Our Commitment to Social Responsibility
At Colgate-Palmolive, our purpose goes beyond providing essential health and hygiene products—we are committed to reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet.
Category
Community Impact
Published
August 16, 2024
At Colgate-Palmolive, our purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet extends beyond our essential health & hygiene products. Our teams and functions around the world are dedicated to advancing our purpose through innovation, sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is a critical part of these efforts, making a meaningful impact on the communities where we work and live through cash and product donations, as well as through employee volunteering.
Colgate-Palmolive’s CSR program has six focus areas to ensure we maximize our global impact, helping to advance our purpose and business objectives. They are:
- Champion Healthy Smiles and Healthy Skin
- Create Educational Pathways for Diverse and Underrepresented Students & Colgate Professions
- Provide Food, Shelter, and Love for Pets Everywhere
- Promote Environmental Stewardship
- Champion Optimism for a Brighter Tomorrow
- Provide Disaster Relief & Emergency Care in Colgate Communities
These focus areas guide our work and help lead us to healthier, brighter futures for all.
Champion Healthy Smiles and Healthy Skin
One area we are focused on is promoting and supporting initiatives that educate people on the importance of oral health education and skin protection. From our longstanding Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program to our partnerships and initiatives through our CP Skin Health organization, we are committed to fostering lifelong healthy habits.
Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF)
Colgate believes that every child and their family should have a lifetime of healthy smiles. That's why we've championed a brighter, healthier future for children by helping to improve their oral health literacy. BSBF provides free dental screenings and oral health education to communities that are underserved, fostering a lifetime of healthy habits. Since 1991, the program has reached over 1.7 billion children and their families in over 100 countries, and aims to reach 2 billion children by 2025.
BSBF partners with local schools, ministries of health and education, healthcare professional organizations and teachers associations and provides educational materials in over 30 languages. In the US, BSBF utilizes mobile dental units to reach communities that are underserved with oral health screenings and education.
Supporting Skin Health Initiatives
Starting in 2018, CP Skin Health has focused on building a world-class global skin health organization through brands EltaMD, Filorga and PCA Skin.
For over 30 years, EltaMD, which was acquired by Colgate in 2017, has been developing safe and effective professional skin care products for every body under the sun. Together with Colgate-Palmolive’s CSR team, they partner with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) to support medical research to find effective treatments and a cure for melanoma – one more way the company helps to advance our purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all.
In 2023, EltaMD bolstered the MRF’s Melanoma Awareness Month - #GetNaked campaign, raising awareness about the importance of regular skin health checks and proactive skin care. Starting in 2024, EltaMD began funding additional programs including their Miles for Melanoma 5K series and annual Dermatology Advisory Council meeting. Those funds support the MRF's prevention and awareness campaigns and other skin health education initiatives, including free patient and caregiver meetings and educational resources.
Create Educational Pathways for Diverse and Underrepresented Students & Colgate Professions
We believe that there is an inextricable link between brighter, healthier futures and the power of education. So through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and charitable organizations, we support scholarships, mentorship programs and professional development initiatives for diverse and underrepresented students at all educational levels.
Our goal is to make higher education accessible and help talented individuals achieve their professional dreams – including supporting people who want to grow careers in fields particularly relevant to Colgate-Palmolive, including dentistry, dermatology, and veterinary medicine.
Making Higher Education Accessible
Colgate-Palmolive has supported the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) since its founding in 1944, providing scholarships and financial support to students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
For over thirty years, we have partnered with the National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) to help support the oral health of African American communities by studying the impact of oral health diseases on people of African descent and providing dental services and medical and vision screenings to disadvantaged youth. In 2021, Colgate-Palmolive announced the Audacity to Dream scholarship in partnership with NDAF to award scholarships to talented rising dentists.
We also provide scholarships to various organizations located near Colgate-Palmolive’s global headquarters in New York City, including the YMCA of Greater New York, the Harlem YMCA and the Baruch College Fund.
In India, we have made significant strides in creating educational opportunities for diverse and underrepresented groups through initiatives like the "Keep India Smiling" scholarship program, which supported 1,725 students in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and the Financial and Digital Literacy (FDL) initiative, which reached 30,000 people across five states.
Estrellas Colgate
Since 1980, Colgate has funded Estrellas Colgate, a Mexico City nonprofit that teaches athletic and wellness programs to underserved children. The program balances academic and athletic development and benefits nearly 8,000 children a year.
Paving the Way to Professional Success
In addition to providing scholarships, Colgate-Palmolive mentors and supports students from all educational levels to help them enter professional careers. By guiding students and offering practical career support, we advance our purpose by helping the next generation acquire the skills and opportunities needed to thrive professionally — and critical to their healthier futures.
We work with various organizations to mentor and support students and professionals at different stages of their educational and career journeys. These include:
Academic Mentorship and Support:
- CFES Brilliant Pathways
- Wadleigh Secondary School
- W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Institute
- Read Ahead
- Prep for Prep
Professional Development and Career Guidance:
- 1,000 Dream Fund’s MentorHER Initiative
- 100k Mentor Challenge
- National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
- American Corporate Partners (supporting veterans in career transition)
Through these partnerships, we provide a wide range of individuals with the mentorship and resources necessary for achieving career success and promoting a brighter, healthier future for everyone.
Provide Food, Shelter, and Love for Pets Everywhere
Given the role of Hill’s Pet Nutrition at Colgate-Palmolive, our purpose and CSR focus areas extend to the animal kingdom, where we support shelters, rescue efforts and veterinary services to help every pet live a healthier life.
This year, our CSR team joined forces with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to support The Street Dog Coalition and their mission to provide free veterinary care and related services to pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
In the coming year, over 425 clinics will help support the health of more than 7,000 pets. Additionally, Colgate-Palmolive will provide in-kind donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant to be distributed to Street Dog Coalition clients.
