The Allstate Blog » Allstate Foundation http://blog.allstate.com Expert tips and fun facts on protecting your car, home, motorcycle or RV from Allstate Auto Insurance Fri, 24 May 2013 16:36:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Celebrating a big birthday by giving a big gift http://blog.allstate.com/celebrating-a-big-birthday-by-giving-a-big-gift/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrating-a-big-birthday-by-giving-a-big-gift http://blog.allstate.com/celebrating-a-big-birthday-by-giving-a-big-gift/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:52:44 +0000 goodhandsgiveback http://blog.allstate.com/?p=4023 Birthday-Cake-Candles_iStock

This year, the Allstate Foundation celebrated a big anniversary not by receiving, but by giving.  The Foundation first invited its key nonprofit partners to an Executive Summit where peers and experts shared ideas on how to build better organizations.  It then offered attendees $600,000 worth of special grants to help put those principles into practice. "Due to the current state of the economy and scaled back donations, the need for nonprofits has never been greater," said Allstate Vice President of Public Social Responsibility, Vicky Dinges. "Which means the groups themselves must be more efficient and more effective than ever. That's what the Foundation's 60th Anniversary Executive Summit was all about." The event brought together leaders from groups focused on the Foundation's two signature issues -- teen safe driving and financial empowerment for victims of domestic violence -- as well as key nonprofits in Allstate's hometown of Chicago. They heard presentations and discussions on using social media, evaluating programs more effectively, understanding legal risks, mobilizing nonprofit boards, fostering financial sustainability, tapping generational diversity within their organizations, and more. Allstate CEO Tom Wilson led off the Summit by providing his personal insights on leadership.  He urged participants to define their mission broadly, but to execute programs in very specific, tailored ways. He encouraged them to focus on leadership development throughout the organization, and to embrace change in governance, authority and accountability. As part of a surprise Allstate Foundation 60th Anniversary Summit Grant, attendees were asked to share insights about making their own organizations more effective. With collaboration from Summit participants, the Foundation created a one-time, competitive grant program totaling $600,000 to further the capacity of organizations present. The grant program focuses on leadership development, organizational development and digital development for the nonprofits. Grants between $20,000 and $60,000 each have been awarded to 14 organizations all over the country. The Summit Grant awarded funding to a collaboration between a domestic violence organization, The Spring of Tampa Bay, and a teen safe driving group, More Health, to assess their leadership and organizational strengths and make important decisions about how to expand their programs strategically in order to best meet the needs of the families in their community.  The small Writers Theater in Chicago also received funding to create a sophisticated new digital ticketing and database system to help them effectively grow their audience. At the end of a busy day at the Summit, attendees said they were energized and eager to put what they learned into practice. In a post-meeting survey, every respondent answered “yes” when asked if "The Summit helped me understand leadership challenges in ways that will benefit my organization." As one participant put it: "You give new meaning to the phrase 'You're in Good Hands with Allstate.' I appreciate your caring and professional approach to social causes, and the respectful way you treat your community partners."]]> Birthday-Cake-Candles_iStock

