Aren't win-win strategies the same as philanthropy or strategic philanthropy?
No. Win-win strategies typically involve the allocation of resources from company operating budgets, not philanthropic budgets or corporate foundations. Investing these resources yields a financial return for both companies and communities.

How can this Web site showcase my company's win-win strategies?
The Ford Foundation’s Corporate Involvement Initiative focused on sharing new and innovative win-win stories from as many companies as possible with business executives, thought leaders, and the media. Contact Laufer Green Isaac, which is spearheading communications for Win-Win Partners, at LGI@lauferpr.com.

Do businesses need to partner with a nonprofit organization to be effective?
Many companies find the unique experience, information, and resources that these organizations have to offer to be invaluable in making decisions about win-win strategies. Check out what CEOs from Bank of America and Xerox have to say about the added value of working with such organizations.

Aren't these programs best suited to economic boom times?
Win-win strategies can help companies meet their business challenges during any economic condition. Whether it is finding high quality, cost efficient suppliers or identifying new markets that have traditionally been underestimated and overlooked, companies can use win-win strategies to be more competitive in the marketplace. State Farm is an example of a company whose commitment to win-win strategies intensified after the economic challenges and the attacks of September 11th.

Are win-win strategies local, regional, or national in their scope and influence?
Many companies employ win-win strategies on a national basis. Other companies use specific strategies that are customized for a regional office/plant/facility or the community around corporate headquarters (Eaton). Still others use these strategies on a city-by-city basis to fuel expansion and penetrate new markets (Target). The decision to employ these strategies on a local, regional, or nationwide basis is strictly based on the most appropriate solution to specific business challenges.

Sometimes, groups of companies come together to address common local or regional challenges such as a lack of a qualified workforce. Manufacturing companies such as those found in the greater Cleveland area or diverse businesses involved in the St. Louis area use this approach.

Where can I go for more information?
Links to various corporate and nonprofit Win-Win Partners are contained throughout this site. Additional inquiries can be directed to Laufer Green Isaac, the communications consultant for the Ford Foundation’s Corporate Involvement Initiative at LGI@lauferpr.com.

Why does the Ford Foundation care about business?
In the words of Melvin Oliver, Vice President of Asset Building and Community Development at the Ford Foundation, “we are pleased to be a part of a growing number of foundations that recognize that business is part of the solution in trying to make lasting and positive changes for low-income people and communities. At the same time, we are aware that this is not the entire solution; government also plays a catalytic role.”

What is the Corporate Involvement Initiative? Why is the Ford Foundation involved with this?
Between 1996-2003, the Ford Foundation's Corporate Involvement Initiative (CII) encouraged investment in economic development projects that benefit businesses and communities. The long-term goal of the CII was to increase the use of core operating resources and capacities of business to build human and financial assets for low-income individuals in the United States. For more, see about us.

Is it the Ford Foundation’s position that corporate philanthropy has been ineffective?
Absolutely not. The Foundation also supports the development of corporate philanthropy. Corporate philanthropy is one tool for restoring economic and social imbalances, while the “win-win business strategies” highlighted in this Web site are another kind of tool. Very often, core operational resources (purchasing, hiring and training, product development and marketing, site location, etc.) exceed corporate philanthropic budgets and therefore have the potential to have enormous impacts when they are targeted to benefit low-income communities. Corporations should be commended for their generosity and commitment to these communities. The people who live there have benefited greatly from corporate donations. The Ford Foundation continues to advocate and support corporate giving programs.

What is the relationship between Ford Motor Company and the Ford Foundation?
The Ford Foundation and the Ford Motor Company are separate and independent organizations, with distinct managements and boards of trustees. There is, however, an historical connection. The Foundation was established by Henry Ford and his son Edsel. The Foundation no longer owns Ford Motor Company stock and no affiliation exists between the two organizations.