivingTuesdayNow, visit the GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org/now), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTuesday and #GivingTuesday on Twitter. For youth interested in joining the movement, visit GivingTuesdayKids.org for inspiration and project ideas. 

About GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe. To learn more about GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the global generosity movement, please visit: www.givingtuesday.org and www.givingtuesdaykids.org or find GivingTuesday on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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Media Contact:

Caryn Stein
GivingTuesday
caryn@givingtuedsay.org
571-330-6966

Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, today announced a donation of more than $1.5 million to support its nonprofit partners nationwide in leading efforts to provide immediate relief in response to the effects of COVID-19. These grants will address the anticipated food and essential supply needs facing those in our communities.

To support those in need of critical household supplies and food, the company will be donating $1 million to Feeding America® for efforts nationwide and an additional $50,000 to Feeding America in the Milwaukee community. Regionally, the company is also providing donations to Dominican Center, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Milwaukee Christian Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin, United Performing Arts Fund, and the United Way of Milwaukee and New York City. These funds also include a financial commitment from the Foundation to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s MKE Responds Fund. 

Additionally, Northwestern Mutual is expediting its annual grant of $250,000 to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Recovery program which enables relief efforts, including storage, food, shelter, supplies and medical and emotional support. 

“During this time of uncertainty, our nonprofit community will become an even more critical provider of assistance, as well as hope,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Through our nonprofit partners, who are working tirelessly to respond to the elevated needs of our communities, it is of the utmost importance to us to serve as a resource as we face this unprecedented health crisis together.”

To align with Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program, the firm will also contribute to its national childhood cancer research partner, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, to support the expansion of its Travel for Care Fund. The contribution will help address the challenges facing childhood cancer families who are at an increased risk due to compromised immune systems and shortages of hospital resources as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is expanding the program to allow for more extended hotel stays for those who need to be isolated close to their hospitals, as well as grocery support to families in need.

Since its inception in 1992, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation has given more than $370 million to improve the lives of children and families in the communities it serves.

About Northwestern Mutual Foundation The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $370 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more.

About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With $290.3 billion in total assets, $29.9 billion in revenues, and $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages more than $161 billion of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual ranks 111 on the 2019 FORTUNE 500 and is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2020. Northwestern Mutual also received the highest score among individual life insurance providers in the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Life Insurance Satisfaction Study.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

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For further information, contact:

Elizabeth DeLuca 1-800-323-7033
mediarelations@northwesternmutual.com

 Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, announced new measures to support its customers and the broader social economy as many organizations are thrown into crisis mode in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the COVID-19 crisis evolves around the globe, social good organizations are experiencing unprecedented challenges, and even disruptions to their operations. The need for funding, support and resources is significant as organizations work to pivot their models, activate supporters and minimize disruptions to their services and work.

When addressing Blackbaud’s global workforce this morning, president and CEO Mike Gianoni outlined a series of measures to support customers, fuel critical innovation and help employees. Among the measures outlined, Gianoni announced he would stop taking a paycheck until the business stabilizes.

“At Blackbaud, we believe the world will be a better place when good takes over,” said Gianoni. “And, that higher purpose has taken on entirely new meaning and importance during this unprecedented time. We are taking measures to ensure business continuity while remaining critically focused on the success of our customers. We want to empower them to not only survive this pandemic, but to thrive. We also want to do our part to help bring the global economy back to a powerful place. And, most importantly, we want to do our part to help save lives.”