This year, the Allstate Foundation celebrated a big anniversary not by receiving, but by giving.  The Foundation first invited its key nonprofit partners to an Executive Summit where peers and experts shared ideas on how to build better organizations.  It then offered attendees $600,000 worth of special grants to help put those principles into practice. "Due to the current state of the economy and scaled back donations, the need for nonprofits has never been greater," said Allstate Vice President of Public Social Responsibility, Vicky Dinges. "Which means the groups themselves must be more efficient and more effective than ever. That's what the Foundation's 60th Anniversary Executive Summit was all about." The event brought together leaders from groups focused on the Foundation's two signature issues -- teen safe driving and financial empowerment for victims of domestic violence -- as well as key nonprofits in Allstate's hometown of Chicago. They heard presentations and discussions on using social media, evaluating programs more effectively, understanding legal risks, mobilizing nonprofit boards, fostering financial sustainability, tapping generational diversity within their organizations, and more. Allstate CEO Tom Wilson led off the Summit by providing his personal insights on leadership.  He urged participants to define their mission broadly, but to execute programs in very specific, tailored ways. He encouraged them to focus on leadership development throughout the organization, and to embrace change in governance, authority and accountability. As part of a surprise Allstate Foundation 60th Anniversary Summit Grant, attendees were asked to share insights about making their own organizations more effective. With collaboration from Summit participants, the Foundation created a one-time, competitive grant program totaling $600,000 to further the capacity of organizations present. The grant program focuses on leadership development, organizational development and digital development for the nonprofits. Grants between $20,000 and $60,000 each have been awarded to 14 organizations all over the country. The Summit Grant awarded funding to a collaboration between a domestic violence organization, The Spring of Tampa Bay, and a teen safe driving group, More Health, to assess their leadership and organizational strengths and make important decisions about how to expand their programs strategically in order to best meet the needs of the families in their community.  The small Writers Theater in Chicago also received funding to create a sophisticated new digital ticketing and database system to help them effectively grow their audience. At the end of a busy day at the Summit, attendees said they were energized and eager to put what they learned into practice. In a post-meeting survey, every respondent answered “yes” when asked if "The Summit helped me understand leadership challenges in ways that will benefit my organization." As one participant put it: "You give new meaning to the phrase 'You're in Good Hands with Allstate.' I appreciate your caring and professional approach to social causes, and the respectful way you treat your community partners."]]> http://blog.allstate.com/celebrating-a-big-birthday-by-giving-a-big-gift/feed/ 0 Better listening drives better results http://blog.allstate.com/better-listening-drives-better-results/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=better-listening-drives-better-results http://blog.allstate.com/better-listening-drives-better-results/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:50:59 +0000 goodhandsgiveback http://blog.allstate.com/?p=4021 Ear-Listen-iStock

Our employees and agency owners are on the ground in nearly every community in the country. That’s why we have been focused for so long on having a positive impact on our local communities. Our strategy for giving back comes from our in-depth understanding of our own communities and also from tapping into a network of nonprofits, investors and employees to help us refine our approach. This year, Allstate’s Social Responsibility Report outlines the results of that strategy and all our work to give back and be a sustainable, responsible corporate citizen. To help fine-tune our social responsibility strategy, Allstate convened a stakeholder panel including representatives from nonprofit groups, investors, opinion leaders and senior-level employees. They discussed issues from climate change to financial literacy and agreed to continue meeting twice a year. The company then conducted a "sustainability materiality assessment" with in-depth input from Allstate's key stakeholder groups -- shareholders, customers, policymakers, communities, employees, and others. The process highlighted common ground and common goals on issues like the environment, diversity, employee satisfaction, safe driving and financial literacy. “Allstate's responsibility to improve local communities is central to our shared vision,” said Allstate Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Wilson. “This commitment not only reflects the respect we have for our customers, it energizes local Allstate agency owners and rewards our people with personal growth and the opportunity to make a difference.  We do it because it is who we are, what we believe and what we expect from each other. This year’s report has many inspiring stories of Allstaters making a difference.  I am filled with pride when faced with the reality of what we accomplish with talented people and the resources of a large and successful company.” Meanwhile, the company continued to make progress in other areas affecting our stakeholders. Responding to employee input, in 2011 Allstate improved health and wellness offerings, training and professional development programs. Allstate also was named one of America's top 50 companies for diversity by Diversity, Inc. magazine. The company continued to reduce paper usage at corporate headquarters, cutting use in half over the past two years. Allstate's overall carbon footprint declined nine percent in 2011. The Allstate Foundation's program to support domestic violence survivors was significantly expanded. And Allstate was a leading supporter of the STANDUP Act, a federal bill encouraging graduated drivers license standards that became law last June. Listening to and learning from stakeholders, seeking and finding solutions that serve several purposes is becoming ingrained in Allstate's strategy. "There's much more to do," says Allstate Vice President of Public Social Responsibility, Vicky Dinges. "But we've laid the foundation for an ongoing process that will make us better, stronger, more successful. And we're committed to following through.”]]> Ear-Listen-iStock

