This Issue Brief examines the evolution of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy in the United States, highlighting key historical milestones, data trends, and the enduring role of business and nonprofit organizations in driving social impact. It also explores emerging challenges and what may be next for CSR.

The annual CECP Summit is an experience that brings together over 250 senior social impact, corporate responsibility, and sustainability leaders from the world’s leading global companies. Under the theme of Purpose Reignited, this vital network navigated an agenda that delivered powerful insights on trends, strategic partnerships, and how purpose powers performance in business.

The 2026 edition of Corporate Purpose: Driving Business Value examines how companies integrate purpose into their core business systems and why that integration matters for performance. The research shows that while 92% of S&P Global 1200 companies now articulate a purpose statement, competitive advantage is realized when purpose is embedded into governance, incentives, and operations through […]

Corporate Foundations: Optimizing for Returns provides the first comprehensive data-driven framework for understanding how corporate foundations deliver value to both society and the business. Drawing on data from CECP’s Giving in Numbers™ and recent survey insights, the report highlights that corporate foundations have become a staple for leading companies.