Corporate Giving: How Your Company Can Make A Positive Local & Global Impact
- Written by NewsServices.com
You would have to be living under a rock to not see how corporate brands are shifting gears to make a positive local and global impact. If you are yet to make a considered change or are contemplating what the right legacy looks like, then here are some ideas and suggestions to set you on a course. Remember, change looks different for every corporate business, and we all start the journey to a better future from different positions so it is hard to compare apples to apples.
Making Donations
Often charities and organisations will say that the best way to support their causes is to donate money rather than time and help. This is not the case for every single charity organization, but it’s the most typical response. Making donations to organisations that align with your business's goals and values will always be the best option. Maybe that is donating to LGBTQ organisations or perhaps you feel connected to natural disaster relief organisations.
If you are wondering how donations help with taxes, you will be pleased to know that this generous decision actually has some financial benefits. Most donations can be tax deductible, so if you hang on to those receipts or certificates of donation, you will be able to claim this amount on tax. Now, remember that donations resulting in a ‘benefit’ are not tax deductible. This would be buying tickets in a charity draw or anything where there is something given back in return.
Donating Blood
Most Australians will benefit from donated blood at least once in their life. People who receive donated blood could be recovering from surgery, childbirth, cancer patients, car accident victims, and so many more reasons. Life Blood touts the very impactful fact that one blood donation saves three lives - so what corporate brand doesn’t want to stand behind that? Life Blood makes blood donating in a workplace so easy, as they can organise a day for you and your employees to attend a donation centre, or can even send a mobile donation centre to your office location.
Chances are there is someone in your workforce who has benefitted directly from the kindness of blood donors, so this is a great cause to support and show your local impact.
Community Outreach
A business that is connected to the community, is a business that will be successful in the community. Community outreach efforts are a great way to sink your teeth into the issues that are presented in your community and make a local and tangible impact. You may wish to sponsor a children's soccer team, or perhaps you pay for the refreshments at a charity event in the area. Whichever way you choose to support your community, it will show your employees that you are invested in the area and are leading by example.
Not sure where to start? You or your employees can join some suburb Facebook groups to tap into the community and hear about what's happening, or you can check out some community boards in your local, council-owned areas. Another great way to get connected to the issues in the community is to connect with your local member, as they will be able to give you ideas on what you can do to meet the needs of the area.
Pro Bono Work
It is not just law firms that take on pro bono work, as any corporate business can take on clients are service them without a cost. Whether you work with an up-and-coming business on their social media presence or do free printing work for a community group that is engaging youths - there are so many ways you can work pro bono. Under-resourced businesses will always take help from professional services, so if your business specialises in something that you need training or qualifications in, then you might have value to serve your local community.
Volunteering Days
We have discussed the many ways that management can decide on who and what to support, but volunteering days give your employees the opportunity to support exactly what you want. They may be able to volunteer at their church, with youth groups in the area or even volunteer in a hospital setting. Let your employees feel empowered to make the choice for themselves, and maybe suggest some ideas for the employees in your business who are not sure of what possibilities are out there.
Once you have done your volunteer days, encourage your employees to show photos of their ventures and you can share these on your corporate channels. This is not just about showing off, but it’s about demonstrating your values to your audience and reinforcing their importance to your employees.
Have you got some ideas on who you can support and how you can make it happen? Making a positive local and global impact will elevate your brand and attract candidates with the same values.
