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Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield

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Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream, co-founders
Burlington, Vt.

The duo who melded social responsibility with profit-making launched the Ben & Jerry Foundation in 1985 in order to fund projects aimed at making systemic social change. The company gives the foundation 7.5% of its annual pre-tax profits. When Unilever (UL) bought the company for $326 million in 2000, the pair hatched a deal allowing Ben & Jerry's to operate independently, with its own board of directors, to ensure the continuation of its longtime social mission.

"Philanthropy is important, but integrating a concern for the community into business strategy and day-to-day operations is far more powerful. Business is the most powerful force in the world. If business does not start to address social problems, we are doomed."