TOMS Founder, Blake Mycoskie, Establishes The Start Something That Matters Foundation

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring his commitment to make a positive impact on the world through social entrepreneurship, the founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS, Blake Mycoskie, has established the Start Something That Matters Foundation, it was announced today.  As a central part of the Foundation, a dedicated fund has been set up that will find Mycoskie donating 100 percent of the profits of his #1 New York Times best-selling book, Start Something That Matters (Spiegel & Grau), to social entrepreneurs and students around the world.  The first three recipient organizations of the new fund are the Dell Social Innovation Challenge (DSIC), Echoing Green and GOOD.is.

"I started TOMS with no shoe or fashion experience, no retail experience, and basically five thousand dollars," admitted Mycoskie.  "I've been so inspired by so many people along the way, and have been humbled by the success of my first book, that I believe the best way to show my appreciation is to try and help get the ideas of other social entrepreneurs off the ground."

He continued, "I've created this Foundation to help those who have amazing ideas that will ultimately make a positive impact on the world.  I know how important it is that a great idea or strong business plan receives financial support."

Approximately $300,000 will be distributed to the first three recipients of the fund set up through the Start Something That Matters Foundation.  One of the primary goals of the Foundation is to continue to donate funds to additional individuals and organizations over the next several years.

Mycoskie released his first book in September 2011 and in it chronicles TOMS' journey – the story behind the revolutionary business model that matches social good with sales, from its modest beginning to becoming a global movement and one of the most inspiring companies in the world. In addition to sharing stories from other leading social entrepreneurs, Mycoskie offered readers a new way of thinking about success, defined by work that fulfills hunger for material accomplishment, philanthropic impact and personal meaning.

About Dell Social Innovation Challenge:
The Dell Social Innovation Challenge (DSIC) identifies and supports promising young social innovators who dedicate themselves to solving the world's most pressing problems with their transformative ideas. DSIC provides university students with world-class teaching and training, as well as with start-up capital and access to a network of mentors and advisors.  For more information, go to www.DellChallenge.org

About Echoing Green:
Founded in 1987 by global growth equity firm, General Atlantic, Echoing Green unleashes next generation talent to solve the world's biggest problems. To date, Echoing Green has invested over $31 million in seed funding 540 social entrepreneurs (Echoing Green Fellows) and their innovative organizations across the globe. Recognized Echoing Green Fellows include the founders of Teach For America, City Year, College Summit, Citizen Schools, One Acre Fund, and SKS Microfinance. Further, Echoing Green drives social innovation by taking the stories, frameworks, research, and lessons of its Fellows and the field of social innovation in order to inspire a generation of young people to build meaningful, impact-driven careers. Additional information can be found by visiting www.echoinggreen.org.

About GOOD
GOOD is a global community of, by, and for pragmatic idealists working toward individual and collective progress. This community shares its ideas through several mediums, including GOOD.is, the platform for collaboration amongst members of the GOOD community and the organizations and corporations that work with the GOOD community.  GOOD Magazine is also part of this effort, and serves the quarterly print publication that reflects the activity and work of the GOOD community, both on and offline.  In addition, GOOD Corps is a team of social entrepreneurs who work with NGOs, corporations and foundations to drive progress in collaboration with the GOOD community and beyond.

For more information, contact:
Doug Piwinski
[email protected]
310. 228. 8801

SOURCE TOMS