Since opening our doors in 1999, our vision has been to use our time and skills to support positive impact in society. It’s something we as individuals are driven by, and gives us the greatest fulfilment. We believe in having a meaningful purpose in business, and ours is to empower people and organisations to have a positive impact through their work.
Being a B Corporation gave us even more clarity and direction in our pursuit of meaningful work in Newcastle and beyond. While we’ve always felt we’ve had B Corp ‘DNA’ running through our veins at Mezzanine, it wasn’t until several years ago that we started the process to become officially B Corp certified. After years of hard work improving our processes, documenting our impact and making our way through the application process, we were officially awarded B Corporation Certification in 2021. To say we are proud of this achievement is an understatement. As part of our certification, we’re committed to donating 5% or more (typically a lot more!) of employee time to support not-for-profit, charities or purpose-driven organisations through volunteering and pro-bono services.
In action
Our team is deeply passionate about using their knowledge and skills to make a positive difference, and we love working alongside like-minded organisations who share the same vision. Each year, we contribute over $100,000 to purpose-driven organisations through pro bono work and volunteering. This includes volunteer board positions held by Luke (Conscious Capitalism) and Nikki (Prelude Australia), as well as our team coming together to support Newcastle’s local not-for-profits by packing hampers, managing crowd control at fundraising events, and more.
One organisation close to our hearts is our long-term client, Jenny’s Place. We’re proud to support them year-round and have helped them develop and launch two flagship events: the annual Standing Strong Domestic Violence Awareness Month Lunch and The Empowered Walk fundraising event. These events have significantly increased community engagement and donations, enabling Jenny’s Place to continue their critical work – keeping women and children in our community safe, housed, and free from violence.
Project Grant
Our $10k Project Grant is an annual grant that supports a company or organisation to realise a great idea or initiative that will have a positive impact. Applications open in April each year and we have seen some incredibly inspiring projects come to life through this initiative. In 2022, we were proud to work with fellow B Corporation, We Are Explorers, to bring The Underwater Forest Project to life, and partnered with Top Blokes Foundation in 2023 to evolve their brand.
Impact Program
Our Impact Program specifically supports B Corporations, Social Enterprises, Not-for-profits and schools or educational organisations with benefits like subsidised services, project grants and complementary strategy sessions.
Volunteering and Donations
Part of who we are means that we are privileged to work alongside some amazing people who value giving back to our community here in Newcastle, the Hunter and beyond in the same way Mezzanine does. Over the last 12 months, our staff have continued to create their own positive impact, supporting causes and charities that are close to their hearts, including;
- Animals Asia
- Dress for Success
- Surfing the Spectrum
- The Underwater Forest Project
- Soul Café
- Redhead Surf Lifesaving
- Compassion
- Cancer Council
- Conscious Capitalism
- Prelude Australia
- Laps for Life
- We Care Connect
- Bloody Long Walk
- Jenny’s Place
- Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
- Act For Peace
- Fortem Australia
Conscious Brands Assessment Tool
In 2016, we developed our online Conscious Brands Assessment Tool as a way to support organisations on their journey to becoming more conscious and purpose-driven. Over 800 assessments have been completed. It’s great to see so many organisations becoming more conscious and aware of the impact their brand has in the world.
These offerings provide us with the opportunity to support some of the most passionate people and organisations that are doing incredible things in their industries, and for the world.
