12 Inspiring Corporate Social Responsibility Examples from Brands in Action

“We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.”
These words from former President Obama weren’t rhetoric—they shaped a generation.

This is a generation that grew up with alarms blaring! A generation of conscious minds that were nurtured by classroom debates on Obama’s call to action, Greta’s rallies, and honest works like An Inconvenient Truth and Silent Spring. 

For a generation that has always been told to switch off lights before leaving rooms, and volunteer to support underserved communities, doing good isn’t just extra credit — it’s how they connect with the world. It’s no surprise that they are drawn to brands that lead by example, especially those with strong corporate social responsibility examples that inspire trust and loyalty.

But what does that have to do with your business? Well, take inspiration from an age-old military strategy - “Know thy customer.”

💡 Did you know?
Today, over 40% of global consumers are Gen Z, and together with Millennials, they form over 71% of the total B2B consumers.

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Gen Zs and Millennials have grown into the strongest, unprecedented purchasing force in the history of commerce. And they side with companies that are setting up great examples of corporate social responsibility! The new digitally savvy and morally conscious consumers aren’t just looking at products—they’re evaluating your organization’s purpose.

That’s why socially responsible companies with strong CSR initiatives are seeing more than just goodwill. They're building trust, increasing employee retention, and driving long-term growth by creating deeper connections with both customers and employees.

Across industries, the best corporate social responsibility examples prove a simple truth: doing good isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also a decisive advantage that has already proven great for the bottom line.

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Read on for CSR examples from leading companies, along with the goals and initiatives driving their impact. 

12 CSR Examples from Socially Responsible Companies

Successful companies with good CSR initiatives have balanced growth and social impact, fostering an atmosphere that benefits all stakeholders—employees, shareholders, customers, and communities. These businesses have led by example and achieved significant progress in advancing sustainability, empowering communities, and spreading good in the world.

Microsoft 

CSR Goals: Employee Volunteering, Humanitarian Aid, Digital Literacy, Carbon Negative, Zero Waste, Water Positive. 

With pioneering employee volunteering programs and efforts aligned with 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Microsoft is one of the most successful examples of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to learn from.

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Microsoft has consistently ranked high among companies with the best CSR programs over the past few years. They’re leading employee volunteering with a promise to support inclusive economic growth and protect fundamental rights. 

Here are some impactful examples of CSR initiatives by Microsoft:

• Between July 2020 and June 2024, Microsoft offered training with certification to 14.1 million people from underserved communities. 
• They donated $4.1 billion in tech assets to 375,000 nonprofit organizations and public institutions worldwide.
• Microsoft spent $25 million on providing essential resources for 18 disasters in 16 countries.

They're big on sustainability, too, having pledged $1 billion to accelerate climate innovations and aiming to be carbon negative by 2030.

Coca Cola 

CSR Goals: ESG, Women's Empowerment, Sustainable Packaging, Water Security

Coca-Cola is a standout among companies with corporate social responsibility, setting a global benchmark through impactful environmental programs. As one of the leading companies that are socially responsible, Coca-Cola focuses on water replenishment, waste management, and emission reduction.

Here’s what they have achieved so far:

• Recycled 62% of the cans and bottles circulated by them in 2023
• They have returned a cumulative total of 861 billion liters of water to nature from 2021 to 2023.
• 90% of Coca-Cola's product packaging is recyclable to advance sustainability, with plans to reach 100% by 2025.
  

Furthermore, Coca-Cola aims to reduce its absolute emissions by 25% by 2030. It also returns 100% of the water used in their beverages to increase water security.

Also read: Top Corporate Social Responsibility Ideas and Initiatives

Starbucks

CSR Goals: Carbon Neutrality, Water Conservation, Workers' Rights, Supply-Chain Transparency, and Reduce Agrochemical Usage 

Starbucks is one of the leading companies with tangible corporate social responsibility initiatives. Their Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) program establishes rigorous standards for transparent, profitable, and sustainable farming while safeguarding farmer health and well-being.

Starbucks empowers suppliers to collaborate with farmer support centers, building resilience across the coffee supply chain. Their initiatives prioritize workers’ rights, water conservation, and biodiversity protection.

Key CSR targets set by Starbucks:

• 50% reduction in absolute emissions by 2030
• 50% reduction in water withdrawal across operations, supply chains, and stores
• 100% packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable

By blending ethical sourcing with sustainability to inspire businesses worldwide, Starbucks continues to be a benchmark example of corporate social responsibility done right! 

