Here is a great idea for capturing user-generated content from the front lines of philanthropy at home and abroad; two video cameras for the price of one:

Flip Video Spotlight has approved more than 1,200 charitable organizations as Participating Partners for this program. They include charitable groups working across a diverse set of causes including youth development, poverty alleviation, conservation, and more. These Partners range from small local organizations to national charities with multi-million dollar budgets. All share an interest in using video to achieve their goals.

http://flipvideospotlight.com/

Flip Video Spotlight provides steeply discounted access to selected Flip Video products to qualifying charitable organizations. To start, charitable organizations apply online to become a Participating Partner. If approved, Participating Partners join our online community and receive access to the Flip Video Spotlight storefront. For each Flip Video Ultra camcorder purchased through the storefront, Flip Video Spotlight donates a free unit.

Learn more by reading their Eligibility Guidelines and submit an application.

Flip Spotlight also works with for-profit companies who want to provide video equipment as part of their corporate philanthropy.  

Paul Newman and Ken Derr are the founding co-chairs of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), the only international forum of CEOs exclusively focused on corporate philanthropy. CECP’s mission is to lead the business community in raising the level and quality of corporate philanthropy. Engaging with the public, private, and independent sectors, CECP’s 170 members seek and create opportunities to help advance the case for philanthropy and inspire other business leaders to make a lasting commitment to community giving. www.CorporatePhilanthropy.org

AWARDS:

1. The top award for Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy went to Cisco’s cross-sector partnership with Community Voice Mail.

By partnering with community-based organizations in over 40 cities nationally, 41,000 people were served last year. Community Voice Mail provides the exceptional service of free, personalized telecommunications access to the poor and homeless across the U.S.

The simple concept of providing voice mail service to connect individuals to prospective employers, landlords, case managers and family members is a critical step on the road to stability and self-sufficiency. In 2003, the Cisco Foundation awarded CVM a $2.5 million grant to enhance the organization’s service capabilities, centralize the voice mail system, and bring its services to additional cities nationwide. Cisco’s investment and the application of its technology and expertise for social good has had a transformative impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people every year.

“The partnership that Community Voice Mail National has with Cisco Systems is one that most nonprofit organizations can only dream of,” said CVM Executive Director Jennifer Brandon. “With the depth and breadth of Cisco’s contribution, we have been able to thrive instead of just survive. Ours is a situation that I wish more nonprofits could have because the impact would be extraordinary.”

2. PNC was awarded CECP’s Large Company Excellence Award; for the PNC Grow Up Great initiative, the company implemented a 10-year, $100 million investment to provide underserved children with quality preschool opportunities, preparing them for future success in school and throughout life. Through a holistic effort that involves significant public CEO endorsement, advocacy, funding and employee engagement to educate parents, caregivers, and communities on the importance of pre-K education, PNC has successfully created a model that has the potential to achieve national impact.

3. Moody’s Corporation won the Small Company Award (revenues less than $3 billion) for the company’s giving program which encourages students to develop a passion for mathematics, economics and finance. In partnership with the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), Moody’s Mega Math Challenge offers an Internet-based applied mathematics competition for high school students. Proficiency in mathematics is essential for many careers in the 21^st century and this program helps build a future talent pipeline for the company.