Our employees and agency owners are on the ground in nearly every community in the country. That’s why we have been focused for so long on having a positive impact on our local communities. Our strategy for giving back comes from our in-depth understanding of our own communities and also from tapping into a network of nonprofits, investors and employees to help us refine our approach. This year, Allstate’s Social Responsibility Report outlines the results of that strategy and all our work to give back and be a sustainable, responsible corporate citizen. To help fine-tune our social responsibility strategy, Allstate convened a stakeholder panel including representatives from nonprofit groups, investors, opinion leaders and senior-level employees. They discussed issues from climate change to financial literacy and agreed to continue meeting twice a year. The company then conducted a "sustainability materiality assessment" with in-depth input from Allstate's key stakeholder groups -- shareholders, customers, policymakers, communities, employees, and others. The process highlighted common ground and common goals on issues like the environment, diversity, employee satisfaction, safe driving and financial literacy. “Allstate's responsibility to improve local communities is central to our shared vision,” said Allstate Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Wilson. “This commitment not only reflects the respect we have for our customers, it energizes local Allstate agency owners and rewards our people with personal growth and the opportunity to make a difference.  We do it because it is who we are, what we believe and what we expect from each other. This year’s report has many inspiring stories of Allstaters making a difference.  I am filled with pride when faced with the reality of what we accomplish with talented people and the resources of a large and successful company.” Meanwhile, the company continued to make progress in other areas affecting our stakeholders. Responding to employee input, in 2011 Allstate improved health and wellness offerings, training and professional development programs. Allstate also was named one of America's top 50 companies for diversity by Diversity, Inc. magazine. The company continued to reduce paper usage at corporate headquarters, cutting use in half over the past two years. Allstate's overall carbon footprint declined nine percent in 2011. The Allstate Foundation's program to support domestic violence survivors was significantly expanded. And Allstate was a leading supporter of the STANDUP Act, a federal bill encouraging graduated drivers license standards that became law last June. Listening to and learning from stakeholders, seeking and finding solutions that serve several purposes is becoming ingrained in Allstate's strategy. "There's much more to do," says Allstate Vice President of Public Social Responsibility, Vicky Dinges. "But we've laid the foundation for an ongoing process that will make us better, stronger, more successful. And we're committed to following through.”]]> http://blog.allstate.com/better-listening-drives-better-results/feed/ 1 Partnering together to support local communities http://blog.allstate.com/when-it-comes-to-giving-size-matters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-it-comes-to-giving-size-matters http://blog.allstate.com/when-it-comes-to-giving-size-matters/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:49:24 +0000 goodhandsgiveback http://blog.allstate.com/?p=4020 Gupta Towns GC shoot

[Photo caption: Suren Gupta, Executive Vice President Allstate Technology and Operations, and Jim Towns, agency owner and co-chairman of Agency Executive Council]
With corporate giving campaigns, what matters most: that more people give or that people give more? The answer, of course, is both. But broadening the base of employee contributors is always a good sign -- especially in a time when tighter personal budgets make it harder for individuals to give as much as they'd like. That was the experience with Allstate's 2012 companywide giving campaign, which received more than $4.4 million from Allstate employees and agency owners. Matched by a 20 percent corporate contribution, the result was more than $5.3 million donated to 7,600 nonprofit organizations across the country. While that total was less than the previous year, the number of Allstate employees who contributed rose by eight percent nationwide. "You always want to top last year's dollar total," said Patricia Garza, Allstate Director of Strategic Philanthropy. "But increasing the participation rate is great news because giving becomes a habit. People see their money put to work in their own communities, and that encourages them to give again -- and involve others -- the next year." Giving coordinators around the country used inventive incentives to increase participation. In Allstate’s Stockton, California Market Claim Office, managers cooked and served meals to employees who gave. Prizes -- including San Francisco Giants tickets and a Napa Valley wine tasting trip -- were promised if three out of four employees contributed to the campaign. They easily topped that goal, with 86 percent giving, compared with 51 percent the previous year. Elsewhere, coordinators asked employees to share personal stories about why they donate to their favorite charities. Others suggested giving in the name of friends or family to causes like breast cancer awareness. Both agency owners and employees logged onto the Giving Campaign website to share stories and donations. And everywhere, givers cited the good that any size contribution can do. "At any time, one of us could need the assistance of these organizations," said coordinator Laura Spadafora in the New Yorkregion. "Even the smallest amount is welcome because, in large numbers, the Giving Campaign really does make a big difference."]]> Gupta Towns GC shoot

