13-11-2024
News
Hungary
United Way Hungary, CSR, Charity, Reading Literacy Program, InnoMate Program
Congratulations on your new position! What does it mean to you to now serve as Chairman of the Board at United Way Hungary? Could you share your personal motivations for taking on this role?
Thank you very much; I’m deeply honoured and grateful to have been chosen as Chairman. It may not be an overstatement to say that this fulfils a long-held dream of mine, as I’ve been a board member for 14 years, and the organization’s future and mission have always been close to my heart. This appointment feels like coming home because the values and goals of United Way align perfectly with the principles I stand for and hold dear.
You’ve actively contributed to United Way Hungary’s work for years. Could you tell us a bit about your previous roles and how you’ve supported the organization?
As I mentioned, I’ve been a board member for 14 years. Before that, I participated as a volunteer financial advisor and supported the organization as a small employee donor. Later, as head of the Finance Committee, one of my main responsibilities was securing funding, while as Chair of the Ethics Committee, I took on an ad-hoc advisory role. Additionally, for over 10 years, Process Solutions has been providing accounting and payroll services for United Way Hungary, fostering a close relationship between our company and the foundation. Prior to this current Chairman role, I also served as Vice-Chair for seven years and supported their work as a major individual donor.
Why do you consider it important to support United Way? How does the organization’s mission align with your own values and Process Solutions’ business philosophy?
I see my work with United Way Hungary as a kind of personal commitment – there’s simply a good feeling that comes with supporting causes like these. Education and healthcare are areas worth supporting and engaging with on many levels. Before founding PS, I taught at a business school for ten years, so education and financial awareness naturally became connected to our company’s values. From the outset, United Way provided exactly what I was looking for – a genuine impact where every donation is fully utilized and goes to places where it’s truly needed. Within the foundation, we always ensure transparency in the use of donations; the organization audits, allocates, and monitors each donation to maintain accountability.
What are United Way Hungary’s main objectives and activities right now? How do you view the organization’s role in the Hungarian civil sector and in promoting social responsibility?
The organization’s primary goal is to respond to various crises. In recent years, the focus has been on supporting crises brought on by the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, whether through material aid or financial assistance. Our focus is on three main areas: educational programs, health and financial stability/financial literacy education. I should note that organizations are facing challenges on multiple fronts. United Way is part of a global network of foundations, established in 1887, with a central mission to alleviate poverty, educational inequalities, and healthcare issues worldwide. Currently, it operates in more than 40 countries, with local organizations responding to the specific needs of their communities.
What challenges does a nonprofit organization like United Way face today, and how do you plan to address them?
Fundraising presents challenges at both individual and corporate levels. In Hungary, since the elimination of the personal income tax (PIT) benefit, there’s been less focus on encouraging individual donations, which over time may have influenced donation habits. On the corporate side, decisions are often influenced by business interests, so donations tend to be directed toward areas that align with companies’ strategies.
Another critical task is keeping our team motivated. Although our turnover rate is fortunately low, achieving a broader impact would require additional resources. This demands constant attention – a challenge that not only affects the nonprofit sector but is also common in other areas of the labour market today.
Which specific projects or initiatives are you particularly proud of and wish to continue supporting in the future?
I’d like to come back to education, as it’s something very close to my heart, and several of the foundation’s programs focus on organizing educational initiatives. One such project is called Reading Comprehension, in which Process Solutions has also taken part. Through our book collection drive, companies have gathered tens of thousands of books to help fill the libraries of schools that simply have no budget for anything beyond textbooks. I can’t overstate how important it is for disadvantaged children to experience the wonders of reading, which begins with the essential skill of comprehension.
Another personal favourite is the InnoMate program, a comprehensive entrepreneurship development program for high school students. This six-month project includes multiple rounds where students present before business leaders. With the support of coaches and volunteer trainers, students go through the entire process of establishing and running a mini-company, as if they were in the real world. I’m particularly proud of the high-quality workbook developed for this program, which guides students from the initial idea to implementation. Along the way, they acquire a business mindset that can greatly aid their future success in the job market.
A flagship program of ours is also the Mental Health Support initiative, which focuses on raising mental health awareness and fostering psychological safety. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are still felt among young students, who now have an even greater need for professional psychological support and tools to enhance their mental well-being. Our goal is to provide them with resources and support to help them handle challenges and maintain their mental health.
What projects has Process Solutions participated in over the past years?
Our primary contribution has been offering pro bono accounting and payroll services to United Way Hungary. Additionally, we support the organization with our custom-developed Time Report system, a time-tracking tool that allows us to transparently report human resource contributions for various projects. This gives a clear picture of the time dedicated to different initiatives, supporting accurate and ongoing documentation.
Another longstanding initiative is our annual participation in the charity gala, where PS sponsors tables and participates in the auctions alongside colleagues. One year, we contributed to the event’s success by offering a sailing experience, while in another, we symbolically adopted a baby gorilla or giraffe.
While the corporate book collection initiative may not seem like a major contribution, it actually supports one of our most important goals: promoting reading comprehension, which is a significant issue in Hungary.
Last but not least, we also donate 1% of our income tax to United Way Hungary.
How do you see the future of United Way in Hungary? What are your short- and long-term plans to support the organization’s growth?
One of our strategic goals is to expand our donor portfolio by at least 20-25%, as there are still many untapped opportunities within Hungary’s donor base, particularly in engaging corporate and individual supporters. The successes of United Way in other countries inspire us, and we see that we have significant growth potential here as well.
Over the coming year, one of the most important objectives is to bring our existing programs to as many places as possible. This will require substantial resources, but with our dedication and belief, it’s achievable. While we may introduce new elements, our primary focus right now is on expanding our current projects to increase our reach and positive impact.
What message would you share with business leaders and individuals who want to engage in social responsibility but aren’t sure where to start?
The first step is the most important: if you feel a desire to get involved in social responsibility, it’s worth starting, even with a small initiative. There’s no need to set ambitious goals immediately; you could start with a smaller project. For example, a company could sponsor an InnoMate program, contributing a set amount and, more importantly, actively participating to support disadvantaged youth. For them, knowing and feeling that we are there for them can make a tremendous difference.
As individuals, there are also plenty of opportunities, whether through volunteering or donating to support a cause close to your heart. My advice to everyone is to take that step – together, we can achieve great things! As Chairman, I’m fully committed to supporting United Way Hungary’s work, and as CEO of Process Solutions, I’m equally dedicated to our CSR activities to bring about as much positive change as possible.
The source of photos above: United Way Hungary