Tech Citizenship

When Mike Hadley and Chris Stephenson started iCorps Technologies Inc. in 1994, they knew they wanted their company to be successful not only in the business field, but also in being a good member of the community.

“We felt we could make a difference,” said Hadley, president and chief executive officer of the Charlestown-based company.

So from the beginning the company developed its philanthropic activities along with its business, and 12 years later that commitment is still an integral part of its mission statement.

“The more we gave back, the more successful we became and it turned into a culture within the company,” said Hadley.

Nowadays, every new consultant receives detailed information about the charitable works the company supports when he or she joins the company. Hadley said he believes the company’s commitment to philanthropy has helped iCorps keep employees.

“It makes employees feel great,” he said.

iCorps provides in-kind or reduced-priced technology services to nonprofit organizations in need but without the resources to purchase it.

Last year, the company gave away $9,035 in cash contributions while in-kind contributions of equipment and services totaled $24,522.

“We look for organizations that really need the help, that rely on donations and really struggle,” said Hadley. Some of those organizations include Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation of New England, Peace at Home, The Second Step, Diploma Plus, and United Way.

At the two-person Starlight, iCorps volunteers have helped with programs that include entertainment and events for children battling a range of diseases. The organization also provides the children with technological aides such as a portable gaming system that helps distract patients as they prepare to undergo treatments. Such technology purchases might have been impossible if iCorps’ volunteers hadn’t freed up budget funds by volunteering to help.

Other activities undertaken by iCorps and its employees include local charitable events and the support of employees who participate in any kind of charitable events, walks, races and auctions.

The company encourages employees to take part in any volunteer program of their choice, either within the company’s activities or on their own.

Last year, employees volunteered 135 hours.

“We don’t push our employees; we encourage them, and they jump right on board,” said Hadley.

Citizenship Facts

iCorps Technologies Inc.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2005: $9,035

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2005: 135

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: $24,522

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2005: Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation of New England; Peace at Home; Dana Farber Cancer Institute; The Second Step; The United Way

Interesting philanthropic activities: ICorps provides in-kind or reduced-priced technology services to nonprofit foundations. ICorps participates in numerous local charitable events, and also supports employees who take part in charitable fund-raising events.

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