Charity takes various forms. The social aspect should find itself also in the development strategies of corporations and contribute to the socio-economic development of the area where the corporation operates and help in attracting clients. The firm can donate financial or in-kind support or provide its services. Employees can share knowledge, skills and ideas with a foundation or association that help children, seniors, disabled, victims of disasters, etc., support development of gminas and townships.

We are trying to promote the "charity fashion" among companies by presenting examples of successful campaigns, educate non-governmental organizations in the field of dialogue with corporate partners; and present diverse forms of charity and encourage activity among local communities. We want to solve problems of businesspeople, encourage them to involve into philanthropic activities and building corporate strategies including pro-social elements.

Pro-social initiatives undertaken by firms are popularized and awarded in the annual "Benefactor of the Year" Competition. The program addresses private and state-owned companies, which consider social responsibility as one of the elements of their PR strategies. Companies that contribute considerably to a social change are awarded. The "Benefactor of the Year" Award proves recognition of pro-social efforts of the firm; its investment into development of the society and is a gratification for provided assistance.

Foundations and association nominate pro-socially active firms by presenting what was achieved thanks to their support. By the end of each year nomination letter forms are distributed to hundreds of NGOs throughout the country. The form is also available at the Academy`s internet website. Submitted nomination letters are examined by the Selection Committee composed of representatives of business federations, non-governmental organizations and donors of the Competition. Out of all the nominations the Committee selects winners in four categories: education, ecology, culture, social welfare and human rights protection. Members of the Selection Committee are entitled to grant special prize. During the annual Gala event statuettes of the "Benefactor of the Year" are presented. The Gala is also a media and social event, participated by representatives of government, celebrities, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs and NGO leaders. Winners of the Competition have a right to use the Competition logo in their promotion campaigns.

Until now, in seven editions of the Competition 98 firms have been awarded. Among the honored ones there are small and medium-size companies operating at diverse geographical areas of Poland. Thanks to the Competition we have learned about many interesting charity actions, about methods of cooperation between NGOs and corporate partners, about problems of local communites and methods of solving such problems. Submitted nominations include information on social needs and methods of satisfying them; role of entrepreneurs in local communities, involvement of volunteers into civic initiatives.

Among the most interesting initiatives undertaken jointly by NGOs and business the following found themselves: the Pure Business Program - thanks to which several dozens of small and medium firms engaged into the project of integration of economic goals with protection of natural environment; the Channel 3 (of the Polish Radio) Disabled People`s Forum - regular radio programs promoting activity and rights of the group in question; the Clean Up the World Program (2000 and 2001 editions); free-of-charge legal advisory services provided by Chambers; financing "tea-parties under the poplar" by the bakery from Kalisz; organization of rehabilitation sessions for Special Olympics; the Make a Connection Program addressing youth active in local communities; the Whole Poland Reads to Children Program; elementary school building and flats for poor families.

Name of the competition and the motto "Good Deeds the Whole Year Through" are recognized by the people thanks to promotional campaigns and successful cooperation with media. For seven years TV and radio stations featured the spot promoting participation in the Competition for over 300 times; numerous interviews devoted to charity were broadcasted and over 1300 posters were exposed. Many Polish celebrities engaged into cooperation: Kayah, Magda Umer, Piotr Machalica, Anna Dymna, Anna Popek, Janusz Olejniczak, Grzegorz Turnau, Jadwiga Kotnowska, Waldemar Gromolak, Ryszard Grzyb, Waldemar Malicki, Edward Dwurnik, Tytus Wojnowicz, Jarosław Kulczycki. Thanks to the Competition many firms received broad coverage in media. Competition`s logo was used in promotion campaigns and gadgets of awarded firms