How Philanthropic and Generous is Apple?
I like Apple. Some would consider me a MAC Evangelist. I’m not sure about that, but you get the point. I use Apple computers, carry an iPhone, iPod, and regularly visit their store [just to browse 🙂 ]. I love their technology, design, and intuitive nature of most of their devices.
I’m also passionate about compassion and justice. I believe that we have a responsibility as fellow human beings to help those in need. Furthermore, I think we who have much should consider ways to share our wealth with those who have much less. No matter how difficult this may be at times, I think there’s something in all of us that would say it’s the right thing to do.
This is where I feel some disconnect between my love for Apple technology and their place in helping those in need. I definitely have seen signs of generosity and philanthropy from time to time from Apple (e.g., partnership with RED, iTunes donations for Haiti, discounts for schools and educators, etc.). In fact, they are listed as one of the top 100 Corporate Citizens 2009 by CRO. Nevertheless, it’s really difficult to find information on what they actually do in this area.
As company who reported last quarter that their revenue was of over $15 billion with a net profit of over $3.3 billion, I think they are definitely in a fiscal place to strategically provide much good to the world, especially in times of disaster relief like what we’re experiencing with Haiti.
Here’s where I would appreciate your input: Would you provide some examples and links that show where Apple directs its money towards good?
I am not posting this to be accusatory. I just want to know. I hope Apple does a lot in philanthropy. I’m just not that aware. Can you help me out with this research?
Thanks in advance.
New Blog Post – How Philanthropic and Generous is Apple? http://bit.ly/9xlncO – Appreciate your input 🙂
Blog Post – How Philanthropic and Generous is #Apple? http://charlestlee.com/humanitarian/… – Appreciate your input 🙂
Let my Apple Fan Boy friend @charlestlee know how you feel about the Apple iSweatshop (; here http://ow.ly/1b0wl
The only thing I have ever hear about their humanitarian leanings has been negative related to their iSweatshops and the brutal way that they treat reporters who try to report about their iSweatshops. Also about the iSuicides of people in their iSweatshops who violate one of their iSweatshop policies. Hope this helps. http://ow.ly/19XPW
Thanks for the link Scott. It can get fairly tricky to analyze when you talk about sub-contractors for these large companies.
You sound like a shady ceo defending his practices. that said, come on I called it an iSweatshop. Thats funny! (;
How Philanthropic and Generous is #Apple? http://bit.ly/9xlncO #mac
They are one of the weakest “givers,” however, no one really can seem to figure out how they are even on a list for philanthropy. The apple website has all the education programs they have contributed to. Older article:
http://www.ssireview.org/opinion/entry/the_least_philanthropic_companies/
Also these really have more to do with the usage of their products in these places.
http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/collection.php?collection=98
I was at Casa Hogar in mexico, an orphanage, and that rundown place had a mac lab with 7 imacs. At the time, they were fairly recent models. I asked where they got them from and they told me Apple donated it to them. =/
Do you have any thoughts about #Apple’s philanthropy? http://charlestlee.com/humanitarian/…
@charlestlee interesting thought since so much money is earned, where is it going for good?
@charlestlee I found out that Apple is 22nd on Philanthropy & here is site,http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/search…..
Thanks Johnny for your thoughts and links. I’m pretty sure they do give towards some great works. I’m interested see what their business plan is in engaging philanthropy. Good stuff friend…hope you’re well.
Do you have any thoughts about #Apple's philanthropy? http://bit.ly/9xlncO
Hey Charles,
Here is the link I shared with you on twitter: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7330986/Apple-admits-using-child-labour.html
http://humantrafficking.change.org/blog/view/apple_admits_child_labor_sweatshops_used_to_build_iphones
Hello charles,
I am friends with Andy H in KC and we meet a few years ago at the camp you spoke at with our youth of the midwest district. I follow your work and love your heart and what you do. I saw this on my twitter and thought I would share it with you. I’m not sure if you’ve seen it but when I read this it reminded me of reading your post above. Thanks for all you do.
http://humantrafficking.change.org/blog/view/apple_admits_child_labor_sweatshops_used_to_build_iphones
@SteveHeye read your blog post RE Apple & giving v. others like Msft, you're not the only 1 thinking like that http://bit.ly/9B3uky
RT @johnmerritt: @SteveHeye read your blog post RE Apple & giving v. others like Msft, you're not only 1 thinking that http://bit.ly/9B3uky
RT @Bubbletoe: Is #Apple not philanthropic because it doesn't have to be? http://bit.ly/dW8jZJ cf http://givingpledge.org
I want to mention a company that has impressed me in this regard, and it is TATA Corp in India. They are worldwide. Supposedly they donate 75% of profits to charity. And while the TATA family is certainly wealthy, Mr. Tata lived somewhat more humbly than one would expect. Compare that to one of their main competitors in many sectors, RELIANCE. The head of that company recently built a billion dollar home in Mumbai that is a towering monstrosity hanging over Mumbai, housing 600 personal servants and architecturally it makes a Borg ship look like feng shui. Another shining example, I think, was Paul Newman with Newman’s Own, which gave 100% of profits to charity demonstrating that a for-profit company can do much better philanthropically than a non-profit, because they can receive from anyone (not just the designated purpose) and give to anyone in need.
I also asked about Apple and I don’t get these kinds of answers. Microsoft has the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation working to help with Aids, Malaria, and other diseases around the world. I totally agree about the good image of Apple and top quality design, art, and product performance keeping them at the top of the heap. But it would be nice to get the message to them that philanthropy won’t cut into that at all, it can even enhance their success. I am working with an ecological institute that is part of majore University in Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Sciences, and I learned that it is also called the Tata Institute because it was started by a grant from Mr. Tata.
One thing I found that Apple has in common with Tata and NOT with Reliance is that they really take good care of their employees. This was something Mr. Tata strongly believed in and in a country where employees are routinely abused he insisted on building them houses and giving them a good and honorable life, whereas rumors I hear say that Reliance is much more predatory. The person who recently sold me my new Macbook Pro told me about Apple’s training, which is rigorous, and getting a job with Apple is hard, about 1 in 20 candidates get in after intensive profiling for personality, smarts, commitment, etc. He said it was easier to get into Stanford. The commitment to employees first shows up in their performance. I suppose that is a form of philanthropy, and you can never separate it in a case of a corporation from self-interest. Its primarily an attitude and belief. I think Apple would be even better than it is if they adopted the Tata model.
Cheers