About PRISM | PRISM
Our Collective Impact
We help leading Canadian companies further their community impact by providing resources and third-party validation of corporate support. By setting benchmarks and sharing best practices, we aim to strengthen business-nonprofit partnerships, catalyze Canadian philanthropy and volunteerism, and ensure resources flow more equitably to nonprofit organizations and communities.
Established in 1988, the Imagine Canada Certification awards a Trustmark to companies that donate at least 1% of pre-tax profits to the communities where their employees live and work. Beyond Certification, we offer custom assessments, specialized learning, and partnership support to help companies enhance and communicate their social impact and community investment strategies
Catalysing Charitable Contributions
“In Canada, as an Imagine Caring Company, we support the principles of corporate citizenship and benchmarks for community investment established by Imagine Canada. As a founding Imagine Caring Company since 1988, we have contributed more than $245 million to Canadian communities.”
– Canada Life
From Caring Company to PRISM: What’s Changed?
The Imagine Canada Certification is now part of the PRISM Community Impact Company Network. This new network unites the renowned Imagine Canada Caring Company Certification with enhanced resources and thought leadership to shape the future of corporate social impact.
A comprehensive suite of resources—including advisory services, insights, training, and partnership solutions—has been launched to amplify the impact of your community engagement efforts. Any company can join the network, whether or not they qualify for Certification, offering opportunities to elevate your team’s expertise and increase your impact.
For Certified companies, the “Caring Company” moniker is being phased out, replaced by a stronger association with the Imagine Canada brand. PRISM will also serve as a hub for research on best practices in community investment, with Certification requirements evolving over time, in line with these new insights.
History of the Program
The Imagine Corporate Certification has left an indelible mark on the landscape of corporate social responsibility in Canada. The Canadian Centre of Philanthropy launched the Imagine program with the support of five founding companies in 1988. It soon became a prestigious emblem signalling a company's commitment to community investment.
At the time and since, the certification brought forward clear, measurable standards for corporate philanthropy in Canada, encouraging companies to commit at least 1% of their pre-tax profits to the community. This standard provided a structured framework for corporate giving, and the culture of knowledge sharing within the program ensured that contributions were strategic, impactful, and aligned with broader goals.
The prestige associated with the Caring Company Certification has inspired healthy competition among businesses. Companies strive to achieve and maintain certification, increasing their philanthropic contributions to meet the high standards set by Imagine Canada. This has unlocked billions of dollars in additional corporate donations, creating a lasting legacy of corporate generosity and community impact.
FAQs
The PRISM Network builds on the foundation of the Caring Company Certification by adding a suite of new resources, including advisory services, training, and cutting-edge research. While the original program was focused solely on meeting the 1% pre-tax profit giving standard, PRISM expands the scope to foster innovation and provide more support for companies to increase their social impact through best practices and thought leadership.
The PRISM Community Impact Company Network is a new initiative that brings together the renowned Imagine Canada Certification (previously called Caring Company Certification) with expanded resources for companies to amplify their community investment. It includes advisory services, training, insights, and a network of like-minded organizations committed to impactful corporate social responsibility, and shaping the future of corporate giving.
To be eligible for Imagine Canada Certification, companies must donate 1% of their pre-tax profits to Canadian charities and nonprofits every year. This commitment is verified on an annual basis to ensure ongoing compliance with the certification standards.
Being Imagine Canada Certified comes with several benefits, including the use of the Trustmark, which serves as a public symbol of your company’s commitment to community investment and responsible business practices. It can enhance your company’s reputation, build trust with stakeholders, and set you apart as a leader in social impact. Additionally, certified companies gain recognition from Imagine Canada, which can open up new opportunities for partnerships, networking, and support within the community investment sector.
Absolutely! Our team is here to guide you through the eligibility requirements and certification process at every step. Please reach out to us at prism@imaginecanada.ca if you have any questions!
Yes, any large Canadian company can join the PRISM Network, even if they do not currently meet the criteria for Certification. PRISM offers resources such as training, advisory services, and partnership solutions designed to help companies elevate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and move towards future qualification.