Cause Marketing

British corporate philanthropy is expected to fall by more than a third over the next year as a result of the financial downturn, according to a poll of 450 business leaders released on Monday.

Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world's largest hospitality companies (NYSE: WYN), announced the launch of its new philanthropic program, Wishes by Wyndham.

The Coca-Cola Company has announced that it has committed $30 million over six years through its Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) to provide at least two million Africans with clean water and sanitation.

With a sagging economy also affecting horse racing, there's a new push tonight to pump up attendance at the Kentucky Oaks.

Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization, announced today that it will partner with Gap Inc. through its "Give & Get" program to help raise funds for Feeding America's essential country-wide food assistance programs.

CREDO (www.credomobile.com), the mobile and long distance phone service brought to you by corporate-responsibility leader Working Assets, has announced a multimillion-dollar cash injection for nonprofit groups working to improve the lives of people around the world.

As news of the economic crisis persists, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) proudly announced today outstanding results in corporate sponsorship for this year's AIDS Walk, the world's largest HIV/AIDS fundraising event benefiting GMHC and other HIV/AIDS organizations. "In spite of the recession, today's announcement demonstrates that the New York business community remains committed to helping those struggling with HIV/AIDS and preventing new infections here in the tri-state area," said Marjorie J. Hill, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of GMHC, the world's first AIDS organization. "It's wonderful to see public and private institutions demonstrate their leadership and compassion for those living with HIV/AIDS, especially in these tough economic times," added Hill.

Greater Than Goods, Des Moines, Iowa, has signed its first nationwide partner, Washington-based Defenders of Wildlife. For every eco-friendly Alternative Apparel shirt sold, $5 will be donated to help protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats. Greater Than Goods seeks nonprofit partners that align with its target audiences and market positioning. Besides using original cause-related apparel to fashion a fresh revenue stream for nonprofits, the web store connects people with their passions by providing a medium for organizations and visitors to share stories and build a community of giving.

Aetna and the Aetna Foundation together awarded more than $25.5 million across the nation during 2008, to nonprofits that share the company's focus on fostering strong communities and promoting racial and ethnic health equality, health literacy, disease prevention and management, and overall wellness.

The Aetna Foundation today awarded a $25,000 grant to MAP International, a nonprofit organization that promotes the total health — physical, economic, social, emotional and spiritual health — of impoverished people in over 115 countries.