12:00, 11 July 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Known mostly to some as being the sauce brand, but did you know that Newman’s Own isn’t just a brand; it has a legacy of giving.
Founded by the legendary actor Paul Newman, the company’s profits are entirely dedicated to supporting the Newman’s Own Foundation. Every bottle of salad dressing, jar of pasta sauce, and other products sold contributes directly to charitable causes, with a particular focus on helping children in need.
This unique business model reflects Paul Newman's unwavering belief that success should be shared, and that a profitable business can (and should) make a meaningful difference in the world.
Image credit: Paul Newman and his good friend A.E. Hotchner, 1982, photo by Steve (Stephen) D. Colhoun. Photo courtesy of Newman's Own Foundation.
Upon Paul Newman's death in 2008, he gifted Newman's Own to the foundation, ensuring every penny of profit supports charitable causes. The transfer, initially unlegalised, was solidified by the Philanthropic Enterprise Act of 2018. Over four decades, this groundbreaking model has inspired businesses to rethink their societal role.
Smiley News had the amazing opportunity to interview the CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation, Alex Amouyel, to ask more about their interesting business model and how they use their for-profit brand to aid their for-purpose foundation.
Newman’s Own Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of children facing adversity.
"Our goal is to nourish and help children thrive," says Alex Amouyel.
The foundation’s mission focuses on three key areas: nutrition, education, and indigenous food justice, while also addressing food insecurity and supporting educational opportunities.
A highlight of its work is the Serious Fun Children’s Network, a global initiative offering camps and programmes that provide life-changing experiences for children with serious illnesses. These camps offer a sense of community and freedom to children often isolated by health conditions, ensuring they have the tools to thrive.
Though focused on the US, the foundation’s reach extends to the UK, Australia, and New Zealand through SeriousFun Children’s Network, where Newman’s Own products are sold.
The founder’s vision extended beyond business success as Paul wanted to use profits to give back. This ethos continues with the 100% for Purpose Club, which encourages businesses to donate all profits to charitable causes.
"The idea is to create a network of companies that combine business success with social good," says Alex.
The initiative has inspired companies like Patagonia and Ecosia, showing that profit and philanthropy can coexist.
Alex emphasises how Paul saw business as a tool for social change and notes: "Paul Newman was ahead of his time in understanding that business can be a tool for social change. His legacy is not just about food products, it’s about rethinking the very role businesses play in society."
The 100% for Purpose Club invites businesses to integrate philanthropy into their models, challenging the idea that success and social responsibility are mutually exclusive. This movement is growing, as more companies realise the power of combining profit with purpose to create lasting change, which many consumers nowadays are looking for.
If you want to know more about the philosophy behind this, watch Alex’s TED talk here.
But it’s not all about just giving money, it’s about making sure the money has a lasting impact.
The foundation partners with organisations like the Whole Foods Market Foundation and Native Americans in Philanthropy to amplify its reach and increase the impact of its work.
"We believe in collaboration," says Alex, highlighting how working together on issues like food insecurity and education leads to broader solutions.
Accountability is taken with the utmost importance as the foundation carefully measures the impact of its initiatives.
Alex explains: "We want to make sure the funds are being used effectively. This includes tracking the progress of grantee partners and monitoring the results of funded projects to ensure transparency.”
Additionally, not all the impact is held within the foundation. Over the years, Newman’s Own has taken the reins to harness impact with their buyers. The recently wrapped pay-what-you-want food truck initiative has raised funds while sparking conversations about generosity and social impact. Across various U.S. cities on the east coast, the truck allowed people to pay what they felt was fair for a meal, with all proceeds supporting the foundation’s mission.
Paul Newman’s vision for a business model rooted in philanthropy is more relevant today than ever. Newman’s Own Foundation has proven that businesses can thrive while giving back to the communities that need it most. But their work isn’t finished, but they need your help to continue making a difference.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone passionate about giving back, the 100% for Purpose Club invites you to join a growing community of changemakers.
Visit Newman’s Own Foundation to learn more about their initiatives and how you can contribute. Every action counts in reshaping the future of business and philanthropy.
To learn more about the 100% for Purpose Club, head to 100% for Purpose Club.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Newman’s Own Foundation. This foundation focuses on transforming the lives of children facing adversity by funding initiatives in nutrition, education, and food justice. Its unique model donates all profits from Newman's Own products to charitable causes. Support them here.
No Kid Hungry. Run by nonprofit Share Our Strength, this initiative aims to end childhood hunger in the U.S. through better nutrition and food education. Find out more.
Native American Rights Fund. This nonprofit is dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Native American tribes and individuals through legal representation and advocacy. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, and Reduced Inequalities.
Header image credits: Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partner, Nalwoodi Denzhone Community. Photo courtesy of Newman’s Own Foundation
