Hilton in the Community Foundation: What role for business groups in homeless policy?

One corporate foundation’s response to the issue of homelessness

Simon Sheehan, DirectorJune 8th 2012, Brussels

ABOUT US: key information

• Independent registered charity, est 2001

• Official charity of Hilton Worldwide in Europe

• Company covers costs of administration and subsidises fundraising

• Top 30 Corporate Foundations and Trusts based on grants awarded in a year (UK)

• €12.8 million donated to date 2012

• Every net pound and penny raised goes to the grant fund

• Charitable giving is focused on:- Young People and Education- Young People and Health

ABOUT US: where we operate

• Active in 27 countries

• Roots are in UK/Ireland – majority of fundraising and giving is there but Europe growing

• Local giving model – supporting local young people in each country through hotel fundraising

ABOUT US: our mission

• To make a real difference to those young people who are most in need

• To equip young people with the skills and opportunities to have a brighter future

• Through providing grant support to:

Education - Training/re-training, educational equipment, activity based learning, sports equipment, transport etc.

Health - medical equipment, care facilities, activity based holidays, awareness campaigns, hospices, “make-a-wish” activities, treatment etc.

Why homelessness?

• One of four core areas of funding focus chosen by our volunteers:

– Disabled Children and Young People

– Life-limited Children

– Homelessness

– Children in Hospital

• Direct and visible need in our communities; connection to wide range of social issues

• Natural synergy with hotels:

– Employability

– Skill sharing

– In-kind giving

How have we engaged?

• We have partnered with 40 different organisations since 2008, donating £285,000 (€342,000) from voluntary income

• Projects funded include:- Formal training and accredited courses- Life-skills training- Peer education to prevent homelessness- Volunteer hosting costs for emergency

accommodation- Refurbishment projects e.g. kitchens,

bedrooms, IT provision

• More than money: Provided in-kind support (furniture, toiletries, soft furnishings)

• Hilton as employer: Provided a gateway to careers advice and possible employment

What role for business groups?

• Recognizing our collective responsibility

• Being aware of our limitations and managing expectations of the sector

– e.g., Trust /Foundation income reducing; businesses probably can’t fill this gap

• Celebrating what is done already – to help spread awareness and yield new ideas

What role for business groups?

• Employment

• Positive Brand alignment – can bring recognition

• In kind support

– but Businesses moving towards counting ‘hours’ and ‘in kind support’ versus hard cash

• Possible source of volunteer mentors for the young people

A case study: Amber Foundation

• Amber provides quality support for homeless young people in three UK counties, helping to transform their lives

• Central grant recipient: great results (80% success rate)

• Nominated charity partner for Hilton Swindon

• Fundraising – including the young people in activities

• Practical help: CV clinics, interviews and support from HR

• Powerful stories from young people which engage funders and supporters

Issues of engaging businesses

• ROI

• Competition

• Emotive cause

• Different time scale

• Scale of impact

• Attitude and ability

• Afford to work and Pay day