Tom's of Maine Invites the Public to Vote on Social Responsibility Initiative

Natural products company Tom's of Maine decided to embrace wholeheartedly the democratic ethos of the social media age. It has invited the public to help it make a decision as to which organizations should be getting financial support from its 50 States for Good initiative, which has arrived at its third edition. Each one of them will receive $20,000 as well and a single $50,000 award.

Voting started yesterday through a dedicated website and will run through September 13. All types of sustainable projects are on the ballot, from vegetable gardening to conservation efforts.

The organization with the most votes will receive $50,000 in sponsorship funding; five additional organizations will each receive $20,000. Each finalist will be showcased on Tom's of Maine website during the voting phase while the winners will be announced in October 2011.

"We've increased the funding this year to help make a more lasting impact, and we've kept the voting component because we think it gives everyone, whether you live near a project or not, a way to be involved in helping a little good come to communities across the country" said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine.

Qualifying 501(c) 3 organizations with an operating budget under $2 million were invited apply. Applications were then narrowed down to 20 finalists by a panel of judges based on the organization's use of community volunteers (50%), project achievability (25%) and positive impact on the community (25%).

The judging panel was composed of key leaders in the nonprofit and social responsibility community including: Christie Garton with USA Today's Kindness Blog, Beth Kanter, co-author of Networked Nonprofit and co-founder of Zoetica, and Sam Davidson, founder of Cool People Care.

Past recipients have included organizations such as the Bloomington Community Orchard in Indiana, which used the funds to contribute to local food security and educate citizens on sustainability. Another past winner was Philadelphia PAWS Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic, which has put the funding towards free spay/neuter surgery and basic veterinary care for dogs and cats in need.

Photo credit: Tom's of Maine