Giving back to the community is something most business owners believe in. Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the social impact they are having. One way to give back to the community is through philanthropy. Whether you are a small startup or an established corporation, philanthropy can be incorporated into your business.
Pick something you are passionate about
Weaving philanthropy into your business is much easier if you are passionate about the charity or cause you support. Your charitable efforts could reflect your business’s mission and values. For example, if you are in the food industry, you might consider supporting a charity that combats hunger. Conversely, you could choose something completely unrelated to your business. Whatever you choose, be passionate about it.
When deciding on the cause you are passionate about, you might want to consider the size and location of the charity. Are you interested in supporting a large national charity or a smaller local charity?
Get your employees involved
Employees are assessing the social impact businesses have more and more. Involving your employees in the business’s philanthropic endeavours will help them connect to the causes. They could be involved in choosing the charities or causes you want to support. Employees could also be involved in determining how the business will support the charity. Developing that connection between the employees and the charity will enhance the culture stemming from your philanthropic endeavours.
Charitable Support
There are many ways to support your charitable causes.
The most obvious way is by making donations to charities. The funds paid to the charity could come from several different sources. This could be a simple donation from the company, it could be from a charity event run at the business, e.g. crazy shirt day, or it could be related to the performance of the business, e.g. a percentage of profits or a percentage of sales.
Another way to support a charity is through volunteering. The charity you want to support may find volunteering your time much more beneficial. Contact your charity and discuss this with them. Volunteering is also a great way to get your employees connected to your charitable pursuits. It is a great way to highlight to your employees how your philanthropic endeavours align with your mission and values.
You may want to consider sponsoring an event the charity is organising. Sponsoring or supporting the event can be done with cash donations or in-kind (providing goods or people support).
Communicate your efforts
Don’t be shy about communicating your philanthropic endeavours. First and foremost, you should give for giving’s sake with no strings attached. However, there is nothing wrong with letting your clients and employees know about your endeavours.
By letting your employees know, you are trying to increase their connection with the charitable cause. By letting your clients know, you are communicating to them the values of your business. Importantly, you are also highlighting the charity you are supporting and this may lead to further support for the charity from your clients and employees.
Giving back to the community by philanthropy is a great way to connect with your employees and enhance the mission and values of your business.
Contact your local Accru office for assistance in incorporating philanthropy into your business.
