Strategic Philanthropy: Corporate Measurement of Philanthropic Impacts as a Requirement for a "Happy Marriage" of Business and Society

This study examines how firms listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index measure both business and social impacts of their philanthropic efforts. It finds that overall corporate social performance (CSP) significantly influences engagement in strategic philanthropy, more so than business characteristics like size or profitability. Institutional context, such as industry and region, also affects the likelihood of strategic giving. The research highlights the increasing importance of impact measurement in corporate philanthropy and its connection to broader sustainability goals.