An invaluable partner.

“I helped to start CECP with the belief that corporate America could be a force for good in society.” Paul Newman

In 1998, Paul Newman approached Peter L. Malkin about creating an organization that would encourage companies to commit greater resources to charitable investments. CECP, formerly known as the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, was officially launched on November 18, 1999 when Paul Newman, John C. Whitehead, Peter L. Malkin, Walter Shipley, and other business leaders called upon companies to respond to the needs in their communities. To this day, Paul Newman’s sentiment that corporate America can be a force for good in society is still a core belief of CECP.

What has changed over the years, however, is the expectation of CEOs, and likewise, CECP's dialogue and engagement model. When CECP was first established, its prominent focus was corporate philanthropy; today, its focus includes a wider variety of strategies that are closer to core business competencies, with an unmatched emphasis on CEO engagement and impact. Since 1999, CECP has grown to include more than 180 CEO and chairperson members of major corporations representing approximately $10 billion of annual corporate giving.

CECP understands that CEOs have the rare potential and shared responsibility to prioritize investments in communities and it continues to be a driving force behind that conversation – and engagement. As part of this evolution, CECP developed the Top Actions that Distinguish an Engaged CEO to pinpoint what CEOs with a community focus look like.

CEOs are stewards of their companies and of society, but within their ever-demanding range of possibilities, they need a partner that can multiply their investment of time and resources in solving societal challenges through business strategy. Today, CECP remains their invaluable partner with a vision to address society’s most pressing issues, together.

Welcome to the new CECP.