CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

As you read in The Entrepreneur’s Gameplan, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a responsibility of organizations of all sizes. And here at the Entrepreneurs Growth Group, we take that seriously.

WHY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.” — Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a form of philanthropy, but it’s so much more. As companies engage their resources to enhance their communities and the people in them, they become part of the community and build stronger relationships with their customers and employees.

CSR refers to the commitment of an organization to improve lives and communities by actively taking part in social, economic, and environmental responsibilities.

Companies that practice CSR also take into consideration how their activities affect the environment, customers, employees, suppliers, and all other stakeholders in their decision-making process.

HOW ENTREPRENEURS GROWTH GROUP
IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Elevate Nepal
Founded in 2017, Elevate Nepal is led by Dan Maurer, President and CEO. Mark Mertel is Chairman of the Board.

When Elevate Nepal founder, Dan Maurer, visited Nepal for the first time, he connected with locals, forging lifelong friendships. Little did he know that terrible disasters awaited his beloved country. In 2015, the country suffered from devastating earthquakes, leaving many people dead, homeless, and in need of help. The deadly 2015 Gorkha Earthquake reduced entire villages to rubble. We began our work in Nepal immediately following the quake, rebuilding homes and sanitation Systems.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Nepal, we lept into action with an Emergency
Pandemic Response plan, including nutrition assistance, PPE distribution, and public
awareness campaigns.

In response to this tragedy, Dan took action by launching Elevate Nepal, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those affected by the disaster. Through Elevate Nepal’s aid efforts such as distributing disaster relief kits and constructing temporary homes and schools, the charity was able to provide much-needed support during a difficult time.

Our four main areas of focus include:
● Education
● Employment
● Infrastructure
● Public Health

Here are some of the projects we’re working on:
Potable Water + Sanitation
3.5 million Nepali people do not have access to clean water. We’re building a critical water infrastructure in Nepal’s most remote areas to combat waterborne illness and food scarcity.
Ananda Jyoti Agriculture School
We subsidize teacher salaries at the Ananda Jyoti Agriculture School, which was established in 2019 to teach sustainable, organic agriculture. Students learn eco-friendly farming techniques.
Sapana Coffee
We’ve been working closely with coffee farmers in Nepal to grow world-class coffee that can be sold in the country or exported to other parts of the world.
Sarsyu Primary School Rebuild
We broke ground on the Sarsyu Primary School in 2017. Hiring sixteen Sarsyu villagers, we built a twelve-room, 9,000-square foot, earthquake-proof school. It now serves more than 700 students.
In Dan’s own words, The Entrepreneur’s Gameplan is for entrepreneurs of all kinds — including nonprofit leaders.

“The Entrepreneur’s Gameplan gives not only existing business entrepreneurs but also those starting and operating nonprofits the information and confidence needed to succeed. As the head of a growing international nonprofit organization, it will be my go-to Gameplan for the rest of my career.”

— Dan Maurer, President of Elevate Nepal

LifeBridge Community Alliance

Founded in 2007 by Pastor Bob Hake and Mark Mertel, LifeBridge Community Alliance focuses on building strong people, strong families, and strong neighborhoods. With values of advocacy, a shared story, filling gaps, innovation, and collaboration, the organization stands alongside marginalized, voiceless, and overlooked members of the community.

Not only is Mark on the board of LifeBridge, but he also advises Pastor Hake on the business aspects of the nonprofit.

From emergency resource centers and healthcare services to adult education and job training to seasonal events and programs, LifeBridge is dedicated to transforming entire neighborhoods with the power of God’s love.

“Mark’s been my coach for 20 years! As a pastor and entrepreneur with lots of vision and passion but no business experience, I needed help. With Mark’s coaching we’ve been able to build a successful non-profit that impacts the lives of thousands of people. His guidance is practical, relevant, and transformational.”

— Bob Hake, Founder & Director of LifeBridge Community Alliance Phoenix Arizona