7 ways your business can give back
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7 Ways Your Business Can Give Back
Helping those less fortunate is good for your community and your business — 82% of U.S.
consumers consider corporate social responsibility when deciding where to spend their money.
Take a look at these seven ideas for how your business can give back, and get inspired by
businesses that are doing it right.
01. Think Beyond the Cash
You don’t have to write a check to be philanthropic. Donate your time, services or unused items to make a difference.
SMALL BIZ DOING IT RIGHT:Each year, Anton’s Cleaners hosts Coats for Kids
and Belle of the Ball to collect, clean and distribute
outerwear and prom dresses to those in need.
They’ve donated $12 million in cleaning services
since 1994.
02. Provide Jobs to Community MembersGive back to your community by providing jobs to people who aren’t able to find a job because of a barrier to employment. You’ll not only grow your business but also your local economy.
SMALL BIZ DOING IT RIGHT: When Rebecca Smith’s family moved to a low-income area of Detroit
and her business was expanding, she realized there were a number
of people in her community that Better Life Bags (BLB) could help.
Today, Smith employs women who have difficulty gaining
employment due to restraints such as language or the need to work
from home.
03. Host a Special Event
Plan a unique community event with your team members, and donate all or a portion of the event’s proceeds to a cause close to your business.
SMALL BIZ DOING IT RIGHT:The Pizzeria holds an annual fundraiser called "The
Pizzeria Cares," donating 100% of the proceeds from one
night’s pizza sales to a scholarship fund at a local college.
04. Choose Vendors Who Care
Make a difference by selecting vendors who have goals similar to those of your business, such as sustainability or ties to the community.
SMALL BIZ DOING IT RIGHT: Route is an e-commerce store that aims to make the
world a better place by selling products that are sourced
using ethical and responsible methods. The founders
chose to open their business to support the
positive work of vendors who create sustainable
products and provide safe working conditions for their
employees.
05. Bring Your Team Together
Philanthropic work can help you feel closer to a cause and closer to your team. Choose a charity that everyone on your staff is passionate about, and work together to make a difference.
SMALL BIZ DOING IT RIGHT:Working with their local school system, the owners of Ollie’s
Restaurant launched Dinners For Kids, which provides fresh,
balanced dinners to children year-round. The entire staff at Ollie’s
is involved: The chef prepares the dinners, and staff members
assemble boxes for drivers to deliver.
06. Create or Donate to an Educational FoundationIf your industry is very specialized, consider creating or donating to an educational foundation connected to your business. Giving back through knowledge and scholarships will help you leave a lasting impact on a number of people’s lives.
SMALL BIZ DOING IT RIGHT: Devon Fine Jewelry owner Nancy Schuring flew to Madagascar
to see where the gems she sells were mined. When she saw the
poverty that surrounded the area, she was inspired to start The Devon Foundation, which provides scholarships to students
in Madagascar who want to study gemology.
07. Make Your Customers Part of the Process
Create a buy-one-give-one model for your products, so that customers can feel good about purchasing your products.
SMALL BIZ DOING IT RIGHT:With the help of his mom, 7-year-old David Holdridge launched
Happy Blankie with the philosophy of “one to love, one to give.”
For every blanket purchased, Happy Blankie donates one
blanket to a children’s hospital or orphanage.
Advice Action InspirationBefore you give money directly to a charity, visit CharityNavigator.org to confirm its nonprofit status and ensure that your donation will be tax deductible.
Choose a cause you feel passionate about and that connects back to your brand.
“The highest use of capital is not to make more money but to make money to do more for the betterment of life.” — Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company
For more tips on buildinga strong brand, visit the
Staples Small Business Hub.