There are multiple reasons to consider making your business more philanthropic. You can do a lot of good for important causes. Many consumers also like to see the companies they do business with get involved and give back to the communities where they live or the causes they believe in. This can help your public perception and drive more business your way. Here are seven ideas for making your business more philanthropic.
1. Get Employees Involved
Get as many of your employees involved as possible. Offer paid volunteer time. Organize team volunteer events. Match employee donations. Talk to your employees about the causes they're interested in and passionate about, and discuss ways you can help out together. Consider creating a philanthropy committee, which can organize and oversee charitable efforts. Host fundraising events as a company, and have your team play various roles. Include philanthropy into your company's mission statement so employees understand that this is a significant part of your culture.
2. Get Involved with Your Community
Get involved with your local community by partnering with local nonprofits, sponsoring community events, and/or hosting fundraisers. Get involved with schools by donating supplies, supporting extracurricular activities, or even offering scholarships. Engage in community improvement projects, such as cleanups or renovations for public spaces. Offer pro bono services for nonprofits, and consider collaborations with other local businesses on philanthropic initiatives to increase their reach.
3. Utilize Your Influence
Use your status as business owner and community member to influence the charitable efforts of others.
"One of the benefits of being an entrepreneur is that you know other people who are entrepreneurially inclined and have the influence to challenge them," says Bryan Citrin at Forbes.* "These people typically have access to more financial resources than their employees. Become an advocate for a cause and challenge other successful business people to give financially to it. For example, Bill Gates is challenging his billionaire peers to be more generous with their resources. People will take the advice and challenge of an entrepreneurial peer more seriously than if someone directly from the company made the appeal. Anyone who's passionate about their cause should not be afraid to share that passion with others."
4. Create Cause-Related Marketing Campaigns
Create cause-related marketing campaigns that align your business with a charitable cause. This can lead to customers contributing to the cause you're supporting while also engaging with your business. If possible, choose a cause that makes sense to be paired with your company and audience. For example, a local gym could support health initiatives.
5. Try a Donation Drive
Set up a donation drive to get customers and associates to provide items that the less fortunate need. It may help to get involved with organizations that already do this.
"Many nonprofits who accept donations always hope that people will get them exactly what they need," says Mightycause.** "Reach out to a nonprofit or a few with similar goals and see exactly what they need. You can also add a friendly competition component to motivate your employees. Back to school is right around the corner and many organizations are looking to get backpacks for their kids. If you miss the rush for back-to-school shopping, this is for you."
6. Offer a Product Specifically for Charity
Try offering one or more products or services whose proceeds go completely to a charitable cause. For example, a clothing maker could create a specific shirt to sell just for this cause or a yoga business could offer classes one day a week solely for money to go to a cause. In either scenario, money will be raised for charity while additional business can also be driven.
7. Provide Updates
Let your customers and the public know about the impact your philanthropic efforts are making. Post on social media, and write about your efforts in an email newsletter. Let people know you're making a difference. This is great for your reputation and may also encourage further giving.
Consider the above ideas to make your business more philanthropic. Create a company culture of giving, engage with your community, and show customers that you care.
** https://blog.mightycause.com/increasing-your-businesss-philanthropic-initiatives/
