Tech Citizenship

Shander

As a Boston-based web design firm with global clients, Beehive Media LLC has decided that the bulk of its charitable efforts go toward one local nonprofit, Project Just Because of Hopkinton.

“We work most extensively with one organization,” said CEO Bill Shander. “No particular path brought us here but now they are the group we focus on.”

One of the things that attracted Beehive to the group, according to Shander, is its lack of any sort of application forms or proof of need from any of the individuals or families it supports. As its name implies, people get the help they need “just because” they ask.

While Beehive is a relatively small company — it has three employees in Boston and two in an office in New York — Shander says everyone is committed to giving back to the community, and he doesn’t see that changing, even in the face of tough economic times.

“As a small company, everyone pitches in when asked. Since the work we do pro bono is our usual skill set, it’s just a matter of substituting it for project work, so it’s straightforward,” Shander said. “As long as we can afford to give at least our time, which will never stop, we will give.”

Founded in 1994, Beehive’s worldwide clients include Microsoft Corp., the government of Dubai and the World Economic Forum, and that has brought it recognition. But that doesn’t mean Beehive feels the need to connect that wide reach to its charitable works.

“Business is business, but being able to directly help an organization that has a huge impact on real people — our neighbors who have fallen on tough times — is incredibly satisfying,” Shander said.

Citizenship Facts

Beehive Media LLC

Total cash contributions in New England in 2007: $1,000

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2007: None

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England in 2007: $25,000

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2007: Project Just Because

Interesting philanthropic activities: Beehive designed and built the public website for Project Just Because (projectjustbecause.org), a group providing critical support for Metro West families in need. Requiring no applications, proof of need or any other hurdles to jump over, the group simply provides food, basic needs (toiletries, school supplies, etc.), toys during the holidays and other goods for families in need, whether short or long term. The organization provided more than $4 million in goods in 2007 and helps many thousands.

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