[Photo caption: Suren Gupta, Executive Vice President Allstate Technology and Operations, and Jim Towns, agency owner and co-chairman of Agency Executive Council]
With corporate giving campaigns, what matters most: that more people give or that people give more? The answer, of course, is both. But broadening the base of employee contributors is always a good sign -- especially in a time when tighter personal budgets make it harder for individuals to give as much as they'd like. That was the experience with Allstate's 2012 companywide giving campaign, which received more than $4.4 million from Allstate employees and agency owners. Matched by a 20 percent corporate contribution, the result was more than $5.3 million donated to 7,600 nonprofit organizations across the country. While that total was less than the previous year, the number of Allstate employees who contributed rose by eight percent nationwide. "You always want to top last year's dollar total," said Patricia Garza, Allstate Director of Strategic Philanthropy. "But increasing the participation rate is great news because giving becomes a habit. People see their money put to work in their own communities, and that encourages them to give again -- and involve others -- the next year." Giving coordinators around the country used inventive incentives to increase participation. In Allstate’s Stockton, California Market Claim Office, managers cooked and served meals to employees who gave. Prizes -- including San Francisco Giants tickets and a Napa Valley wine tasting trip -- were promised if three out of four employees contributed to the campaign. They easily topped that goal, with 86 percent giving, compared with 51 percent the previous year. Elsewhere, coordinators asked employees to share personal stories about why they donate to their favorite charities. Others suggested giving in the name of friends or family to causes like breast cancer awareness. Both agency owners and employees logged onto the Giving Campaign website to share stories and donations. And everywhere, givers cited the good that any size contribution can do. "At any time, one of us could need the assistance of these organizations," said coordinator Laura Spadafora in the New Yorkregion. "Even the smallest amount is welcome because, in large numbers, the Giving Campaign really does make a big difference."]]> http://blog.allstate.com/when-it-comes-to-giving-size-matters/feed/ 0 Fan the flames of volunteerism http://blog.allstate.com/fan-the-flames-of-volunteerism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fan-the-flames-of-volunteerism http://blog.allstate.com/fan-the-flames-of-volunteerism/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:46:59 +0000 goodhandsgiveback http://blog.allstate.com/?p=4017 Picture3

How do you energize already-enthusiastic employee volunteers to build on that commitment in their communities? You give them some skin in the game, by allowing them to choose which groups or programs they support. And you back them with grants to help pay expenses for their projects. That was the strategy behind Allstate's first companywide Week of Service, held August 6-11 in hometowns across America. John Bengston, an Allstate employee in Northbrook, Illinois jumped at the chance to help Habitat for Humanity of Fox Valley. “Knowing I have Allstate’s support to lead a volunteer project benefiting a nonprofit that offers so much is a great feeling. And for my employer to back that up with a $500 challenge grant really takes our community support to another level,” said John. "We all have causes close to home and close to our hearts," said Craig Keller, Allstate director of public social responsibility. "This was a way for Allstaters everywhere to tap that personal passion." Employees could find existing volunteer opportunities to join through VolunteerMatch, submit their own proposals, work with local Allstate Helping Hands Committees, or support Allstate Foundation signature programs on teen safe driving and domestic violence.  They also could apply for 150 "Challenge Grants" of $500 each, to help cover the cost of project supplies and expenses. The effort also partnered with Feeding America, a leading national hunger-relief organization, for service projects near Allstate's largest offices. All told, an estimated 2,700 Allstate employees, agency owners, friends and family took part in 290 Week of Service events across the country. "As we expected, our people really got behind this idea and made the most of the opportunity," said Keller. "We're already planning for next year's Week of Service, and I’m confident it will be even bigger than what we were able to achieve in our inaugural year."]]> Picture3

