Setting up a successful corporate giving program

Investing in a corporate giving program can be hugely beneficial, not just for the communities your organization supports, but also your business. As well as giving back to society and helping to solve complex challenges, setting up a successful initiative can increase employee engagement and enhance brand reputation, writes Jo Taylor, program lead, Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503) Europe, in an expert view piece.

In 2014, Astellas Pharma Europe launched its first corporate giving program, Action on Fistula, a ground-breaking three-year partnership with Fistula Foundation. Its aim was to transform the lives of more than 1,200 women in Kenya living with obstetric fistula and build capacity in the country to deliver ongoing surgeries.

Our reason for setting up Action on Fistula was simple. As a pharma company focused on addressing unmet patient needs and with cultural values focused on transparency and integrity, we recognized we were in a strong position to give back to society and use our expertise in urology to tackle complex health issues.