by Jocelyne Daw.
The 11 NGOs are recognized leaders in their field, respected by their peers and experts, and celebrated through awards, extensive media coverage, and/or inclusion in leading indices. They have built and lived their brand in ways that have enabled long-term relationships with corporate, government, and media partners; secured passionate, ongoing commitments from people who have adopted the cause as their own and recruited others to join in; used their brand platform to generate revenue beyond philanthropic gifts; and achieved significant social impact that is constantly propelling their organizations forward. The groups profiled in reflect a variety of sizes, breadths, regions, ages, and issues. The common thread is that their brand work has resulted in greater social impact and vibrant outcomes.American Heat AssociationAmerican Heart Association (AHA) is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke.College ForwardCollege Forward provides college access and college persistence services to motivated, economically disadvantaged students in order to facilitate their transition to college and make the process exciting and rewarding.Food Bank For New York CityThe mission of the Food Bank For New York City is to end hunger by organizing food, information, and support for community survival and dignity.Goodwill Industries InternationalGoodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.Inspiration CorporationIn an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and placement, and housing.Kids Help PhoneKids Help Phone’s mission is to improve the well-being of children and youth in Canada by providing anonymous and confidential professional counseling, referrals, and information through technologically based communications media.Kids MuseumMemorial HealthWorks! purpose is “Infectiously contaminating kids of all ages, everywhere to learn, have fun, and make great life choices . . . let the epidemic begin!NatureBridgeNatureBridge is dedicated to teaching science and environmental education in nature’s classroom to inspire a personal connection to the natural world and responsible actions to sustain it.Susan G. Komen for the CureSusan G. Komen for the Cure’s mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all, and energizing science to find the cures.Stratford Shakespeare FestivalThe Stratford Shakespeare Festival is a repertory theater company, permanently located in Stratford, Ontario. The ultimate goal of the mission is to provide ongoing and evolving opportunities for artistic growth for Canadian theater artists, artisans, and audiences.U.S. Fund for UNICEFThe U.S. Fund for UNICEF saves and protects the lives of children by supporting UNICEF’s work through fund-raising, advocacy, and education in the United States. The mission is to work toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes by doing whatever it takes to give them the basics for a healthy childhood.