Corporate community investment can take many forms, from straightforward
philanthropy to a deeper integration with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) aims and programs. Well-designed and executed corporate community investment not only works to advance the true needs of society, but also brings significant business benefits to the company. Because of these benefits, companies will make stronger, longer lasting commitments to corporate community investment than to a traditional
philanthropic program.

This report shows how such a community investment program can be created.
But more importantly, it focuses on the unique social needs and business
environment of Japan. Distinctly Japanese approaches to philanthropy have existed for generations, but the rapid rise of the non-profit sector
in Japan since the late 1990s has added both new urgency and new opportunity.

This report looks at the new Japanese nonprofits in detail, and offers insights into how companies — both Japanese firms and Western companies doing business in Japan — can collaborate with them for mutual benefit.