News and Resources

Common Impact Awarded the Governor’s Points of Light Nancy Korman Innovation in Service Award

Posted: November 06, 2006

Common Impact, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pairing business professionals from leading companies with local nonprofits addressing crucial after-school, housing, and community health care needs, is pleased to announce the recent receipt of the Governor's Points of Light Nancy Korman Innovation in Service Award for 2006.

Founded in 2000 by CEO Theresa Ellis, Common Impact has since grown into a ten-person operation that will match teams of skilled volunteers to 45 Boston area nonprofit organizations this year. Having partnered with some of Boston's most successful businesses including Fidelity Investments, State Street, and Goodwin Procter, to aid some of the city's most high-potential nonprofits in the areas of IT, Marketing and Human Resources, Common Impact has been able to deepen the impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives and provide an outlet for action.

"For Common Impact to receive recognition from the Massachusetts Service Alliance in the form of the Nancy Korman Innovation in Service Award, is a tremendous honor," said Theresa Ellis, CEO of Common Impact. "When we started out, my hunch was that thousands of professionals who work in the private sector are eager to give back to their community, but may not know where to turn to find an opportunity that enables them to give the best they have to offer. By making it easy for skilled professionals to get connected and engaged, Common Impact is able to channel new resources into the nonprofit sector, and at the same time mobilize these folks to become community champions."

Common Impact offers a unique approach to volunteerism as they engage participants exclusively through corporate partnerships that are designed to align community involvement with business objectives. The volunteer projects typically require one to two hours per week over the course of six months, which allows time for time for the nonprofit client to form lasting relationships with their volunteers. Some of the long-term benefits experienced by both the nonprofit organizations and the individual volunteers include the following:

  • Stronger nonprofits: Ninety-four percent of their clients report that their volunteer project significantly impacts their mission.
  • Engaged volunteers: Ninety-two percent of Common Impact's corporate volunteers feel that they made a significant impact, and 100 percent of volunteer teams are highly satisfied with their Common Impact experience.
  • Corporate returns: More than one-third of Common Impact's volunteers develop new leadership and functional skills, and two-thirds meet new colleagues.
  • Leveraged resources: All told, Common Impact returns seven dollars to the community for every one dollar invested in their work.

The Nancy Korman Innovation in Service award is reflective of the integrity and life-long philanthropy that Korman herself has dedicated to the Commonwealth. She is the former chair of the Massachusetts Service Alliance, the state commission on service and volunteerism which grants state and federal funds to local programs while providing support, education, training and technical assistance to increase service across the state. Korman has also served on the board of America's Service Commissions, the national organization of state service commissions, on the Board of the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, and previously served as Vice-President of the Jewish Community Relations Council, and as President of the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations.

"Massachusetts Service Alliance is proud to recognize individuals and organizations that set an example for what can be accomplished in communities across the Commonwealth when individuals dedicate their time and talents to service," said Melanie Tavares, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Service Alliance. "This year's award winners represent countless individuals who give of themselves each and everyday without thanks or recognition. We hope this award honors each of them for their commitment and dedication to improving Massachusetts neighborhoods, communities, schools and environment."

About Common Impact

Common Impact is a nonprofit organization that connects skilled professionals from global companies to high-potential local nonprofits. Our employee engagement programs match employee-volunteers with nonprofits that need help overcoming key business challenges. This innovative approach to corporate community service enables companies to realize a positive return on their social investment while building stronger teams and developing employee skills. At the same time, this access to private sector talent enables nonprofits to amplify their impact on the constituents they serve. Ultimately, our work helps foster stronger communities wherever those companies operate. Further information can be found at http://www.commonimpact.org/.

For more information, please contact Lesley Edwards, Vice President of Partnerships, Common Impact (e-mail: ledwards@commonimpact.org, phone: 617-868-1014).