Running a business is about more than just making a profit. At least, that’s how I see it. Businesses have the power to drive change, impact communities, and make a real difference in the world. The way I see it, every business, no matter how small, has an opportunity to give back. Supporting charities through your business can take many forms, from donating a percentage of sales to organizing volunteer days. Here’s how you can turn your company into a force for good.
Make Charitable Donations a Part of Your Business Plan
The simplest way to support charities is to donate money. It sounds straightforward, right? Well, it can be—but the impact can be much bigger than you’d expect. You could make this a part of your business’s regular operations by dedicating a percentage of your sales to charity. For example, TOMS Shoes donates a pair of shoes for every pair purchased. This “one-for-one” model is baked into their business plan, and it’s a prime example of how donating doesn’t have to be an afterthought but rather an integral part of a company’s brand.
The key here is consistency. Whether it’s 1%, 5%, or even 10% of profits, what matters is that you stick to it. Customers appreciate businesses that commit to giving back and will often feel better about spending money with you when they know a portion of it is doing good in the world.
Sponsor Local Community Events
Sponsoring local events is another great way to get your business involved with charities. Not only does it help the cause, but it also creates a sense of community. Think about it—people will see your brand as one that genuinely cares about the town or city they live in. This isn’t just about writing a check; it’s about showing up and being present.
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Take Ben & Jerry’s, for example. The ice cream company is known for its social mission and often sponsors events that align with their values, such as climate change marches or rallies for social justice. It’s not just good PR—it’s good karma. And it shows that your business is about more than just profit.
If you’re a smaller business, don’t worry—you don’t have to sponsor huge events. Start small. Maybe sponsor a local charity run or a fundraiser for the local school. Every bit counts, and it’s about being involved.
Offer Matching Donation Programs
Another simple yet effective way to support charities through your business is by offering a matching donation program. This allows your employees to donate to a charity of their choice and have your business match their contributions. It doubles the impact and encourages your staff to get involved with causes they care about.
Microsoft has been a leader in this space for years. The company matches employees’ donations dollar for dollar, and they even offer a matching volunteer hours program, where employees’ volunteer time is converted into a monetary donation. This kind of initiative not only helps charities but also boosts employee morale. When employees feel their company cares about giving back, they’re more likely to feel loyal and engaged.
Organize Charity Events
One of the most fun ways to give back as a business is to host charity events. Not only do these events raise money, but they also bring people together for a good cause. Whether it’s a charity auction, a fundraising gala, or a more casual event like a charity bake sale, these events can be a great way to get your team, customers, and community involved.
One real-life example that stood out to me is how Patagonia organizes environmental charity events. They hold “worn wear” pop-ups where people can bring in their old Patagonia gear, get it repaired, and learn more about reducing waste. All proceeds go to environmental charities. It’s a brilliant way to combine their brand ethos with giving back.
Worn wear program from Patagonia
For small businesses, charity events don’t have to be grand. It could be as simple as hosting a trivia night at a local bar with proceeds going to charity. The idea is to engage people while raising funds and awareness for a cause that matters.
Support Through Products or Services
Another way businesses can give back is by offering their products or services to charities for free or at a discounted rate. This could be especially impactful if your business provides something that charities need. For example, a printing company could offer free services to print flyers for a local nonprofit’s event, or a restaurant could provide meals for a charity dinner.
Warby Parker, the eyewear company, donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold. But they didn’t stop there. They also provide training for eye care professionals in developing countries, ensuring that their impact is sustainable. It’s about thinking beyond just donations and looking for ways your business can have a long-term positive effect.
Even if you’re running a small business, there are ways to offer your services. For instance, if you’re a marketing consultant, you could provide pro bono work for a nonprofit that’s just getting started. It’s a great way to make an impact while also doing what you do best.
Create a Volunteer Program
Volunteering can be one of the most hands-on ways for businesses to give back. Encouraging your employees to volunteer their time can be incredibly rewarding, both for the team and for the charities involved. You could even go a step further and offer paid volunteer days as a company perk.
Salesforce is a company that takes this idea seriously. Employees are given seven paid days per year to volunteer for causes they care about, and they’re encouraged to take full advantage of this benefit. Not only does this have a huge impact on the communities they help, but it also fosters a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie within the team.
You don’t have to be Salesforce to make a difference, though. Even small businesses can organize volunteer days. It could be something as simple as organizing a team outing to clean up a local park or spending a day volunteering at a food bank. It’s about coming together and making a difference.
Partner with Charities for Joint Campaigns
Lastly, consider partnering directly with a charity to create a joint campaign. This could involve anything from co-branded products to collaborative marketing efforts that raise awareness for both the charity and your business. It’s a win-win situation.
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An example that springs to mind is the partnership between RED and various major brands. RED, which supports the fight against AIDS, partners with companies like Apple and Starbucks to sell specially branded products, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the charity. These partnerships raise millions and offer businesses a powerful way to give back while still operating within their regular market.
For smaller businesses, these partnerships could be on a local level. You could partner with a local shelter or food bank to create a specific product where the proceeds go directly to them. These joint campaigns can be incredibly powerful when done right.
There are endless ways to support charities through your business, and it doesn’t matter how big or small your company is. Whether you’re donating money, organizing events, or simply giving your employees the time to volunteer, the key is to make giving back a part of your business culture. Not only will it make a difference to the charities you support, but it will also make your business a more meaningful place for your team and your customers.
After all, a business that gives back is a business that moves forward.
