• Company: Compass Industries (asi/46170)
• Location: New York, NY
• Giveback Model: Sales of MPOWERD line of lanterns

Compass Industries has made a name for itself by partnering with a group of well-known brands that supply durable goods, including Buck Knives, Maglite and Thermos. Recently, the supplier teamed up with MPOWERD, a Brooklyn-based B Corp and manufacturer of the Luci light, a lightweight, waterproof, completely solar-powered light. The Luci light has a giveback component: for every 10 lights purchased, MPOWERD sends one to an area in need, ranging from schools and medical facilities in third-world countries, to earthquake- and wildfire-stricken towns in California.

“MPOWERD approached us last year,” says Compass marketing & project manager Keith Barbalato. “This is the first company we’ve partnered with where the giveback program is the centerpiece of their business model. And they have amazing outreach all over the world to get lighting to people in need.”

“Corporations are trying to gain trust back. There’s real hardship happening and they’re in a position to do something.” Keith Barbalato, Compass Industries

Barbalato says the enthusiasm surrounding giving back stems in large part from people thinking about organizations differently. “We’re realizing that the government isn’t always going to help everyone,” he says. “At the same time, corporations are trying to gain trust back. They’re more aware that there’s real hardship happening and they’re in a position to do something about it. They have a responsibility to do some good, not just sell product.”

Clients who purchase MPOWERD lights run the gamut from outdoor businesses to service companies to automotive dealerships, and the interest is growing. Barbalato says much of the momentum is driven by younger, socially conscious clients. “This isn’t just giving money to a charity,” he says. “You’re also donating a renewable resource. People see the value in the product and they understand the work it takes. It’s not easy to partner with nonprofits all over the world.”