Office Depot Foundation Report Offers Insight into Civil Society Organization Challenges, Opportunities

"'Non-profits' run hospitals, schools and universities, feed and shelter the homeless, take care of children and the elderly, provide relief after disasters and provide hundreds of other essential services to our communities and way of life," states a new white paper published by the Office Depot Foundation - the independent foundation serving as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot (NYSE:ODP).

"And yet the label 'non-profit' describes something they are not, as opposed to what they are - organizations that strengthen our communities and make our societies more civil and civilized," says the report, "Preparing Civil Society Organizations for Leadership." The document can be viewed and downloaded at www.officedepotfoundation.org.

Inspired by the Foundation's inaugural "Weekend in Boca" leadership symposium in December 2007, the report assesses the challenges facing the civil society sector and offers recommendations for helping to build capacity, including:

-- Creating organizational tool kits and mentoring systems for new CSOs.

-- Creating networking opportunities and "safe places" for CSO leaders to engage in dialogue and learn from each other.

-- Investigating ways to grow "capital markets" and information systems for CSOs and explore other mechanisms to help CSOs who find success in one community to share these benefits with other communities.

-- Encouraging CSOs to create stakeholder advisory groups so they can learn from business, government and other sectors.

-- Educating funders about the importance of funding management systems and engaging with CSOs in more ways than just financially.

The "Weekend in Boca" was presented in Boca Raton, Fla., in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) and the international consulting firm AccountAbility. "Our intent was not to answer all the questions, but rather to begin the dialogue," notes Foundation President Mary Wong.

"Helping civil society organizations to become more professional and productive is a key focus in our 5 X 5 Program(TM) of strategic priorities," Wong continues. "Because we care about the civil sector, we felt it was important to invest resources to advance the discussion."

The Office Depot Foundation's second "Weekend in Boca" symposium will take place from Dec. 11-13, 2008. To learn more, and to join the conversation about the agenda, visit http://www.officedepotfoundation.org/civil_society.asp.

Joining Wong as authors of the white paper were Stephen Jordan, senior vice president and executive director of BCLC; Steve Rochlin, head of AccountAbility North America; and Nina Inamahoro of AccountAbility North America.

The Foundation also recently released its first annual report, "A World of Possibility." It, too, can be viewed and downloaded at www.officedepotfoundation.org.

About the Office Depot Foundation

The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation that serves as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care(TM), the Foundation strives to make a positive impact on many lives in many communities around the world. The Foundation supports a variety of programs that enhance the quality of life for children, strengthen communities, encourage local and global economic growth, and empower schools and civil society (non-profit) organizations. It also provides support when disasters strike - doing what it can to speed the process of rebuilding and to mitigate the impact of future disasters. For more information, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.

SOURCE: Office Depot Foundation

Office Depot Foundation Leon Rubin, 706-867-0278 Mobile: 561-251-8075 LRubin@jkggroup.com