Charity foundation UnLtd reports record ad industry donations
The media and marketing industry’s charitable foundation, UnLtd, raised a record $8.7m in cash and contributions in the 2017 financial year despite a sharp reduction in the number of companies supporting the venture.
The organisation reported that 41 companies and “countless individuals” contributed to 26 charities working with at-risk young people.
Chief executive Paul Fisher said the result, a 34% increase on 2016, was testament to what can be achieved “when the industry works together to create social change”.
But the number of contributors is heavily down on last year – when the charity collaborated with 88 firms and 42 charities – which reflects a new strategy adopted by the organisation in 2017.
UnLtd said it set about creating a “a bigger impact with our charity partners by supporting fewer organisations and doing more for each”.
“Similarly, we focused on working with fewer, key Social Impact Partner companies to deliver high level outcomes through deeper engagements,” Fisher said. ” We’re really pleased this strategy has delivered a higher overall value than previous years, more shared value to both our corporate partners, our charity partners, and importantly, the children and young people they support.”
Donated media inventory climbed 46% with in-kind goods and services, including video production and creative assets, soaring 253%.
The report singled out Network Ten’s contribution of $1.4m in cash and value to 10 UnLtd charities. It showed that “one company can make a big difference”, it said.
“At UnLtd, we believe that our industry and its people have the potential to use their financial and cultural influence to create great social change,” Fisher said.
“We also believe that every young person has something to offer and that their opportunities should be unlimited. This year’s results are a testament to what can be achieved when our industry works together to create the social change needed.”
Highlights of the year outlined in the report included:
- The National Pyjama Day which has grown from a community initiative to an event which raised $250,000.
- The raising of $30,000 for Whitelion charity by 14 senior executives who spent a night in jail
- The GroupM-supported rebrand of Be Centre, a play therapy centre that helps children overcome trauma
- A cricket match featuring 26 media executives which helped raise $30,000 for Backtrack. a charity working with young people in rural areas.
UnLtd said it has generated a total of $35m in value since its inception in 2008 with the aim of breaking past $100m by 2021.
