Research projects

Corporate Social Responsibility – Invest in Change

Project Mission

Start a process whereby the public sector, civil society, and the private sector work together in strengthening citizenship and participation in the democratic process in Lebanon. Ensuring private sector donations towards civil society in Lebanon serves several purposes: it highlights the role that civil society plays in development; it increases awareness about citizens’ participation in development and the political process; and finally it strengthens national ownership of development, reducing dependence on foreign donors without seeking to replace them. Through donations to civil society organizations, this project gives companies the opportunity to invest in change and contribute towards transparency, accountability and good governance. The funds will be allocated to projects dealing with issues that will be jointly set by stakeholders based on necessity.

Project Objectives
The project aims to:

1) introduce a new law that facilitates private sector donation to civil society (tax breaks or percentage philanthropy),

2) create an extensive philanthropic network of companies and civil society organizations in Lebanon,

3) raise awareness about social responsibility within the private sector and give corporations the opportunity to invest in civil society.

Planned Activities and Implementation

• Phase one: Raise awareness through a campaign targeting all stakeholders, especially the private sector; organize workshops to introduce the idea; present existing successful models (Philippines, India); draft an outline of the types of activities the funds would be used for; and research the legal frameworks/requirements required for drafting of a law.
• Phase two: Lobby to the government to accept the draft law; establish and expand the network of businesses that will be part of the initiative, through the creation of a brand (a logo and a slogan: ‘Invest in Change’) and marketing it (website, flyers, billboards, TV interviews…). Also, prepare a petition to be signed by a number of companies and 10 MPs to introduce the draft law, and mobilize business associations to network and lobby through their contacts.
• Phase three: Issue a guide for corporations on how to donate, manage their books and declare it.
• Phase four: Create an independent entity composed of private sector representatives, civil society representatives and public servants to define strategies and requirements for eligible projects as well as to manage, allocate and monitor the funds.
• Phase five: Oversee and assist the implementation of the first projects benefiting from the funds, and publish the results to ensure transparency and sustainability of the project.