Promote Environmental Stewardship
As part of Colgate-Palmolive’s 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Strategy, we are committed to supporting our key ambition to preserve our environment through zero waste facilities, plastic waste reduction and water stewardship.
Since 2013, our support of Water For People has helped more than 500,000 people in communities, schools, and clinics gain access to safe water services. This is the pace to reach our 2025 goal of providing 1 million people with access to clean, safe water and sanitation systems
In India, Colgate-Palmolive runs a waste management program that focuses on collecting dry waste and creating green jobs. This program benefits approximately 125,000 people in 25 villages. In the fiscal year 2023-2024 alone, the initiative collected over 25,000 kilograms of dry waste and generated 100 green jobs, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability and local economic development.
Addressing the critical issue of water scarcity, our water augmentation projects in India have replenished 42 million liters of water, benefiting over 20,000 people. Additionally, 2,000 children have received training on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and 3,000 individuals have benefited from improved livelihoods linked to better water availability.
In 2024, Colgate-Palmolive began a partnership with Water.org to support its mission of ensuring clean water access for all by bringing safe water and sanitation to the world.
We also work with organizations local to our global headquarters in New York City, including supporting the Hudson River Park Friends and their volunteer program and the River Project, which offers hands-on environmental education and scientific programming.
Champion Optimism for a Brighter Tomorrow
At Colgate-Palmolive, we believe in the power of optimism to inspire positive change. We aim to uplift communities and individuals through volunteerism, support for diverse and inclusive groups, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Since 2022, we have partnered with Alternatives, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As part of the partnership, Alternatives, Inc. has trained Colgate-Palmolive employees on the benefits of hiring employees with disabilities, strategies for recruitment, and best practices for accommodation and support.
In 2023, our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace was reaffirmed when Disability: IN's Disability Equality Index recognized Colgate-Palmolive as one of the best places to work, scoring 100% on its benchmarking tool for the third straight year.
Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025, we are excited to support two organizations that align with our values of championing optimism:
Best Buddies International is dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We partner with Best Buddies to host virtual events for caregivers in Europe, Africa and Eurasia. We also work with their team on in-person events throughout Europe and Africa to support Colgate employees who care for people with intellectual disabilities or who have intellectual disabilities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy. Our support of NAMI will enhance its StigmaFree Workplace program, which equips employees with knowledge of local resources, volunteer opportunities and understanding. Our work with their team will allow NAMI to reach 50,000 employees through partnership collaborations and further spread mental health awareness in the workplace.
Provide Disaster Relief & Emergency Care in Colgate Communities
In times of disaster and emergency, Colgate-Palmolive – whose brand Colgate is in more homes than any other – leverages our global reach to quickly provide appropriate critical support, utilizing our health & health products, cash resources and global network. We aim to support health, stability and resilience, helping communities to continue their pursuit of a healthier future even in the face of adversity.
This commitment was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when, in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) #SafeHands Challenge, Colgate-Palmolive launched a massive effort to produce and distribute millions of bars of soap globally, promoting proper handwashing to slow the spread of the virus. This resulted in 26.5 million bars of soap being donated in 28 countries within just two weeks.
Additionally, Colgate-Palmolive donated $20 million worth of health and hygiene products to community organizations and engaged our 34,000 employees in a matching gift campaign, raising substantial funds for those in need.
We partner with organizations that support underserved and at-risk populations, ensuring they receive the needed assistance. Through collaborations with organizations like Project Renewal and the Ali Forney Center, we help to empower individuals experiencing homelessness by providing essential health and hygiene products and supporting food pantries, housing and job training programs. Additionally, our support of Crossroads Community Services helps to fight hunger and homelessness in New York City.
Our Signature Programs
As we reflect on our CSR initiatives, Colgate-Palmolive's commitment to fostering positive impact is also exemplified through our signature programs. These programs embody our charitable focus areas and represent our dedication to creating a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
Colgate Cares Days
Every year, Colgate-Palmolive People come together for Colgate Cares Days, our annual employee volunteer initiative where people take time out of their workdays to volunteer in their communities. Employees participate in a range of activities, including oral health education sessions and environmental clean-ups, as well as provide support to local food banks and shelters, mentoring, and more.
These events are not just about serving our communities but are opportunities for our employees to see the value of their contributions and learn from the people we serve. By engaging in these activities, our employees gain a deeper understanding of community needs, develop empathy and bring these insights back to their work, enriching our corporate culture and driving our purpose and business objectives forward.
CSR Innovation: Employee Resource Groups
Our CSR team continually seeks to innovate and introduce new programs that benefit the communities where we live, work and sell. We listen to and empower our employees through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and are proud to see our ERGs drive meaningful change across our business.
As of December 31, 2023, our global ERG network includes nearly 60 chapters in 12 countries, each dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the Company.
In 2023, Colgate-Palmolive’s CSR team collaborated with the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team to introduce our first-ever ERG grantmaking pilot for US-based ERGs, allocating $115,000 for these groups to award to organizations that align with their missions and Colgate’s purpose, values and charitable focus areas. In 2024, the pilot was extended to support ERGs further and to learn more.
Colgate Women’s Games
The Colgate Women’s Games is the longest-running outdoor track & field series for girls and young women in the U.S. Since 1972, Colgate-Palmolive has provided thousands of female athletes with the opportunity to compete for educational scholarships, promoting educational achievement and training for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in organized sports.
By prioritizing meaningful community engagement and sustainable, inclusive practices, Colgate-Palmolive’s CSR practice not only supports those in need but also helps advance our Company’s purpose; enhances employee engagement; and creates deeper connections within the communities where we live and work — all in the pursuit of reimagining healthier futures for all people, their pets, and our planet.