Citrix

CSR Initiatives: ERGs, Multi-cultural Allyship, Carbon Neutrality, Energy Conservation

For 12 years, Citrix has held an annual global month of service, which catalyzes the rest of the year's charitable endeavors. In 2022, they mobilized 1500+ employee volunteers in 44 countries to create hyperlocal impact in their communities together with 300+ global nonprofits through their Month of Service. Citrix is committed to being environmentally responsible and strives to follow the highest environmental standards in the industry. 

Also Read: 12 Lessons we learned from our Corporate Volunteer Program

Google

CSR Goals: Waste Reduction, Circular Economy, Wildlife Preservation, Carbon Neutrality, Energy Conservation, Racial Justice, Crisis Response, Economic Empowerment

Google stands out as one of the most inspiring corporate social responsibility examples in the tech industry. Since 2007, the company has been carbon-neutral and is now working toward achieving net-zero emissions across all operations by 2030—powered entirely by carbon-free energy and innovative technology.

Key CSR initiatives by Google for 2030:

• Achieve net-zero absolute emissions across all operations
• Invested $3.1 billion in renewable energy projects worldwide
• Power 100% of office operations with carbon-free energy (up from two-thirds today)

Their employee volunteering efforts are equally impactful. Since 2015, Google volunteers have contributed over $40 million and 50,000 pro bono hours toward racial justice, along with $100 million and 50,000 pro bono hours for COVID-19 relief. 

Netflix

CSR Goals: Accessibility, Women's Empowerment, Disability Rights, Energy Conservation, Carbon Neutrality

The Netflix Fund for Creative Equity is a dedicated effort to help build new opportunities for underrepresented communities within entertainment. They're persistent in bringing in diverse voices, both on-screen and within the workplace.

Key CSR targets set by Netflix for 2030

• Reduce absolute emissions by 50% from a 2019 baseline.
• Netflix uses 100% renewable electricity in all direct operations and offices and targets achieving the same across all energy requirements by 2030.
• Netflix runs a 2:1 employee donation matching program, contributing millions to thousands of charities worldwide.

They're also pioneering digital accessibility by providing various accessibility features for consumers with hearing, sight, or physical mobility limitations, working in tandem with disability advocacy groups to consistently improve services. 

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Cisco

CSR Goals: Humanitarian Aid, Crisis Relief, Support for Refugees, Supply-Chain Sustainability, Digital Literacy, Women's Empowerment, Circular Economy, Carbon Neutrality 

Cisco is a frontrunner for social impact, ranking high among companies with the best CSR. It is dominating efforts for social impact, ranking high among companies with the best CSR programs. Their crisis response supports homeless and disadvantaged communities with resources. 

These impact numbers make it clear why Cisco is such a great corporate social responsibility example for companies to get inspired by:

• 1B Lives Impacted: Cisco surpassed its goal early, positively impacting over 1 billion lives globally through community solutions and partnerships.
  
• $100M Climate Commitment: Supported 140+ climate startups in 20+ countries, advancing renewable energy, AI-driven agriculture, and carbon tracking.
  
• Community-Centric Partnerships: Funded hyper-local initiatives and empowered small organizations, with 56% of partners operating on <$5M budgets.
  
• Tech for Global Impact: Backed 25+ organizations using AI for social good, scaling solutions like LaborLink to improve worker safety for 1M+ people.

They also have a unique program that fosters beehives to support the regeneration of the declining bee population, and their Circular Economy team works on resource conservation, which is further promoted by their Conscious Culture of fostering an inclusive workplace.  

Apple

CSR Goals: Energy Efficiency, Carbon Neutrality, Zero Waste, Freshwater Conversation, Gender Equality, Women's Empowerment, Education & Skill Development, Disaster Relief

As per Apple’s recent sustainability report, it has:

• Achieved 60% GHG reduction since 2015 and 99% recycled rare earths/cobalt in batteries/magnets, nearing 2025 recycled-material targets.
• 17.8 GW of renewable energy in supply chains, avoiding 21.8M metric tons of emissions (2024).
• Reached 320+ suppliers who are now using renewable energy for Apple production.
• Expanded community programs: Clean energy for underserved regions (e.g., Nepal, Colombia) and global recycling initiatives (in-store trade-ins).

Apple’s CSR program is dedicated to achieving the highest social responsibility standards across its worldwide supply chain. Its commitment to being 100% carbon neutral with all its products by 2030 is a great corporate social responsibility example for organizations to benchmark their own targets.

Nike

CSR Goals: Women's Empowerment, Disaster Relief, Carbon Neutrality, Supply-Chain Sustainability, Waste Reduction, Freshwater Preservation

Best known for its efforts against racial injustice and for women's rights in sports, Nike has consistently evolved in its efforts to empower communities over the past decade and now ranks as a giant in the CSR industry. Their equitable approach begins with coaching kids through their Made to Play program, in which young girls hold 50% of participation. 

