DELRAY BEACH, FL. - September 23, 2008 - "Civil society organizations (CSOs) "“ also known commonly, but not necessarily accurately, as "non-profit organizations" "“ can be forgiven if they suffer from a bit of an identity crisis.

"'Non-profits' run hospitals, schools and universities, feed and shelter the homeless, take care of children and the elderly, provide relief after disasters and provide hundreds of other essential services to our communities and way of life," states a new white paper published by the Office Depot Foundation" the independent foundation serving as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot (NYSE:ODP).

"And yet the label 'non-profit' describes something they are not, as opposed to what they are" organizations that strengthen our communities and make our societies more civil and civilized," says the report, entitled "Preparing Civil Society Organizations for Leadership." The document can be read online and downloaded at www.officedepotfoundation.org.

Inspired by the Office Depot Foundation's inaugural "Weekend in Boca" leadership symposium in December 2007, the report assesses the challenges facing the civil society sector and offers recommendations for helping the civil society sector build capacity, including:

Creating organizational tool kits and mentoring systems for new CSOs.

• Creating networking opportunities and "safe places" for CSO leaders to engage in dialogue and learn from each other.
  
• Investigating ways to grow "capital markets" and information systems for CSOs and explore other mechanisms to help CSOs who find success in one community to share these benefits with other communities.
  
• Encouraging CSOs to create stakeholder advisory groups so they can learn from business, government and other sectors.
  
• Educating funders about the importance of funding management systems and engaging with CSOs in more ways than just financially.

The Office Depot Foundation's second "Weekend in Boca" symposium will take place from Dec. 11-13, 2008. To learn more, and to join the conversation about this year's agenda, visit http://www.officedepotfoundation.org/civil_society.asp.

Joining Wong as authors of the white paper were Stephen Jordan, senior vice president and executive director of BCLC; Steve Rochlin, head of AccountAbility North America; and Nina Inamahoro of AccountAbility North America.

The Foundation also recently released its first annual report, "A World of Possibility." It, too, can be viewed and downloaded at www.officedepotfoundation.org.

About the Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation that serves as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care, the Foundation strives to make a positive impact on many lives in many communities around the world. The Foundation supports a variety of programs that enhance the quality of life for children, strengthen communities, encourage local and global economic growth, and empower schools and non-profit organizations. It also provides support when disasters strike doing what it can, not only to speed the process of rebuilding, but also to mitigate the impact of future disasters. For more information about the Office Depot Foundation, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.

Listen Learn Care Foundation

Listen Learn Care Foundation

Compassionate. Creative. Committed.

As an independent, non-profit foundation, the Listen Learn Care Foundation (formerly the Office Depot Foundation) strives to make a difference to children, families and communities across the United States and around the world. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care®, the Foundation supports a variety of programs that:

• Give children tools to succeed in school and in life
• Build the capacity of nonprofit organizations through collaboration and innovation
• Help communities prepare for disasters, as well as recovering and rebuilding afterwards

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