Sage Summit 2016: Sage Foundation takes corporate philanthropy to next level

Sage announced an ambitious new vision for its global philanthropy initiative Sage Foundation. The announcement made at Sage Summit 2016 in Chicago, saw the tech company announce details of its Year 2 plans, and the communities it will prioritise for support.

The second-year programme was revealed by Sage Chief People Officer, Sandra Campopiano and CEO Stephen Kelly. They announced a new integrated programme that will give Sage colleagues, customers and communities, their chance to play a part in making a difference around the world.

Innovations showcased, included: a $1M open grant tender, a worldwide community-led fundraising challenge and a global online mentoring platform.

It was also announced that Sage Foundation will prioritise support for military veterans transitioning into civilian life and projects empowering women around the world. The far-reaching programme will also continue to support entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in communities where Sage works.

Making the announcement in Chicago, Sandra Campopiano said:

“Making a difference is not a short term, tick-box exercise for Sage. We want to work where impact can be made and where the need is greatest in the communities we serve, connecting colleagues, customers and community.  We want to give a voice to the most vulnerable and to the causes that may be underfunded or unseen. I am confident that as we focus Sage Foundation to support young people, women and military veterans across the world, we can build brighter futures.

“Whether it is for a budding young entrepreneur with a brilliant idea, a hero in need of a helping hand after they leave service, or a young woman looking for a mentor to take her enterprise to new heights – whatever the need, we will find the right solution.”

Partners around the world working to support these communities through; health, education, diversity and entrepreneurship initiatives, will be able to access support through the existing ‘2+2+2’ model. Through this model, Sage Foundation donates: 2% of employee time each year (5 volunteer days), 2% of free cash flow and 2 of Sage’s technology products.

Additionally, partners will now also be supported by Sage Foundation through an open grant tender worth $1M. There will be further resource from a worldwide community-led fundraising challenge; powered by Sage customers, colleagues and partners – running together to raise money. Lastly, a comprehensive online mentoring and training programme will match talent to employment and entrepreneurial opportunity, initially for the military veteran community.

Following his keynote, Stephen Kelly, CEO, Sage said: “One year ago at Sage Summit 2015, I announced the launch of Sage Foundation. I am proud to say it is now the pounding, passionate heart of Sage. I am incredibly inspired by our new vision and really call on my colleagues and our customers and communities, to unite behind our vision. I believe in doing business in a caring and responsible way. Our existing and future charitable partners will take us on an incredible journey and help us reach more young people, women and military veterans.”

Reflecting on first year achievements, Sage Foundation Chairman, Ivan Epstein, said: “I have seen our colleagues change lives and communities over the last year – from volunteering at The Invictus Games, to helping businesses rebuild themselves in the wake of natural disasters or powering brilliant causes with incredible technology, it all matters. We’ve all invested in our vision and the announcements today show just how committed we are to what Sage Foundation can do to build on these achievements.”