Blackbaud is seeing the needs and impact of COVID-19 manifest in many ways for its customers depending on the organization type. Many private K–12 schools across the U.S. are benefitting from Blackbaud’s cloud solutions by being able to swiftly move classes online. Food banks are receiving record high donations through Blackbaud Merchant Services™ – up more than 500% year-over-year. Meanwhile, other nonprofits like arts and cultural organizations face entirely different challenges, which Blackbaud is working diligently to support through resources and guidance. Blackbaud is helping churches recapture weekly offering by quickly setting up virtual platforms. Blackbaud solutions support virtual events, so as organizations around the world are having to cancel important in-person events—even marathons—they’re able to quickly move fundraising aspects online and recapture revenue. For example, Blackbaud’s JustGiving platform is experiencing a rise in COVID-19-related virtual events, individual crowdfunding and direct donations from charities, individuals and celebrities. In support of this, Blackbaud’s team is working hands-on with organizations and redeploying resources to accelerate the “go live” of all COVID-19 campaigns.

Below are some of the announcements that Blackbaud made today to further support its customers.

Blackbaud to Now Offer Customers Free, Universal Access to All Recorded eLearning Resources
Many social good organizations—nonprofits, higher education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations and companies—are relying on software in an unprecedented way to fuel communications, fundraising and more during this crisis. To make it easier for its customers to get the training and education they need, the company announced free universal access to its entire curriculum of recorded eLearning resources through Blackbaud University. Customers can learn more here.

Blackbaud Releases More than 100 New Resources at No Cost to the Social Good Community
Social good organizations are seeking best practices and advice on how to operate and pivot amidst the unforeseen challenges of COVID-19. To help arm these organizations with the knowledge and resources they seek, Blackbaud created new webinars, virtual user groups, community forums, podcasts, e-books and more over the last two weeks; making them available at no cost. Topics include change management, managing a global remote workforce, virtual fundraising, financial management, donor communications and more. Blackbaud’s resource library is being continually updated and can be accessed at Blackbaud.com/COVID-19-Resources. Additionally, Blackbaud launched job boards and a COVID-19 discussion thread as part of its Blackbaud Communities platform to help customers further connect and share best practices with each other during this time.

Blackbaud Donates to World Health Organization and UN Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund
Blackbaud’s mission is to empower and connect people through technology to drive impact for social good, which is especially critical during these times. Throughout all major disasters, Blackbaud is on the frontlines with its customers and supporting the social good community globally. Blackbaud will be making a donation to the World Health Organization and the UN Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund to put technology in place to fight the spread of the virus. This technology will help track the virus and provide powerful insights into how it is spreading, ensuring patients are getting the care they need; improving the buying and shipping of essential medical supplies; and accelerating efforts to develop a vaccine.

Blackbaud Employees Empowered with New Programs and Expanded Employee Gift Matching Program
Blackbaud’s employees are committed to social good professionally and personally – as evidenced by employee participation in the company’s matching gift program being consistently more than two times the national median, according to company data. To continue to empower employees’ drive to support causes they care about, Blackbaud today increased its employee matching gift program for the second time since January, bringing the increase to 30% in 2020. The company also began rolling out “virtual volunteerism” programs, which will augment the more than 100,000 hours its employees physically donate each year.

Learn more about the resources and measures that Blackbaud is taking for its customers here.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world's leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, higher education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, companies and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit  www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

Nonprofits across the nation are confronting the reality of lost revenue from canceled events and shortfalls in fundraising because of the impact of COVID-19.  boodleAI, a leading provider of AI-powered predictive analytics applications for nonprofits, today announced the NET 180 program as part of its ongoing support for the nonprofit community. NET 180 allows select nonprofits to sign up for up for a boodle license but not pay for six months. 

“We want nonprofits to raise funds to support their mission — and to keep those funds available for their mission during these turbulent times,” said Shawn N. Olds, boodleAI’s CEO. “We want to make sure any nonprofit facing financial shortfalls because of COVID-19 can access our predictive analytics tool to help them fundraise, even if they do not have the ability to spend additional funds on fundraising right now.”   

NET 180

boodleAI’s Founders have a long history of service on nonprofit boards and built boodleAI with the belief that technology could help nonprofits better connect with the people who are passionate about their cause.  As a team, boodleAI has always been dedicated to service and giving back to the community and customers (going so far as to take the 5-4-3-2-1 Pledge).   

