For charities the case for encouraging business to develop their corporate social responsibility is clear; building positive relationships with companies can not only lead to increased revenue, but also boost volunteering and offer expert professional support.
Corporate fundraisers invest time into building relationships and offering long term, bespoke opportunities for their business supporters but why should businesses, whether large or small, consider working alongside a charity?
- Attract and retain engaged and productive employees
According the Forbes nearly 60% of employees who are proud of their company’s social responsibly are engaged at their jobs. Volunteering or skills-sharing with not-for profit organisations give your employees unique opportunities for working and learning. In addition to widening their skill sets they feel included and so team building is improved by having a common goal.
- Builds brand value reputation
Positive CSR help improve your business’ public image and relationship with customers. CSR is most valuable when it is at the heart of business activity, when customers can see that your business genuinely care for the local community or a chosen cause. Consumers will actively support businesses that are socially and environmentally responsible and according to a Nielson survey would be willing to pay more for products and services from these companies.
- Increased media coverage
Working hand in hand with your chosen charity and having a firm CSR programme can increase coverage in both traditional print and digital media. Strong stories built around the impact of the relationship are more likely to secure editorial content than a piece that solely pushes your company. Charity supporters will also take to social media to talk about events giving your business for more engagement across a wider audience.
Working with a not-for profit partner or charity is about building partnerships, for both parities. Putting in the time to understand each other needs will reap rewards in the long term. Key to this will be the bespoke nature of each partnership, a clear plan of action, consistent execution and evaluation of the project or campaign.
