Benchmark programs, such as those built on percent-based recognition, define and recognize a measurable level of charitable giving. The concept was pioneered by business leaders in Minneapolis in the mid-seventies. They often provide accountability through publication of company names, and have a recognition component for the businesses involved. Percent-based programs stimulate and reward cash contributions as a key program element, an important consideration inasmuch as cash is still one of the most effective commodities a business can give a worthy charity. The Imagine program is an example of this.
Similar programs exist in Canada, the United States, England, Japan, and Mexico.
Almost all function on a honour system. Best practice programs, which began to emerge in the 1980s, lead by example rather than setting specific benchmark criteria for their members. By establishing and showing 'best practice,' they hope to provide an incentive for companies to improve their own performance. Monitoring and evaluation is done by the companies themselves. Imagine is preparing a discussion paper on these models in preparation for a series of workshops this fall.