Jain on Corporate Philanthropy
Despite the economic meltdown of 2008, Intellius, the anti-ID theft service provider, still supported various charities unlike other companies that decreased their humanitarian aid contributions.
Intelius CEO and cofounder Naveen Jain revealed that it is the company’s responsibility to reach out to those in need especially when others have to discontinue their aid due to the economic crisis. Jain finds inspiration in the work done by the nonprofit groups that they collaborate with. He also expressed his desire to instill the same kind of passion to his employees at Intelius.
In 2008, the company’s endowment to several regional and nationwide nonprofit groups added up to $210,000. Considering its number of employees, now at 191, the donations within that same year is a new record in corporate giving.
Several nonprofit groups work with youth, education, health care, and family concerns. One out of the many associations is Hopelink, which aims to assist people with lesser earnings while training and educating them to practice self-sufficiency.
Linda Benson, Director of Development, said that the conglomerate pursues to help the less fortunate in spite of the worldwide trade and industry’s trials and tribulations. Naveen Jain’s corporate firm pioneered in such a practice of charity.
Another organization is Overlake Service League, a group that aid families, children and senior citizens. Director of Fundraising and Development, Trish Carpenter, said that her campaign did not usually get a lot of financial support. Moreover, she revealed that Jain and his company stood out among many others since they show genuine concern and value for their community.
A scholarship program went to the engineering and computer science students of the University of Washington.
Other partners include Treehouse, the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, Bellevue Boys and Girls Club, and Bellevue School Foundation.
Plans for 2009 involve continuous support for these groups as well as corporate matching programs and paid volunteer work.
In the last two years, Naveen Jain and his wife, Anu, have provided almost $1 million in charity contributions.
