Nau, a subsidiary of Horny Toad, plans to donate 10% of every sale made through its website, nau.com, to its non-profit Partners For Change. Called “Gifts Of Change,” this initiative aims to raise both awareness of and funds for the work being done by the environmental, social and humanitarian organizations that make up Nau's five Partners For Change. It began today, and runs though midnight, December 15th.


Nau's decision to increase its level of giving from 2% of sales to 10% of sales (and not simply profits) comes “amidst a financial crisis that is damaging the ability of non-profits around the country to raise capital from large corporate donors during the crucial holiday season.”


The company noted that nationally, non-profit organizations are looking into an uncertain future as traditionally generous corporations fold. According to the Wall Street Journal, “The pipeline from corporate America to the nation's charities is starting to dry up, as losses in the stock market mount and the U.S. recession deepens.”

“In the context of our current financial meltdown, we felt this was an important step to take to help counteract the reality that less money will flow to support the work of these incredible organizations. We hope that Gifts Of Change will raise awareness about our five partner organizations and the amazing work they do, and make a material contribution to those efforts,” said Ian Yolles, head of marketing for Nau.


Nau's increased giving to meet this need reflects Nau's belief that business can be a catalyst for positive change. Founded on the principle of “doing well by doing good,” the innovative Partners For Change program gives customers the power to choose which organization will receive their 10% donation. Nau's Partners For Change program includes environmental, social and humanitarian organizations that are consistently ranked as among the most innovative and effective organizations in the country. They include Ashoka, Ecotrust, Kiva.org, Mercy Corps and The Breakthrough Institute.


Nau's traditional 2% giving program already doubles the most generous previous benchmark for corporate philanthropy. Gifts Of Change goes even further, as 10% of sales represents over 140 times the national average for corporate philanthropy as a percentage of sales. Customers who purchase Nau products as gifts will thus be able to share two presents with their loved ones: the gift of a piece of stylish, sustainably-designed performance apparel, and the gift of a significant donation to an organization working for positive change.


The Partners For Change giving program has remained an integral part of Nau since their purchase by California clothing company Horny Toad in June of 2008. “The Partners for Change program is a key component of Nau's mission to make business a force for positive social and environmental change. Without it, Nau wouldn't be Nau. We're proud of our commitment and optimistic that as we grow as a company, we will be able to grow this program as well,” said Yolles.