Launched in 2021, Qatar Charity’s “Human Partner” program bridges corporate social responsibility (CSR) and humanitarian work, fostering partnerships with businesses and institutions. By offering the “Human Partner” label, the initiative integrates corporate efforts into community development and global relief, reflecting Qatar’s values of generosity and solidarity. Four years on, the program stands as a model for impactful collaboration.
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Qatar Charity and Corporate Donations
Qatar Charity’s collaboration with institutions, businesses, and Qatari financial entities has been a cornerstone since the organization’s founding. Many of these institutions have long supported development initiatives, both locally and globally, by contributing their obligatory zakat (Islamic charity tax) through charitable organizations, providing emergency relief during crises, wars, and disasters, and engaging in seasonal campaigns, with the Ramadan campaign being the most significant. These campaigns resonate deeply with the values of generosity and giving that are integral to Qatari society, driven by religious principles and strong cultural traditions. However, Qatar Charity has gone beyond traditional charity work by embracing the concept of “corporate social responsibility” (CSR), a term that gained global prominence after the year 2000. This shift attracted the attention of the private sector, prompting many businesses to establish dedicated CSR departments. The concept further expanded internationally following the United Nations Global Compact in 2000, and Qatar Charity embraced this initiative, magnifying its impact through the “Human Partner” program (CP).
“Human Partner” – Leadership and Innovation
Launched in early 2021, the “Human Partner” program (CP) by Qatar Charity stands as a pioneering initiative in its field. The program established a robust framework for collaboration between Qatar Charity and organizations focused on CSR, introducing the first-ever “Human Partner” label for commercial companies, entrepreneurial entities, and financial institutions in Qatar. In return, these organizations support development and humanitarian activities within the community. The program is legally registered and adheres to international standards, fostering a collective sense of partnership in humanitarian and developmental efforts.
Charitable Work and CSR – A Synergistic Relationship
There is a strong and complementary relationship between charitable work and CSR practices. Both contribute valuable benefits to one another and play a pivotal role in achieving shared goals. According to the World Bank, CSR refers to the commitment of businesses to contribute to sustainable development by engaging with their employees, families, and local communities to enhance quality of life in ways that benefit both the business sector and the community simultaneously. Charitable organizations, including Qatar Charity, focus on sustainable development projects that encompass social welfare, water and sanitation, education, nutrition, housing, food security, economic empowerment, and global solidarity efforts aimed at addressing key humanitarian and developmental challenges.
Motivations for Joint Cooperation in CSR
There are several compelling reasons for both the private sector and charitable organizations to engage in joint CSR initiatives:
- For businesses, committing to CSR strengthens their reputation and builds customer loyalty by contributing to the community’s development. This is seen to “give back” to society, which often results in higher brand loyalty and attracts new customers. A study by Cone Communications found that 87% of consumers are more likely to buy a product from a company that supports a cause they care about.
- The Human Partner program offers numerous benefits to participating companies, such as priority in procurement processes, access to free training sessions provided by Qatar Charity’s expertise or its partners, and the ability to leverage human resources through volunteerism and volunteer hours. Additionally, businesses can extend social support to their employees through various CSR initiatives.
- For charitable institutions, activating CSR programs—such as Qatar Charity’s Human Partner initiative—helps to:
- Secure additional resources to support and enhance their activities, including financial and in-kind contributions, as well as knowledge and experience sharing.
- Increase the implementation of projects that directly address local community needs, foster social solidarity, and provide vital support during emergency humanitarian campaigns.
- Expand volunteer participation, integrating individuals and organizations into charitable work and development projects.
“Human Partner” – Celebrating Four Years of Impact
Over the past four years, the “Human Partner” program has achieved remarkable success. It has attracted numerous human partners through partnerships with leading commercial organizations in Qatar, who have supported a range of development projects that serve the local community. These partnerships have also played an active role in helping low-income families and contributed significantly to global humanitarian campaigns.
The first agreement under the Human Partner program was signed with Unilever Qatar. Companies in Qatar are awarded the “Human Partner” label based on their level of support, categorized into four tiers: Diamond (1 million Qatari Riyals), Gold (500,000 Qatari Riyals), Silver (250,000 Qatari Riyals), and Bronze (100,000 Qatari Riyals).
