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.
Additionally, partners will now also be supported by Sage Foundation through an open grant tender worth $1M. There will be further resource from a worldwide community-led fundraising challenge, powered by Sage customers, colleagues and partners -- running together to raise money. Lastly, a comprehensive online mentoring and training program will match talent to employment and entrepreneurial opportunity, initially for the military veteran community.
Following his keynote, Stephen Kelly, CEO, Sage said:
"One year ago at Sage Summit 2015, I announced the launch of Sage Foundation. I am proud to say it is now the pounding, passionate heart of Sage. I am incredibly inspired by our new vision and really call on my colleagues and our customers and communities, to unite behind our vision. I believe in doing business in a caring and responsible way. Our existing and future charitable partners will take us on an incredible journey and help us reach more young people, women and military veterans."
Reflecting on first year achievements, Sage Foundation Chairman Ivan Epstein, said:
"I have seen our colleagues change lives and communities over the last year -- from volunteering at The Invictus Games to helping businesses rebuild themselves in the wake of natural disasters or powering brilliant causes with incredible technology, it all matters. We've all invested in our vision and the announcements today show just how committed we are to what Sage Foundation can do to build on these achievements."
Sage will continue to support The Invictus Games in 2017, which will be hosted in Toronto.
Sage Summit takes place this week from July 25 through 28 in Chicago, during which time the event will host more than 15,000 visitors and celebrity speakers from around the world. You can find out all about the world's largest gathering for entrepreneurs and business builders here .
For those not attending Sage Summit 2016, all of the keynotes and more can be viewed at the live virtual event link .
About Sage:
Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the UK 30 years ago and over 13,000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across 23 countries as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation.
Sage -- a market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs. www.sage.com See more at: http://www.sage.com/company/news-and-events/2...VhUrw.dpuf
Betty Tian Manager, Public Relations Sage betty.tian@sage.com Office: +1 604-207-3611 Mobile: +1 604-376-7398
