Why giving back to the community is important

Finding ways to support people, organizations or animals can make employees feel good about working for your company. Additionally, companies that give back typically improve their visibility and standing in the community.

Participating in local volunteer days or sponsoring a kids’ sports team, for example, links your brand with kind actions and social responsibility. Additionally, business partnerships are key to long-term success. Strong connections with local organizations and community members can sustain your business through economic downturns or help you find the support you need to expand.

Ways your business can give back to your community

If you’re ready to make giving back a regular part of your business operations, try implementing these techniques to make a positive impact on your community:

1. Donation drives

Hold donation drives at work, and encourage employees to donate extra canned food, clothing or books to people in need. Partnering with a local food bank, women’s shelter, school or charity can help create a sense of pride and camaraderie among your team members.

To encourage employees to participate, you might set an overall donation goal and host a friendly competition between departments. You can also involve the community by inviting locals to drop off donations during business hours. Promote the drive on social media and local radio or TV stations to boost awareness.

Related: Donating Office Furniture: Tips for Office Managers

2. Volunteer days

Planning a few group volunteering activities every year could double as a team-building opportunity and a way to give back. Ask employees to suggest local organizations, and try to choose opportunities that appeal to the majority. If your budget and schedule allow, take a day off as a group and volunteer on-site. It’s an opportunity for employees to interact directly with the community, while creating a positive business reputation.

If your organization can’t support a company-wide volunteer day, consider giving team members one paid day off yearly to volunteer at an organization of their choice. This is a great option for companies with remote workers or industries where employees can’t easily adjust their schedules to volunteer at the same time.

Related: How and Why to Encourage Employee Volunteerism

3. Blood drives

You can help employees conveniently donate by hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross. As a host, your business provides the location and recruits donors. The Red Cross offers planning support, schedules a mobile donation van and provides trained staff and supplies. Some blood centers also offer perks, such as a small gift card or a T-shirt to anyone who donates.

Volunteers are essential to the success of a blood drive. Invite employees at nearby businesses to participate. Share the details on your social media pages and use public service announcements to garner community support.

4. Partnerships with other entrepreneurs

Consider promoting local entrepreneurs by partnering with small businesses to meet your company’s needs. You might try:

• Using local suppliers for materials and equipment
• Hiring family-owned restaurants for catering
• Buying office decor from local artisans

You might support the next generation of business owners by offering internships to local college students or mentorship to new entrepreneurs. Your insights can help contribute to their professional development and inspire them to pursue their passions.

Related: Tips for Hiring Interns for Your Small Business

5. Sponsorships

Community organizations always look for companies to sponsor events and everyday operations. These sponsorships enable you to support valuable community programs while spreading awareness for the business. In return for your contribution, organizations typically print your logo on marketing materials and make a thank-you announcement during the event.

To become a sponsor, you could donate cash for supplies or space. For example, you could sponsor a sports team by paying for their equipment. You can also take over an aspect of planning, such as marketing or producing promotional content.

Every area has community groups in need of sponsorship, including:

• Community theaters
• Environmental organizations
• Elementary and high school clubs
• Planning committees for community festivals

To make your donation feel more personal and meaningful, ask your employees to recommend organizations that are important to them.

6. Pro bono work

Completing projects for free is a way of giving back to the community without directly spending money. Designate a small amount of time each week or month to provide free products or services to community members. Here are some examples of helpful services companies can offer:

• A local restaurant can provide a regular free breakfast to serve the local homeless population.
• An accounting firm can host a tax workshop at the local library.
• A marketing company can design flyers for a local nonprofit organization.

FAQs about businesses giving back to the community

Here are common questions about giving back to the community as a company.

What are creative ways your business can publicize its community involvement?

Your business can share the ways it gives back to the community using a blend of digital and traditional channels, including:

• Posting on social media
• Sending press releases to local media contacts
• Including a blurb in your email newsletter
• Putting up flyers on bulletin boards around town
• Adding a banner to your company website
• Buying ad space in a local newspaper

What should companies consider before starting a pro bono program?

Before starting a pro bono program, your company should decide how much it can afford to donate in terms of time and money. Assess employees’ interest, and work with them to determine the number of hours they can give each week or month without sacrificing performance. Once you have a team of volunteers on board, set clear expectations with the team and the organization or people you’re serving.

How can a remote business give back to communities?

Remote businesses can give back to the community with acts of service that don’t require a physical presence. You could donate money or supplies or host an online fundraiser. Another option is to donate your time and services virtually by designing websites, scheduling social media posts or handling other tasks that can be done remotely.