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Hilton in the Community Foundation: What role for business groups in homeless policy?
One corporate foundation’s response to the issue of homelessness
Simon Sheehan, DirectorJune 8th 2012, Brussels
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ABOUT US: key information
• Independent registered charity, est 2001
• Official charity of Hilton Worldwide in Europe
• Company covers costs of administration and subsidises fundraising
• Top 30 Corporate Foundations and Trusts based on grants awarded in a year (UK)
• €12.8 million donated to date 2012
• Every net pound and penny raised goes to the grant fund
• Charitable giving is focused on:- Young People and Education- Young People and Health
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ABOUT US: where we operate
• Active in 27 countries
• Roots are in UK/Ireland – majority of fundraising and giving is there but Europe growing
• Local giving model – supporting local young people in each country through hotel fundraising
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ABOUT US: our mission
• To make a real difference to those young people who are most in need
• To equip young people with the skills and opportunities to have a brighter future
• Through providing grant support to:
Education - Training/re-training, educational equipment, activity based learning, sports equipment, transport etc.
Health - medical equipment, care facilities, activity based holidays, awareness campaigns, hospices, “make-a-wish” activities, treatment etc.
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Why homelessness?
• One of four core areas of funding focus chosen by our volunteers:
– Disabled Children and Young People
– Life-limited Children
– Homelessness
– Children in Hospital
• Direct and visible need in our communities; connection to wide range of social issues
• Natural synergy with hotels:
– Employability
– Skill sharing
– In-kind giving
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How have we engaged?
• We have partnered with 40 different organisations since 2008, donating £285,000 (€342,000) from voluntary income
• Projects funded include:- Formal training and accredited courses- Life-skills training- Peer education to prevent homelessness- Volunteer hosting costs for emergency
accommodation- Refurbishment projects e.g. kitchens,
bedrooms, IT provision
• More than money: Provided in-kind support (furniture, toiletries, soft furnishings)
• Hilton as employer: Provided a gateway to careers advice and possible employment
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What role for business groups?
• Recognizing our collective responsibility
• Being aware of our limitations and managing expectations of the sector
– e.g., Trust /Foundation income reducing; businesses probably can’t fill this gap
• Celebrating what is done already – to help spread awareness and yield new ideas
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What role for business groups?
• Employment
• Positive Brand alignment – can bring recognition
• In kind support
– but Businesses moving towards counting ‘hours’ and ‘in kind support’ versus hard cash
• Possible source of volunteer mentors for the young people
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A case study: Amber Foundation
• Amber provides quality support for homeless young people in three UK counties, helping to transform their lives
• Central grant recipient: great results (80% success rate)
• Nominated charity partner for Hilton Swindon
• Fundraising – including the young people in activities
• Practical help: CV clinics, interviews and support from HR
• Powerful stories from young people which engage funders and supporters
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Issues of engaging businesses
• ROI
• Competition
• Emotive cause
• Different time scale
• Scale of impact
• Attitude and ability
• Afford to work and Pay day