41. How to Align Goals, Language, and Perspectives to Create Win-Win-Win Cross-Sector Partnerships with Kate Williams

Kate Williams is the CEO of 1% for the Planet, a non-profit whose 6,000+ members are integrating environmental giving into standard best business practices. She helps us imagine a world in which every operating budget includes line items to underwrite social causes as routinely as office space or equipment rental. Conjured some 20 years ago on the banks of the Madison River in Montana, the founders of Patagonia and Blue Ribbon Flies, a fly fishing company, foresaw a need for businesses to support environmental organizations far beyond simple check-the-box annual giving. Out of their vision for paying back the planet has grown a network that partners socially responsible businesses with on-the-ground resources.

In this episode, Kate explains why companies of all sizes (as well as individuals) are willing to tithe 1% of their annual revenue under the umbrella of 1% for the Planet. We talk about all of the results that come from this model - mutual learning, storytelling, opportunity, and, perhaps most of all, a sustainable win-win-win proposition. There are so many learnings for nonprofits and businesses in this episode, tune in now to learn about what businesses are looking for when partnering with nonprofits and how 1% for the Planet plays matchmaker, coach, and co-dreamer to support successful cross-sector partnerships.

Episode Hightlights:

(01:00) - 1% for the Planet’s origin story

(02:30) - The organization's accomplishments and reach over the past 20 years 

(05:20) - What 1% for the Planet members get for their commitment

(09:20) - Why 1% of sales versus 1% of profit? 

(14:25) - The win-win equation: Credibly doing the right thing resonates with consumers, boosts sales, and extends business longevity and viability.

(17:43) - All about due diligence: 1% for the Planet offers a knowledge-based vetting process that verifies partners, measures impact, and identifies narratives.

(20:22) - 1%’s Matchmaking Function

(24:00) - Long-term versus short-term partnering: Ongoing relationships reduce the overhead costs inherent in start-up fundraising efforts and frees up resources for other broader pursuits.

(26:27) - 1% for the Planet provides a bridge, facilitating conversations across for- and non-profit entities whose language, goals and perspectives don’t always align.

(33:22) - Donors often don’t recognize the direct and indirect power they wield and impacts they have on the giving process.

(33:05) - On the horizon: The vision is to grow and brand a global standard for giving and social responsibility knit into business operation in a core way.

(36:25) - Calls to action (and considerations) for smaller businesses contemplating a 1% commitment.

(37:24) - How to get in touch with Kate and learn more about 1% for the planet.