Community Business

Definition
Community Investment or CI is an important component of CSR and is perhaps the most visible way that a company can demonstrate its interest in society. CI comprises three main components:

Financial contributions (sometimes known as cash donations)
In-kind donations of both goods and services, including the loan of assets such as company premises or resources
Contributions of time and skills, known as employee volunteering or EV

Our Expertise
With years of practical experience of developing and managing community investment programmes, Community Business works with companies to help develop their CI strategies. In addition to providing member companies with access to our Community Investment Forum, we also offer individual companies advice and advisory services on CI related issues. Employee Volunteering (EV) is a large focus of our CI work and we hold regular workshops to help companies develop a strategic approach to EV programmes as part of their overall CI strategy. We have produced a number of publications to demonstrate the business case for EV to help companies get started. We also work with the business community in Hong Kong to drive collective action in the community (see next section).

Key Initiatives

ENGAGE
ENGAGE is an international business-led campaign designed to increase the impact of employee volunteering by bringing companies together to take action in the community. Initiated by the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) and Business in the Community in the UK, ENGAGE campaigns are now run in many countries around the world. Community Business is proud to be the Hong Kong partner of ENGAGE and launched its first event in May 2008. Find out more.

ENGAGE JOURNEY OF OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMME
Since its inception in 2008, the Community Business ENGAGE Journey of Opportunity Programme in Hong Kong has gained momentum and increased its impact. What started originally as a one-day action day has been extended to a comprehensive eight-month mentoring programme with a variety of activities.

The aim of the programme is to motivate and inspire young people in one of Hong Kong’s poorest communities to take advantage of the opportunities available to them for further education and employment. By engaging the corporate sector, Community Business enables young individuals to experience the world of work and gain access to Hong Kong professionals who can share their personal stories and provide advice. To find out more about this programme, please visit the 2012 ENGAGE Journey of Opportunity Programme Website

Give & Gain Day
In 2011, Community Business partnered with an international employee volunteering movement called Give & Gain Day 2011 which was held on 24 June 2011. Community Business extended the day to a week where 2,200 employees from 63 different companies chose a day between 18-26 June 2011 to make a real difference on the issues that matter to the local community through employee volunteering.

Since 2009, Community Business has organised an awareness raising campaign around employee volunteering, formally known as Employee Volunteering Week. This week is designed to encourage companies in Hong Kong to promote employee volunteering and to recognise the benefits – not just for the community, but for business too. Give & Gain Day continues to embrace these values, but allows us the opportunity to take what is being done in Hong Kong and make it part of a global movement.

For more information on Give & Gain Day 2012 taking place on 18 May 2012, please click here.

EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING WORKSHOP
Throughout the year, Community Business holds a number of workshops to help companies run their own employee volunteering programmes. The content is based on our popular publication, Employee Volunteering: The Guide. Workshops are conducted in both English and Chinese. See latest schedule.

Publications

	Employee Volunteering in Hong Kong Case Studies Author: Shaun Bernier Published: May 2010 For more information

	Employee Volunteering: The Guide Sponsored by: Allen & Overy Author: Shalini Mahtani Published: January 2005 For more information

Case Study: Corporate Community Investment – Not Just for the Good Times
Author: Shaun Bernier and Kate Vernon
Published: January 2010
For more information

Case Study: ENGAGE ‘Journey of Opportunity’ Action Day 2008
Author: Kate Vernon
Published: September 2008
For more information

The Business Case for employee Volunteering Race for Mentors 2005
Sponsored by: Credit Suisse
Author:Shalini Mahtani & Katharine de Vaal
Published: April 2006
For more information

The Business Case for Employee Volunteering Race for Mentors A Tripartite Relationship
Sponsored by: Credit Suisse
Author:Shalini Mahtani & Teresa Tam-Schroeder
Published: November 2004
For more information

Key Contact
To find out more information about CCI or to book a place on one of our EV Workshops, please contact:

Robin Bishop, Chief Operating Officer
Tel: +852 2152 1889
robin@communitybusiness.org

Reproduction and dissemination of materials on this website is permitted provided that the material is unaltered and ownership is acknowledged. Express permission of the Board of Community Business is required for use of materials if such use will generate income for the licensee. © Community Business Ltd. 2011