Mr. Jain Gives Back
Overlake Service League Names Naveen Jain Honorary Chair Philanthropist and businessman Naveen Jain advocates children, youth, education, healthcare, and Indian causes. Over time, he has funded many nonprofit organizations in the state of Washington, where he formed two Internet companies. One of Naveen Jain’s most significant beneficiaries is the Overlake Service League (OSL). Unlike most other charities, Overlake Service League has an antiquated history. Founded in 1911, the said nonprofit group preserves a long tradition of sponsoring families in Washington, particularly in the Bellevue School District area. Overlake Service League appropriates almost all of its revenues to its projects, with comparatively little for overhead costs. That’s because almost 300 people volunteer their services to OSL every year. Annually, the group receives thousands of hours in volunteer services. For one, Naveen Jain’s employees at Intelius normally put in many hours of service for the nonprofit organization. As CEO of Intelius, Naveen Jain specifically encourages his subordinates to go on paid leave. This, he instructs, must be spent volunteering in an eligible charity of their choice. Overlake Services League is one of those fortunate enough to benefit from the company’s volunteer program. Besides that, Intelius persuades workers into donating to charities; the company would match certain kinds of generous giving. OSL itself has occasionally received financial assistance from Intelius in the past. In recognition of Intelius’ philanthropic penchant, Overlake Service League paid the company a formal tribute last March 19, 2009. At OSL’s yearly benefit luncheon, entitled “Step Up to the Plate,” OSL feted Naveen Jain and his wife Anu as the gala’s Honorary Chairs. Anu is Intelius’ Vice President for community relations. Such is Naveen Jain’s philanthropic stewardship. Due to his charitable initiatives, his company easily emerged in Puget Sound Business Journal’s ranking of the Top 25 Corporate Philanthropists. Intelius broke its own charitable record in 2008, after doling out almost $210,000 to more than twelve nonprofit groups. Anu and Naveen Jain themselves have contributed around $480,000 to various groups.
