How the Passion Project Initiative Transforms Events into Meaningful Community Contributions
ETHOS Event Collective is not just about organizing events; it’s about making a real difference. With their Passion Project Initiative, they’ve taken a unique approach to event management that goes beyond logistics and entertainment. This initiative, championed by Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal of ETHOS Event Collective, is designed to connect clients with local nonprofit organizations, allowing them to leave a meaningful impact in the communities where their events take place.
At the heart of this initiative lies ETHOS’ guiding philosophy of Purposeful Planning™, which emphasizes crafting events that are not only memorable but also socially impactful. By aligning their events with community needs, ETHOS has found a way to integrate purpose and profit, ensuring that every event benefits both clients and the communities they serve.
“At ETHOS, we believe that destination management is not just about coordinating events; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact.” — Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal at ETHOS Event Collective
The Birth of the Passion Project Initiative
The Passion Project Initiative was born out of ETHOS’ desire to go beyond traditional event management and create a lasting impact in the communities they work with. Instead of focusing solely on delivering excellent events, ETHOS saw an opportunity to embed purpose into their programs. This vision aligns perfectly with their philosophy of Purposeful Planning™, which emphasizes creating thoughtful and intentional experiences.
“The Passion Project Initiative was born out of our desire to create meaningful, lasting impact in the communities where we work. At ETHOS, Purposeful Planning™ guides everything we do—it’s our detailed approach to crafting events that are tailored to our clients and have a broader social impact.” — Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal at ETHOS Event Collective
By connecting clients with local nonprofits, ETHOS ensures that each event they manage contributes to the community in a way that goes beyond a simple donation. Whether it’s through volunteer activities or other giveback components, the Passion Project allows events to reflect both the client’s goals and the community’s needs. This creates an experience that is not just memorable but also fulfilling for all involved.
1% Give-Back Commitment: A Game-Changer for Communities
One of the most remarkable aspects of ETHOS Event Collective’s Passion Project Initiative is their 1% give-back commitment. This initiative sets ETHOS apart in the event management industry, as they dedicate 1% of their program profits to support local charities in the communities where they operate. This financial contribution goes beyond the usual corporate donations—it’s an investment in the long-term success of these communities.
“This 1% commitment allows us to make a measurable difference in the communities we serve. By consistently supporting local charities, we can contribute to causes that reflect the unique needs and values of each destination.” — Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal at ETHOS Event Collective
The 1% give-back creates a ripple effect. It encourages clients to become part of something larger, aligning their events with the needs of the community. ETHOS offers a variety of ways for clients to contribute, from simply rounding up their final bill to creating fully integrated charitable activities like team-building events that directly benefit local causes. The goal is to make giving back easy, seamless, and deeply connected to the client’s objectives while delivering positive change.
How Clients and Nonprofits Collaborate for Greater Good
One of the most unique aspects of the Passion Project Initiative is how it allows clients to customize their level of involvement with local nonprofits. ETHOS gives clients the flexibility to decide how they want to contribute, from small, simple gestures to more immersive, hands-on charitable activities. For instance, some clients choose to round up their bills to make a donation, while others engage in more elaborate activities, such as building bikes for children in need as part of their team-building exercises.
“We’ve had clients opt for something as simple as rounding up their final bill to donate to local nonprofits. In contrast, others have fully integrated charitable activities, such as building bikes for children in need, as part of their team-building experience.” — Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal at ETHOS Event Collective
The feedback from clients and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees report feeling like they’ve spent their time doing something meaningful, which enhances their overall event experience. ETHOS ensures that the giveback component is tailored to both the client’s goals and what will resonate most with attendees, creating an experience that is both impactful and fulfilling.
Impact on Company Culture: Employee Engagement through Volunteerism
The Passion Project Initiative doesn’t just benefit clients and communities—it has also had a profound impact on the internal culture at ETHOS Event Collective. Every quarter, team members participate in volunteering projects, giving them the chance to connect directly with the communities they serve. This hands-on involvement goes beyond corporate responsibility; it reinforces ETHOS’ commitment to living its values and making a genuine difference.
“The quarterly volunteering projects have had a profound impact on our company culture. Our team members feel more connected to the communities they serve, which brings a greater sense of purpose to their work.” — Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal at ETHOS Event Collective
As a result, employee engagement has significantly increased. By actively participating in charitable activities, employees feel more motivated and invested in both their work and the communities they touch. This not only strengthens teamwork and empathy within ETHOS but also builds a culture where purpose and impact are at the forefront of everything they do.
Setting a New Standard in Social Responsibility
ETHOS Event Collective’s 1% give-back commitment and the Passion Project Initiative are setting a new industry standard for social responsibility. By integrating purpose directly into their business model, ETHOS demonstrates that profitability and purpose can go hand in hand. Their innovative approach encourages others in the event management industry to take similar steps towards making a positive impact.
ETHOS has also partnered with organizations like the ROI Institute and the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) to track and measure the tangible outcomes of their Purposeful Planning™ approach. These partnerships provide ETHOS with the tools to showcase the real-world impact their events and initiatives have on local communities, offering clients a clear return on investment—not just financially, but also in terms of social good.
“Our partnerships with organizations like the ROI Institute and the Incentive Research Foundation are critical in demonstrating the tangible impact of our Purposeful Planning™ approach. For the Passion Project, this means we can track and showcase the real difference that their involvement and contributions are making in the community.” — Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal at ETHOS Event Collective
By setting such a high standard, ETHOS hopes to inspire other businesses in the industry to embrace social responsibility as a core part of their operations, creating a ripple effect that benefits more communities and drives meaningful change.
Conclusion
The Passion Project Initiative is a testament to how ETHOS Event Collective is redefining the way event management is done. By integrating purpose into every aspect of their work, they’ve created a model where clients, communities, and employees all benefit. Their 1% give-back commitment, hands-on volunteering opportunities, and strategic partnerships showcase a unique blend of business success and social responsibility.
As ETHOS continues to grow and expand the Passion Project, their goal is to create even more lasting impact in the destinations they serve. With their innovative approach, they are not only delivering memorable events but also setting a new standard for purpose-driven business. The Passion Project Initiative is proof that when businesses prioritize purpose, they can transform ordinary events into opportunities for meaningful, lasting change.
