Most foundations, however, invest for a shorter period of time with a particular emphasis on program development. Describe EF's work with entrepreneurial companies. EF focuses on young companies and helps them develop a community culture. It facilitates their community involvement activities and helps grow and develop the companies' programs. In return, EF receives equity stock in each company for the EF venture philanthropy investments and its operations, as well as helping a company set up a fund of their own.
Companies are very enthusiastic.
EF's participating companies enjoy improved employee pride, morale and commitment, an edge in recruiting and retention, rich corporate culture, increased visibility, stronger infrastructure, and longer term, a stronger community in which to do business. EF recognizes the time and resource constraints typical of start-up companies. In the first year, EF requires as little as an hour to develop a community involvement statement and activities. Community participation varies by company. Of course, if a company wants to contribute to EF, it can.