Sage Foundation Takes Corporate Philanthropy to Next Level With Grant-Making, Community Fundraising and Mentoring Programme

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Jul 26, 2016) - Sage, a market leader in cloud accounting software, today announced an ambitious new vision for its global philanthropy initiative Sage Foundation.

Today's announcement at Sage Summit 2016 in Chicago, the world's largest gathering dedicated to entrepreneurs and business builders, saw the UK's largest tech company announce details of its Year 2 plans and the communities it will prioritize for support.

The second-year program was revealed by Sage Chief People Officer Sandra Campopiano and CEO Stephen Kelly, in front of an audience of nearly 15,000. They announced a new integrated program that will give Sage colleagues, customers and communities their chance to play a part in making a difference around the world.

Innovations showcased today, included:

• A $1M open grant tender.
• A worldwide community-led fundraising challenge.
• A global online mentoring platform.

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

Making the announcement in Chicago today, 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 Sage technology products.