What if companies were to pledge a portion of their sales to help fight global poverty?
Nick Pearson believes it would have a substantial impact.
Pearson is founder of
1% For Humanity, an organization seeking to sign up companies to donate 1 percent of their revenues (that's revenues, not profit) to humanitarian causes.
"It's been challenging, for sure," says Pearson, of Robbinsdale. "A lot of entrepreneurs are just getting started and they're trying to build their brands in a really tough economy anyway."
It's taken Pearson longer than he hoped to get the project to where it's at today, but he's not pessimistic. Last year, five members raised over $100,000 for its network of charities.
Pearson, who used to work in real estate and property management, has made 1% For Humanity a full-time volunteer endeavor. He launched the organization in March 2009.
So far he has seven participating companies, which file annual reports with Pearson, who certifies that they are giving the amount they claim to
humanitarian-related nonprofits.
1% For Humanity does not take a cut of the donations. Its revenue comes from separate donations and from a marketing fee for member companies to use its logo.
Pearson says he knew he didn't have a passion for real estate, and that he was inspired by the success of
1% For The Planet, which raises millions for environmental causes.
Pearson believes there's a similar need for humanitarian causes. Today, he's focused on continuing to get the word out in order to find more potential partners.
Member companies include two Minneapolis firms,
10,000 Pixel Agency and
Bull Run Roasting Co.Source: Nick Pearson, 1% For Humanity
Writer:
Dan Haugen