About CECP | Message from the Chairman

HAROLD McGRAW III The McGraw-Hill Companies

The Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy is a consortium of Chief Executive Officers and Chairpersons who understand that community investment is a necessary component of any sustainable business plan. Our members also recognize that corporations have the resources and know-how that uniquely position them to solve problems and to serve as effective partners with the public, nonprofit, and academic sectors.

CECP is taking a leadership role in fostering a new era in corporate philanthropy. This new era is about cultural change. Corporate giving has evolved from "checkbook philanthropy" - in which corporations used to satisfy their obligations simply by writing checks - to "strategic philanthropy," in which businesses are aligning their giving programs more closely with their expertise and capabilities.

And now we are taking corporate giving even further - to "holistic philanthropy." This new level of philanthropy seeks greater collaboration among all stakeholders, taps into the tremendous desire of employees to participate through their volunteerism, and more fully leverages tools available to businesses to maximize the impact of corporate investment.

I am delighted that CECP is at the vanguard of these new initiatives. It is our mission to provide the thought leadership, networks, and enabling information to improve the level and quality of corporate philanthropy. Our premier publications have had a tremendous impact on the industry and the public perception of corporate giving. I am also encouraged by our growth: Our membership has expanded by more than 30 CEOs in the last year alone.

CECP is strengthening the culture of giving, with special emphasis on the power and role of CEOs in their communities.

Harold McGraw III

September 2007