Recognizing the fundraising challenges facing nonprofits due to COVID-19, boodleAI created NET 180: any nonprofit that raises less than $10 million a year can sign up for a boodleAI license up to $10,000 a year in price on NET 180 terms — in other words, nonprofits can use boodleAI for 6 months before any payment is due. This NET 180 offer allows nonprofits to use their available funds for their mission instead of fundraising, all while enjoying the benefits of boodleAI to further their fundraising. As with all boodleAI licenses, the NET 180 Program comes with a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee and access to a dedicated customer success team.

For more information about NET 180, please contact sales@boodle.ai. 

About boodleAI

boodleAI finds a nonprofit’s best donors in any prospect list.  It leverages proven AI/machine learning to rapidly model the untapped data sitting in nonprofits, along with billions of third party data points, to help nonprofits achieve significant lifts in donor acquisition, engagement, and retention rates through predictive analytics.  For more information, visit www.boodle.ai.

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Why Global Citizens Should Care

The global community is uniting in an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and treat those already infected. The "Together At Home" virtual concert series works to encourage people to stay home, and to enable Global Citizens to take action to help combat the spread of coronavirus. You can join our Together At Home campaign to help beat coronavirus by taking action here.

Global Citizen Health news

By Joe McCarthy

Award-winning actor Kerry Washington interviewed Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, the surgeon-general of California, about coronavirus as part of the “Together At Home” virtual series and campaign.

Washington and Harris particularly highlighted measures we can all take to minimize the pandemic, including through the Together At Home campaign. 

The interview, edited and condensed for Instagram, covered topics such as social distancing, the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, and how to help communities in crisis. 

Washington began the interview by praising Burke Harris for being the first-ever surgeon-general for California and for embodying “black girl magic.” 

Burke Harris then described social distancing, the practice of avoiding public spaces and gatherings of people, as “the most powerful tool that we have to fight the spread of this virus.”

Scientists worldwide agree that the only way to “flatten the curve,” or slow the rate of infections, is to enforce strong social distancing policies. In the US, for example, states across the country have enacted public shutdowns to keep all but the most essential workers in their homes. 

Burke Harris said that social distancing is about protecting the most vulnerable, but even young and fit people with no underlying conditions have been hospitalized by the virus.   

“It’s older folks over 65 and also folks with chronic diseases or who have compromised immune systems,” she said of the people most at risk. “You don’t know who has a compromised immune system, you don’t know if the person standing 12 feet away from you in the grocery store might be on some medication that's lowering their immune system, or might have diabetes, or might have chronic lung disease.”

Washington noted that society-wide social distancing is sparking job loss and economic insecurity, which can cause communities to experience more stress. 

Burke-Harris urged people to maintain regular schedules throughout their days and to get enough sleep to effectively manage stress levels.

As far as the economic impact of COVID-19 goes, national governments are responsible for ensuring people and businesses receive financial assistance to stay afloat during and after the crisis. 

Across Europe, governments have already agreed to substantially support people who have lost their jobs amid the pandemic. In the US, Congress is currently negotiating a multi-trillion dollar relief package for citizens, while the Trump administration is arguing that people should soon return to their jobs to prevent economic decline — which medical experts say would exacerbate the crisis. 

Communities are also setting up community relief funds to support financially dislocated neighbors and peers. You can find out about how you can help those in need here.  

Burke Harris stressed the importance of helping others during this time of crisis. 

“Not only is it important for people to step up and take action on the things that they believe in, but the research shows when we do something kind or helpful for someone else that actually releases hormones that fights the stress response in our bodies,” she said. 

“Make a donation to a nonprofit or advocate for the policies that you believe in that you think will help your friends and neighbors,” she continued. “All of those things can help us feel a little less powerless and it helps the greater good.”

"Together At Home" was launched on March 16 by Global Citizen and the World Health Organization, and is supported by artists and influencers worldwide.