The backlash against galas is building into a trend. Theatres are cutting auctions due to donor resistance; the press is writing about "no show" events and volunteer burn out.

If the association between a company and a cause, or the social impact of the company's action does not resonate with consumers and other stakeholders, what is the point of the best-laid plans?

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask her about progress being made to advance women's rights, the hallmarks of successful programs and what the business community can do to grow women's leadership and open more doors to opportunity.

To take advantage of the unprecedented opportunities for philanthropy to make a difference in society, we have to encourage people to think more consciously and creatively about: "What's in this for me?"

Silicon Valley big wigs loosened up the purse strings in a big way in 2012. The top names in tech gave $1.4 billion to charity in 2012, according t...

As corporate social responsibility has become more strategic and aligned with business objectives, companies are directing dollars toward causes that directly impact their businesses, such as health, education and the environment.

What motivates someone to give? What sparks the voice within to declare "I want to change the world?" Two simple questions that provide a glimpse of the scope and depth of one's philanthropic perspective. Questions that the dynamic Denise Ilitch knows very well.

On the heels of a hard-fought election cycle, it's hard not to reflect what divides us, but so much more unites us. I can't think of a better time to rally around an ideal that we all can agree on -- the importance of giving.

For the immigrant community in Israel, Yvel is known for something other than its luxury jewelry. The company's employees are mostly immigrants who have come to Israel from countries all over the world including Syria, Iraq the United States and Ethiopia.

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), over 1.5 million non-profits are registered in the U.S. While many of them receive assistance through corporate philanthropy and employee volunteer programs, in general all of them compete for a limited giving pool.

With addresses by Governor Mitt Romney, President Barack Obama and the CEO of Barclays, this was the global stage with the golden triangle of government, business, and civil society all represented and at work to transform the world. It was game changing.

"The success (however that's defined) will come in time... but is secondary to doing what you love. And all of them see themselves as a part of the greater creative community -- there seems to be a real respect among this level of achiever for the people who have influenced them."

When you get the word out about how a company's volunteer and giving program helped your organization, you demonstrate a savvy gratitude that encourages future corporate partners to work with you.

While the entrepreneurs behind these socially conscious start-ups have tapped into consumer demands to play donor, they also raise questions about whether applying the profit motive can achieve positive and sustainable developmental ends.

Like any healthy coupling, the recipe to a happy, long-term business relationship between a non-profit organization and its corporate volunteers and donors is commitment, communication and compromise, with a large dose of appreciation sprinkled on top.

Now that businesses are increasingly engaging their employees through corporate philanthropy, what's the next step in competing for talent? How are companies going to up the ante?