This is what makes Nike a prime example of corporate social responsibility done right: 

• Nike invested $147M in FY23 to support communities, a corporate social responsibility example focused on equity, education, and physical activity.
• Partnered with 140+ grassroots organizations globally, expanding access to sports and advancing social justice.
• Committed $125M over 10 years to champion equitable opportunities in education.
• Enabled 17M+ kids worldwide to get active through Nike-backed community sports programs—a standout corporate social responsibility example driving global impact.

Walmart

CSR Goals: Energy Conservation, NET-positive, Supply-Chain Sustainability, Hunger Relief, Criminal Justice, Disaster Relief 

Here are some key CSR examples from Walmart’s impact journey:

• Achieve 50% renewable energy powering its operations by 2025, reducing emissions by 18% in its own operations.
• Attain zero waste to landfill in key markets including the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Japan by 2025.
• Reduce virgin plastic use by 15% in private-brand packaging by 2025 (though recent data shows challenges meeting this target).
• Collaborate with suppliers to reduce their emissions by 1 gigaton by 2030 through science-based targets.
  

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated $1.5 billion in philanthropic efforts of social impact. They foster a culture of equitable opportunities, with an emphasis on beating systemic racism across health, finance, education and criminal justice. Their focus on nutrition and safe access to food accounts for Food Safety, Sustainable Chemistry and Animal Welfare practices.

Amazon

CSR Goals: Energy Conservation, Carbon Neutrality, Sustainable Packaging, Supply-Chain Transparency, Education, Housing & Food Security, Disaster Relief

 According to a recent report:

• Amazon aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and power operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
• The $2B Climate Pledge Fund accelerates innovations for a low-carbon economy.
• 13 employee affinity groups (ERGs) foster inclusion and community impact across Amazon’s global workforce.
• Amazon promotes socially responsible purchasing through sustainability, diversity, and community empowerment initiatives. 

Also Read: CSR Technology: A Game Changer For Social Responsibility

BMW

CSR Goals: HIV/AIDS, Community Development, Education and Sports Development, Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy, Reducing CO2 emissions

BMW Group’s 2023 Sustainability Highlights:

• 360° ESG approach: Integrates environmental, social, and governance goals across operations and value chains.
• Decarbonization focus: Targets CO₂ reduction via circular economy, resource efficiency, and renewable energy.
• 2030 goals: Ambitious targets for emissions, recycling, and responsible supply chains (human rights, environmental protection).
• Transparent progress: Public reporting and stakeholder engagement (NGOs, communities, media) to ensure accountability.

BMW Group prides itself on being one of the most sustainable automotive companies, focusing on ecology, economy and society as its key focus. The BMW Foundation works on education, skill development, road safety, health & hygiene, and local community-specific needs such as HIV/AIDS in South Africa and Potable Drinking Water in India.

Some Emerging Examples of Companies Acing CSR

New CSR initiatives are snowballing and becoming increasingly important in our society. They provide an opportunity for businesses to invest in the future and make a lasting, positive impact on people worldwide. With their growth, we can expect more innovative solutions from companies that practice CSR to help create a better future for everyone.

Check out some of the latest trends in CSR and join the movement to do good.

Investing in corporate volunteering programs that align with your company’s values is a powerful way to show your commitment to causes like equal opportunity, sustainability, and social justice. It builds your reputation as a socially responsible business while boosting employee engagement, earning customer trust, and making a real difference in society. 

Here are two examples illustrating how you can implement EVPs: 

Kyndryl — First Anniversary 

In 2022, a year after Kyndryl completed its separation from IBM's infrastructure services, it marked its first anniversary with service. They hosted a volunteering campaign spanning 13 countries, including 23 in-person and 21 virtual activities. With over 1000 employee volunteers, Kyndryl worked with over 30+ Non-Profits, impacted 730+ beneficiaries over five weeks, and celebrated a great start to their second year as a team! 

Check out Kendryl’s first anniversary volunteering campaign with Goodera.

Cloudera — Week of Service

Cloudera, a hybrid data platform, recently hosted a week of service for employee engagement to encourage virtual volunteering activities. Employees from EMEA, USA, APAC, Budapest and New York worked with 16 Non-Profits to volunteer for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and young girls from Ghana. With a week of service, they impacted 320 beneficiaries with 16 virtual volunteering events and 156 employees.    

The growth of CSR is a sign of a shift in how businesses view their responsibility to society. Many leading companies with CSR programs have grown significantly due to their commitment to sustainability and positive social impact. A great way to embed an organization’s mission into its DNA is through people engagement. Organizations, irrespective of size, are choosing to mobilize impact by creating corporate volunteering programs that engage employees purposefully and scale CSR programs.