The Corporate Citizenship Initiative (CCI) is a new CTICE program that supports companies interested in aligning their environmental, social, and governance performance with wider organizational goals. After an initial assessment, CCI facilitates custom programming to address strategic focus areas.  We aim to help organizations reach beyond the returns derived from traditional philanthropy, integrate business practices with their community, and realize the benefits of in-kind investments.

Research. CCI provides research and consulting services to corporations and not-for-profits and helps them develop realistic strategies for social responsibility in their organizations. Our CTICE community engagement specialists will identify synergies between community needs and members’ business activities.

Member Education. Through CTICE educational programs and Internet-based learning technologies, CCI offers seminars, and workshops on corporate social responsibility, technological innovation, social entrepreneurship, and socially responsible investing to member organizations.

Small Business and Community Partnerships. CTICE’s network of community partners and the Columbia-Harlem Small Business Development Center  help organizations form partnerships with local community-based organizations and small businesses. Specifically, we look for ways to optimize the use of human, material, and organizational capital for direct community investment. For example, one of our early corporate members in the banking industry has offered to assist local entrepreneurs with the management of their finances. CCI will coordinate internship positions with its members to support these programs and provide a meaningful learning experience for Columbia University students.

Sponsorship. Through CCI, members fund a variety of initiatives, such as scholarships for local residents for green jobs education and stipends to students for internships. We also seek hardware sponsorships in the form of equipment and materials for CCI programs as well as micro-finance funds for fledgling social entrepreneurs.

Membership Fees. For firms and not-for-profits, most programs and services will be provided as part of membership fees or other contractual agreements. Annual membership rates are based on the organization’s size or annual revenue level.