Alex and Ani Charity by Design
- Impact-Driven Growth
- Purposeful Product Line
- Employee & Customer Engagement
- Revenue from Purpose
- CSR Recognition
Testimonials
The Challenge
Creating Meaningful Impact While Driving Growth
Alex and Ani wanted to go beyond traditional sales to create a business model that could make a real difference. However, balancing purpose with profit presented unique challenges. They needed a way to integrate social impact deeply into their brand while still driving revenue, enhancing customer loyalty, and engaging employees. This was no easy task—many companies struggle to connect charitable efforts directly to their core business. Alex and Ani set out to prove that aligning business growth with social impact could succeed on a large scale
The Approach
Charity by Design: Making Every Purchase Count
Charity by Design wasn’t just a side project; it was central to Alex and Ani’s mission. Launched in 2011, the program created symbolic charms in partnership with over 1,500 nonprofits, with 20% of proceeds supporting each cause. To foster a deeper connection between customers and causes, each charm was customized to reflect the values of its nonprofit partner. The program’s reach was further amplified through “Charmed by Charity” in-store events, where 15% of sales were donated to charitable partners. Additionally, Alex and Ani empowered employees through volunteer programs, fostering a purpose-driven culture. In-kind donations, event sponsorships, and creative support for nonprofits strengthened these partnerships and extended the program’s impact. Through this model, Alex and Ani successfully intertwined charity with commerce, creating a business deeply rooted in social good.
The Impact
A Win-Win for Business and Community
Between 2011 and 2017, Charity by Design raised over $60 million for nonprofits, driving 10% of Alex and Ani’s revenue, increasing customer loyalty, and boosting employee pride. Customers who supported the program returned frequently, purchasing three times more charitable products than other collections. This transparency and accountability built strong trust with both partners and customers. Recognized with the prestigious Silver Halo Award for Best Business Integration, Charity by Design set a new standard for how businesses can align purpose with profit, proving that social impact can be a catalyst for growth.