Mission & History
No company has ever "complied" its way to greatness. So, at BCCCC, we're about more than just compliance. Our goal at the Center is to help companies create more sustainable and inclusive businesses, to support a healthy economy, which in turn supports a healthy society and environment.
History of BCCCC
- 1985
BCCCC is founded
This is the same year that scientists discover a hole in the ozone layer. The Center has 35 flagship members.
- 1990
BCCCC hosts the world's first International Corporate Citizenship Conference
More than 100 companies have now joined the Center.
- 1997
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is founded
The GRI's aim was to create the first accountability mechanism to ensure companies adhere to responsible environmental conduct principles, which was then broadened to include social, economic and governance issues.
- 1997
BCCCC publishes its first Profile of the Professionals findings
The Profile of the Professionals is a research project of the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship that examines the roles, responsibilities, development, and compensation of corporate citizenship professionals. Its findings provide insight into how professionals at all levels assess the skills they need to be effective in their roles and what they perceive as the greatest challenges they must overcome.
- 1999
Dow Jones Sustainability Indices are launched
BCCCC is now comprised of more than 250 corporate members.
- 2001
BCCCC publishes its first Community Involvement Report
This study explores shifting trends in employee volunteering, corporate giving, and other means of corporate community involvement.
- 2002
BCCCC publishes its first State of Corporate Citizenship (SOCC) report
The State of Corporate Citizenship is a research project that examines how executives view corporate citizenship and their firms' performance in the ESG dimensions of business. This longitudinal study examines how corporate citizenship efforts contribute to business objectives including attracting and retaining customers and the development of innovative new products.
- 2003
BCCCC offers on-day forums in key focus areas
Corporate citizens from around the country attend regional, one-day programming to learn more about topics like employee volunteering.
- 2010
ISO 26000 launched
The International Organization for Standardization Guidance on Social Responsibility is developed.
- 2010
BCCCC graduates the first cohort of Leadership Academy participants
Business leaders from companies like Boeing, Heineken, Cisco, EMC, and Wells Fargo participate in this first cohort, earning their Certificates in Corporate Citizenship Leadership.
- 2011
BCCCC graduates first cohort of Management Intensive participants
Business leaders from companies like Toyota, AOL, Bristol Meyers Squibb, and PwC participate in this first cohort, earning their Certificates in Corporate Citizenship Management.
- 2011
SASB is launched
The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board is launched as a non-profit organization to develop industry-specific sustainability accounting standards.
- 2015
SDGs are adopted by the UN
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the UN in 2015, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
- 2025
Forty-year anniversary
The Center celebrates its fortieth year as the premier organization for corporate citizenship. Hundreds of business leaders working in all facets of ESG convene at the International Corporate Citizenship Conference in National Harbor, MD, just outside the nation's capital.
Join the Center that's been educating and connecting corporate citizens for 40 years.