How do you energize already-enthusiastic employee volunteers to build on that commitment in their communities? You give them some skin in the game, by allowing them to choose which groups or programs they support. And you back them with grants to help pay expenses for their projects. That was the strategy behind Allstate's first companywide Week of Service, held August 6-11 in hometowns across America. John Bengston, an Allstate employee in Northbrook, Illinois jumped at the chance to help Habitat for Humanity of Fox Valley. “Knowing I have Allstate’s support to lead a volunteer project benefiting a nonprofit that offers so much is a great feeling. And for my employer to back that up with a $500 challenge grant really takes our community support to another level,” said John. "We all have causes close to home and close to our hearts," said Craig Keller, Allstate director of public social responsibility. "This was a way for Allstaters everywhere to tap that personal passion." Employees could find existing volunteer opportunities to join through VolunteerMatch, submit their own proposals, work with local Allstate Helping Hands Committees, or support Allstate Foundation signature programs on teen safe driving and domestic violence.  They also could apply for 150 "Challenge Grants" of $500 each, to help cover the cost of project supplies and expenses. The effort also partnered with Feeding America, a leading national hunger-relief organization, for service projects near Allstate's largest offices. All told, an estimated 2,700 Allstate employees, agency owners, friends and family took part in 290 Week of Service events across the country. "As we expected, our people really got behind this idea and made the most of the opportunity," said Keller. "We're already planning for next year's Week of Service, and I’m confident it will be even bigger than what we were able to achieve in our inaugural year."]]> http://blog.allstate.com/fan-the-flames-of-volunteerism/feed/ 0 Employees help unleash innovation as The Allstate Foundation turns 60 http://blog.allstate.com/employees-help-unleash-innovation-as-the-allstate-foundation-turns-60/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=employees-help-unleash-innovation-as-the-allstate-foundation-turns-60 http://blog.allstate.com/employees-help-unleash-innovation-as-the-allstate-foundation-turns-60/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:22:56 +0000 goodhandsgiveback http://community.allstate.com/community/making_a_difference/blog/2012/02/07/employees-help-unleash-innovation-as-the-allstate-foundation-turns-60 A 1952 memo to Allstate managers introduced the newly formed Allstate Foundation: “We owe the community and nation from which...

The post Employees help unleash innovation as The Allstate Foundation turns 60 appeared first on The Allstate Blog.

]]> A 1952 memo to Allstate managers introduced the newly formed Allstate Foundation: “We owe the community and nation from which we derive our livelihood all the reasonable philanthropic assistance we can give. Any corporation or individual that does not discharge its social responsibility is indeed shortsighted.”

Over the last 60 years, The Allstate Foundation has stayed true to that vision and contributed nearly $300 million to community organizations and initiatives. While the Foundation’s goals and partners may have changed over the years, our commitment to civic leadership has remained the same. As Donald Craib, former Allstate chairman and CEO, said in 1982, “Today, it’s clear that our stockholders and customers not only want us to be involved in the community, they expect us to be.”

To launch The Allstate Foundation’s 60th anniversary celebration this year, Allstate employees are giving the Foundation the ultimate gift – innovative ideas for investing grants in local communities. We have always relied heavily on Allstate’s inventive workforce to guide our giving. This year, during Allstate’s annual Innovation Week and as part of International Corporate Philanthropy Day on Feb. 27, employees in 60 offices will be asked: “If your office had grant support to make an innovative difference in your community, how would you invest it?” Employees will vote for the best idea. Each of the 60 employees whose ideas get the most votes will receive an Allstate Foundation grant for a community service organization of his or her choice. In this milestone year, we’re turning once again to one of our best resources – our creative employees – to help Allstate “discharge its social responsibility.”

The post Employees help unleash innovation as The Allstate Foundation turns 60 appeared first on The Allstate Blog.

]]> http://blog.allstate.com/employees-help-unleash-innovation-as-the-allstate-foundation-turns-60/feed/ 1