Corporate Philanthropy That Works: Tools For Meaningful Impact
As the climate crisis accelerates, the responsibility on the private sector to help build a more sustainable future has never been clearer. But achieving long-lasting change requires more than good intentions or bold promises – it calls for approaches rooted in evidence, insights, and continuous learning.
In their article “Designing for sustainability: A case in corporate philanthropy and evaluative thinking,” BHP Foundation’s Veronica Olazabal and Alyna Wyatt explore how corporate philanthropy can move beyond surface-level commitments and deliver real, measurable impact. They argue that to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), corporate philanthropies must embed practical tools and learning mindsets into the design, planning and assessment of an investment.
Here is a snapshot of three tools from the BHP Foundation that can be used to increase the odds of delivering lasting benefits for people and planet.
Theory of Change
Theory of Change (ToC) lays out a clear and visual roadmap for how change is expected to happen, connecting the dots between activities, stakeholders and goals. It helps organizations focus on what matters, set realistic expectations, flag external influences and ensure that resources are aligned with outcomes that improves lives and the environment.
Five Dimensions of Impact
Borrowed from the impact investing worlds, this framework encourages organizations to think deeply about what they’re trying to achieve, for whom, how much change is possible, what role their contribution plays, and what risks may stand in the way. It pushes organizations to go beyond surface metrics and better understand whether their efforts are making a difference.
Pause and Reflect
In a fast-moving world, stopping to reflect is often overlooked. The Foundation adopted ‘Learning Huddles’ to carve out dedicated space and time to reflect on what’s working, what’s not and why. By combining internal data, frontline insights, and external evidence, these sessions help break down silos, challenge assumptions, and surfaces fresh ideas for action.
Learn more
To deliver meaningful progress on global challenges, corporate leaders and philanthropies need to combine innovation with humility – using evidence, insights and learning to guide their efforts. Read the full article on how the BHP Foundation is embracing these tools: Designing for sustainability: A case in corporate philanthropy and evaluative thinking.
