Toyota & Conservation Volunteers Partnership Finds $4.3 million in Social Benefits

Toyota says the partnership goals were to encourage more volunteer participation in environmental projects and assist with Conservation Volunteers’ capacity building.

According to Phil Harrison of Conservation Volunteers, the results have been far-reaching.

“More people and corporates are volunteering in Conservation Volunteers projects, we have stronger community connections made possible through Toyota dealerships, improved our organisational efficiencies and expanded our program offering,” says Harrison.

The social value of the partnership was determined through a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis undertaken by CSR consultancy NetBalance.

Based on an evaluation of stakeholder benefits and the impact of outcomes achieved, the SROI showed a return of $4.30 to the community, for every dollar invested by Toyota between 2008-2011.

 

Netbalance Project Director, Jerry Marston, said: “Understanding and measuring social impact is becoming increasingly important for Not for Profit organisations as sponsors need to demonstrate accountability, efficiency and effectiveness in their investments.

“Corporates too, are looking for ways to measure and manage their social footprint and SROI provides a means of doing so,” says Marston.

 

The assessment found that the key outcomes of the partnership for Conservation Volunteers have included:

Conservation Volunteers says the national partnership made a strong impact at a community level, through Toyota dealerships.

“Staff at Northpoint Toyota dealerships in South Australia dedicated 1,343 days to Conservation Volunteers environmental projects during 2009 and 2010, and encouraged voluntary subscriptions to a carbon off-set program,” Katerina Persic, Toyota public affairs manager said.

The dealerships also supported the roll-out of the Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering.

“Working with Toyota, Conservation Volunteers has lifted its profile in community and Not for Profit sector and broadened its connections outside the environmental field,” Phil Harrison from Conservation Volunteers said.

“The benefits to Conservation Volunteers will continue to be realised over the coming years, as processes are further honed. This on-going success is testament to the strength and strategic nature of the Toyota and Conservation Volunteers relationship,” Harrison said.

The partnership between Toyota Community Spirit and Conservation Volunteers Australia was established in 2002 and came to completion in March 2011. Throughout the nine-year affiliation, the Toyota Community Spirit program provided promotional support, technical skills, expertise, employee volunteers and financial support.

 

 

Want Pro Bono Australia News delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now – it's free!