Unique Ways Your Business Can be Charitable in 2021

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Most people assume that giving back is a thing for big corporations only. The majority assume that since big businesses make big profits, it is easier for them to give back to society. While this is true to some degree, it does not mean that small and medium businesses cannot take a charitable cause as well.

More often than not, large organizations require the help of smaller businesses for them to better execute their works of charity. When members of the Forbes Business Development Council were asked to give ideas on how SMBs can be charitable within their communities, they came up with the following suggestions.

Making Your Donations Count

One of the ways through which small and medium businesses can give back to the community is by offering in-kind charity donations. Such donations can be given in the form of professional services, labor, or event space. Charities do not mind the form in which help is offered by well-wishers. Labor is one of the best ways to support charity.

Having A Strategic Approach

Small and medium businesses will have to take a strategic approach when it comes to philanthropy or corporate responsibility programs. You must see to it that the program you decide to take part in is authentic and maybe even relevant to your business. For example, if you own a car dealership, you can consider finding out how to donate a car to help those in need.

If you intend to market through your charitable cause, the programs need to be aligned with what your investors, employees, and customers expect from your company. For your charity marketing strategy to be impactful, it is important that you keep it clear and have measurable metrics. Empowering your employees to volunteer in the community is one of the best approaches.

Engaging in Team Building

Helping people or groups of individuals with strained relationships, be it business relationships or personal relationships, is another great way of being charitable. We have always heard that charity begins at home. Investing in team building within your business or company is a smart move. Team building serves to teach you and your team players the importance of healthy relationships and teamwork.

Thinking Locally

When you decide to take this approach, choose a local organization within your community and stick by it. You can decide to adopt a few families from your local Providence House. You can have your entire business staff bring something, no matter how little, or contribute for a bigger joint donation. It is advisable that you personally (your company/business) take your gifts to the Providence House and witness the impact you are making in your community. Thinking locally will benefit your community in great ways.

Offer Your Knowledge, Skills, and Time

There are numerous things you can offer to support a good charitable cause, but the top three on the list are money, knowledge, and time. If your business is relatively small and you cannot afford to donate large sums of money, you can make an impact in your community by donating expertise and time for a better cause.

You will not be surprised that charities might require your help in arranging fundraisers, on the board, or even creating awareness about their brand. These are somehow minor efforts compared to giving huge sums of money, but they will go a long way in supporting the charity organization. It is important to note that money is not the only way of giving back to the community. There are thousands of other means, just like there are a thousand ways to kill a rat – Just don’t burn the house.

Allowing Your Employees to Help on Company Time

As a small business, you can leverage the close-knit landscape of your team to create positive changes within your community. You can donate a part of your company time by allowing your employees to plan community or outreach initiatives. This sends a powerful message to your team and community at large that charity is an important aspect of a community and that everyone should embrace it. In turn, potential customers within your community will notice your business as you participate in charity, and they are likely to join your customer base. Charity is a win-win strategy.

Conclusion

It is obvious that small businesses can’t match the donations given by big corporations. However, small and medium businesses can take up a philanthropic mindset geared towards contributing and giving back in creative ways. If you deal in books, for instance, you can give back to your community by donating a small portion of your inventory to the nearby local school’s support program.