America.gov-Foreign Aid: American Giving: Business

American Firms Provide Help to Fight AIDS Pandemic

Judi Hasson — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:05:51 GMT

U.S. pharmaceutical companies and private charities are joining governments to alleviate the plight of people, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Foundations led by Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton are among the private groups fighting the epidemic.

Hallmark Joins “Red” Campaign to Fight AIDS in Africa

Judi Hasson — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:23:35 GMT

Hallmark Cards, the world's largest greeting card company, has partnered with rock star Bono and lawyer Bobby Shriver to raise funds to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa through the (Product) Red campaign. Since its launch in March 2006, the “Red” campaign has generated more than $100 million to fight the diseases.

Financial Firm Translates Global Reach into Global Giving

Judi Hasson — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:05:39 GMT

One of the world's largest financial services firms, Citi (formerly known as Citigroup), has philanthropic and volunteer programs that are almost as extensive and geographically dispersed as its business activities. These include directing an unprecedented $50 billion into "green" investments, alternative energy and new technologies.

American Company Donates Educational Toys to Pakistan

Judi Hasson — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:50:25 GMT

Action Products is giving madrassas and orphanages in Pakistan hundreds of educational toys that nurture healthy development. Educational toys can help young children on a path of "learning, growing and finding success in life" and can provide a "respite" to those who lack the support of a stable family, says educator Susan Magsamen.

American Company Donates Shoes to Barefoot Children

Judi Hasson — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:56:27 GMT

TOMS Shoes seeks to match every pair of shoes purchased in shops in Los Angeles, New York, London or on the company's Web site with a pair donated to a child in need in Argentina or South Africa. The company's designs are inspired by traditional Argentine canvas-and-rope-sole slip-on shoes known as alpargatas or espadrilles.

Private Money Dominates Foreign Aid

Judi Hasson — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:35:12 GMT

Foundations, nongovernmental, faith-based and community organizations as well as corporations and educational institutions are bringing the bulk of humanitarian funds to the world's needy nations. At least 80 percent of today's assistance comes from nonpublic sources.

Microsoft Founder Urges "Creative Capitalism" To Fight Poverty

Judi Hasson — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:39:01 GMT

Bill Gates, co-founder and chairman of Microsoft Inc., will give up day-to-day leadership of the company in July and turn his attention to piloting the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address the problems of the world's poor.

Microsoft, U.S. Agencies Partner To Expand Computer Use Globally

Judi Hasson — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:52:24 GMT

The U.S. public and private sectors are partnering to promote the use of computer technology in development around the world, especially in such areas as economic growth, governance, education and youth employment. The five-year, public-private partnership among the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Millennium Challenge Corporation and Microsoft Corporation aims to "catalyze the global community to address the diverse social and business challenges faced by those who currently receive few or no benefits from technology," according to an joint press release.

U.S. Soft Drink Company Teaches African Teens About AIDS

Judi Hasson — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:57:49 GMT

Coca-Cola, the largest multinational company on the African continent, has long offered HIV/AIDS education and treatment to its workers. But now it is putting its corporate clout behind attempts to stem the tide of HIV infections among the next generation of workers. In recent months, Coca-Cola has tried to address the stigma of HIV infection by partnering with nonprofit groups that focus on youth, to help the next generation talk openly about sexual and reproductive health. “This is not a Coca-Cola issue only, but an Africa-wide issue,” says the company’s director of employee relations, David Brown.

Three U.S. Firms Win Awards for Work in Latin America

Judi Hasson — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 10:43:06 GMT

Three U.S. companies receive the U.S. Department of State’s 2006 Award for Corporate Excellence for advancing ethical practices and democratic values through their operations in Latin America. "Through their efforts, the companies we honor today are nurturing democratic institutions and strengthening the foundations of freedom, the ability to earn a living, to support a family, to educate a new generation and to build a robust economy," Rice says in presenting the awards at the State Department.

Rwandan Genocide Survivors Weave Baskets for Better Life

Judi Hasson — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:25:35 GMT

A recently expanded Rwanda Path to Peace project is helping thousands of survivors of Rwanda's 1994 genocide lead more successful lives through the sale of handmade peace baskets. Founded in 2005 by American businesswoman Willa Shalit, the project aims to develop an American market for Rwandan women's crafts through a partnership with U.S. retailing giant Macy's. "The Macy's Rwanda Path to Peace project has given thousands of women the opportunity to show their strength, talent and pride in ways they never thought possible," Shalit says.

U.S. Companies Step Up the Business of Giving Overseas

Judi Hasson — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 10:36:47 GMT

In recent years, many U.S. corporations have expanded operations to a worldwide scale, and their philanthropy is following. The Washington File examines the international effects of corporate giving and the reasons behind it.