Industry
Insurance
Summary
A strong demonstration of a corporate grants program committed to shared value creation, balancing societal impact with business relevance for QBE. A stand out example of employee engagement throughout the process.
Success Factors
Actively involving employees in the decision-making process and effective alignment with strategic objectives.
About QBE Insurance
QBE is a global insurance provider operating in 27 countries, committed to creating strong, resilient, and inclusive communities. The company integrates its business strategy with community investment through the QBE Foundation.The Challenge
Before the implementation of the Local Grants Program, QBE faced challenges in consistently measuring the impact of their grants across diverse focus areas. Furthermore, there was a need to ensure high levels of employee engagement and alignment of the grants with the company's strategic objectives of promoting climate resilience and inclusion. The challenge was to create a grants program that not only provided shared value for the business and the community but also actively involved employees in the decision-making process.
The Solution
QBE decided to transform its Local Grants Program through the QBE Foundation to address these challenges. The program empowered employees to nominate and vote for community organisations that aligned with the company's strategic goals. This participatory approach not only ensured that the grants were effectively targeted but also significantly increased employee engagement. One employee noted, "This session (and the other grant sessions) have been really quite uplifting. Knowing that your company makes charitable contributions is one thing, being involved in the decision making is next level." Another participant commented, "It was amazing to be included and get very well-rounded information." The program focused on initiatives that promote climate resilience and inclusion, ensuring a strong alignment with QBE's core values.The Results
The implementation of the Local Grants Program has yielded impressive results. In 2023, the program successfully distributed 11 grants, amounting to a total of AUD $440,000, with an average of AUD $40,000 per grant. The initiative saw significant employee involvement, with 625 attendees participating in grant selection events, and a remarkable 97.66% employee survey response satisfaction rate with these events. This engagement not only boosted employee morale but also strengthened community relations and enhanced the ability of partner organisations to measure and report their impact. The program has demonstrated that a strategic and effective grants program can provide substantial shared value for both the business and the community.
The impact of the QBE Foundation’s Local Grants Program extends far beyond financial contributions. The structured reporting process not only ensures alignment with organisational strategic goals but also builds the capacity of partner organisations. By exposing them to the global B4SI reporting standards, they are enabled to further develop their impact measurement, and ensure better alignment with their corporate partners, as many have now adopted the standard. Additionally, by featuring them on the QGiving workplace giving platform, QBE has enhanced visibility for organisations where QBE employees can volunteer. Notable examples include skilled volunteering sessions with Indigenous students through Deadly Coders and general opportunities with Thread Together.
Here are two key beneficiary impact examples:
Thread Together In Australia, 56,000 women experience homelessness each night. Thread Together ensures access to essential clothing, a basic human right crucial for recovery. QBE's grant enabled 752 women in domestic and family violence crisis accommodation to receive clothing, providing them with dignity and a sense of normalcy.
Planting Seed – B&B Highway This initiative creates habitats for bees, birds, and biodiversity. With QBE's support, seven locations were established (six schools and one public space), involving 750 participants who planted 1,600 plants. Additionally, five new stingless native beehives were installed, supporting up to 50,000 bees.
