Booz Allen Honored as One of Region's Top Corporate Philanthropists

Booz Allen Hamilton was honored with three awards at the 8th Annual Greater Washington Business Philanthropy Summit, including the prestigious Excellence in Business Volunteerism Award for 160,000 corporate volunteer hours served in 2004. Principal Robin Portman and Associate Mary Varghese accepted the awards on behalf of the firm at the May 5, 2005, event.

The firm was also presented with the Summit's first-ever Seal of Social Responsibility — better known as the "My Business Cares" designation — which was given to 39 selected local organizations that meet criteria for volunteer hours performed and level of corporate giving. In addition, Booz Allen was formally recognized for its support of Metro TeenAIDS, a non-profit organization that provides services and support to D.C.-area teens living with or impacted by HIV.

Booz Allen was chosen to receive the My Business Cares Seal in appreciation of its commitment to social responsibility and to community involvement and enhancement. To receive the Seal, companies provide their employees with time off from work to volunteer; offer company-wide group volunteer opportunities; or donate money, goods, or services to qualifying non-profits.

"In this era of corporate scandal and public mistrust, we are proud to recognize and honor companies that are doing things right," said Greater DC Cares President and CEO Siobhan Canty.

Sponsored by the Washington Business Journal and Greater DC Cares, the Greater Washington Business Philanthropy Summit grew out of the 1997 Presidents' Summit for America's Future. Then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton launched the first Philanthropy Summit in 1998. As a result of the Summit's efforts, the leading 25 corporate philanthropists in metro Washington have more than doubled their annual giving.

A Dedicated Effort to Help Teens with HIV

After Metro TeenAIDS lost a $250,000 grant — one-third of its operating budget — when a major funding resource reallocated its budget, Booz Allen helped the non-profit rebound.

Metro TeenAIDS serves adolescents in the Washington area who are living with HIV or whose lives have been impacted by the disease. The organization helps decrease new HIV infections through outreach and education.

"Washington has one of the highest rates of new AIDS cases in the United States," says Portman. "As a member of the community and a good corporate citizen, we saw this as an opportunity to help improve this dire situation."

Booz Allen consultants with expertise in strategic planning, health policy, and public health worked with Metro TeenAIDS on a pro bono basis to help the group rethink its strategic plan. "The end result was an organization that became stronger and much more focused on its core mission," says Booz Allen Principal Kevin Vigilante.

story posted May 31, 2005