In 2013, the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) awarded the Levi Strauss Foundation (LSF) with its inaugural NCRP Impact Award in the corporate foundation category. Last night, Daniel Lee, Executive Director of the Levi Strauss Foundation, had the honor of recognizing this year’s corporate impact award winner – the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. And while we are in two vastly different industries, we have a lot in common when it comes to values and giving back to our communities.
Similar to how Levi Strauss & Co.’s philosophy of “Profits through Principles” is a fundamental driver of our company and culture, Ben & Jerry’s is driven by a three part mission:
- A Product Mission that drives the company to make fantastic ice cream.
- An Economic Mission that manages the company for sustainable financial growth.
- A Social Mission that compels company to company to make the world a better place.
The Levi Strauss Foundation has striven to be at the vanguard of high-impact corporate philanthropy that addresses the needs of the most marginalized communities for 60 years, and we are delighted to see the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation recognized for its remarkable work. Founded in 1985, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation has a social mission driving community impact that is as pioneering as its ice-cream flavors are homey and indulgent – and they both virtuously reflect and vigorously fuel the company’s success in the marketplace.
Ben and Jerry’s is the crème de la crème – both literally and figuratively – of a values-led, sustainable company. And the commitment of the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation to invest in social justice, marginalized communities, and lasting change is something all of us can scoop up, admire and emulate – just as we cherish those unmistakable ice-cream flavors.
So from one pioneering organization to another, we congratulate and are honored to “pass the scoop” to the 2014 NCRP Corporate Impact Award, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation.
