ConocoPhillips’ businesses strive to incorporate community input into the process of deciding where company contributions can be most valuable. For example, the ConocoPhillips Azerbaijan business unit employed a stakeholder process to gain input from local nongovernmental organizations, representatives of vulnerable groups, government and other members of the community into the operation’s giving strategies and volunteer efforts. One project that resulted from such consultation was the Baku Exhibition and Sale of Arts and Handicrafts of Azeri disabled artists. Consultations with the disabled artists helped identify specific needs, while consultations with government agencies helped determine the best ways to contribute. Rather than simply making a cash donation, ConocoPhillips provided materials to the artists, so that they could produce and sell their works at the exhibition, thereby gaining income, recognition and self-esteem.
After the success of the first exhibit, ConocoPhillips was contacted by the Azerbaijan Embassy in the United Kingdom to exhibit works of the disabled artists in London. The exhibition drew international attention to the problem of the disabled in Azerbaijan. Through the money and recognition earned from the exhibitions, the disabled artists founded artistic and sewing workshops and have gained new commissions.