Founded in 1992 in the United States, As You Sow is a non-profit organisation that focuses on leveraging shareholder influence among companies, resulting in change that positively impacts society, the environment and financial yields.

This is achieved primarily via shareholder advocacy in the corporate sector by encouraging sustainable changes and promoting social and environmental responsibility. The foundational premise is that corporate power is the most dominant force on our planet. Establishing change in corporate decision making involves working alongside CEOs, levels of senior management and other institutional stakeholders.

As You Sow’s values and goals are:

• Transparency – Complete transparency is crucial across all levels of stakeholders in corporate decision making.
• Accountability – Due to increasing environmental and social issues arising from corporations, As You Sow believes they are obligated to partake in the solutions.
• Long-term value – A long-term mindset collectively achieves better policies, practices and initiatives while projecting a positive image.
• Equity – Believing that every person is a stakeholder in the health of society, our economies and the planet. Placing heavy value in diversity and inclusivity when collaborating and working towards solutions is imperative.
• Our organisation – The standards and expectations begin with As You Sow in embodying these values within the company to promote a workplace that is positive, supportive and inclusive.

The specific areas that As You Sow focuses on are those that are linked to environmental degradation. Some examples of their work include issues within the global energy sector by tackling fossil fuel reliance, issues relating to waste and overconsumption, as well as social injustices in order to highlight that social and environmental issues are interconnected. In addition, As You Sow presents companies with resolutions that are supported by shareholders in efforts to promote practices that align with sustainable principles.

Our mission is to promote environmental and social corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies.

A large portion of As You Sow’s funding stems from private donations and grants. In addition, funding comes from settlement agreements from toxic enforcement cases that they are involved in under California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. Find out more. These cases often result in settlement agreements among the parties where a financial penalty is paid by the offending corporation. This funding also goes towards supporting other non-profit organisation initiatives, research and investigations in the form of grants. Find out more.