Tech Citizenship

Accenture offices all around the world share the vision of giving back to the community, but the activities are managed locally, officials say. That way the company makes sure it aligns its activities to employees’ and clients’ interests.

“Philanthropy at Accenture is a critical part of our success as a Global 1,000 company. Our people as well as the clients we serve demand it,” said Gregg M. Sweeney, managing director in New England.

So to set the agenda for local philanthropic activities, the company has a “city council.”

The council, led by the office managing director, is made up of office leaders that practice in a variety of industry groups and business functions within Accenture.

Through the council, the company tries to focus efforts on its employees’ interests.

“We have found that this improves the overall engagement of our employees, dramatically reducing turnover and improving morale,” said Sweeney.

In Boston, Accenture annually has an office-wide volunteer day during its third quarter. The day starts with an office-wide meeting in the morning for the 700 employees, and in the afternoon employees spend time volunteering at a venue of their choice.

“Volunteerism is promoted straight from the top of our organization; it is promoted and tracked as a function of our marketing organization,” said Sweeney.

The company encourages employees to choose personal volunteer activities and recently created a new program to serve as a way for employees to obtain grants for the nonprofits they are involved with. It’s also a way to reach out, allow more employee participation, and encourage employees to share information.

“For the clients we serve, they want to make sure that their business partners share the same values that they do,” said Sweeney. So local offices work with industry groups to understand the philanthropic activities that are important to key clients and prospects.

But the approach Accenture has had toward nonprofits has changed over the years.

Historically it used to support a broad array of nonprofits in a very small way. Today, the company supports a smaller number in a much larger way.

Such is the case with Junior Achievement. Through a partnership, both entities have developed an overall relationship, which includes a senior Accenture executive on the JA board of directors and a variety of volunteer work done by Accenture’s employees.

Other recipients of the charitable activities include Aidmatrix, American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Boston Cares and Boston Police Activities League.

In addition to promoting and supporting volunteerism, Accenture, donated total cash contributions worth $590,712 last year.

Citizenship Facts

Accenture

Total cash contributions in New England in 2005: $590,712

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2005: Approximately 800

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: $100,000

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2005: Aidmatrix; American Red Cross; Arthritis Foundation; Boston Cares; Boston Police Activities League; Boston Symphony Orchestra; Boys & Girls Club of Boston

Interesting philanthropic activities: With Junior Achievement, Accenture has begun to develop an overall relationship that includes a senior executive, Saj Usman, on its board of directors. Accenture’s Institute for High Performance Businesses provided pro-bono work for JA’s Business Hall of Fame Gala.

• 
  Host Sponsor
• 
  Partner Sponsor
• 
  Patron Sponsor

Become a Sponsor »