Giving is Good Business

People are often surprised to learn that a substantial portion of our business comes from corporate giving. “Isn’t that a contradiction?” they wonder. “Isn’t a business supposed to maximize profits at all costs?”

The answer is that business, like life, is complex. People like to do business with those who share their values. Communities support companies which support them. Employees work harder when they feel they are serving a greater purpose. Socially responsible corporations frequently see an increase in both income and productivity.

It’s not all roses in corporate-giving-land, though. One program you’ll commonly hear of is a “Community Service Day” where employees all take a paid day together, giving their time to a community project. With the exception, perhaps, of cleaning a stretch of beach or a park, these events often result in a lot of people milling about, accomplishing little. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you give, well, bucks.

Matching gifts & fundraising match programs are a better choice, as are volunteer grants (“dollars-for-doers” programs where a single volunteer gives many hours over time, playing a more fixed and valuable role in the non-profit organization.) These programs reward employee involvement in the NPO, giving of time and funds, and encourage employee satisfaction in the workplace.

Corporate grants are a powerful way to establish a business’s values; by financing initiatives in health, education, or the arts. Grants can definitely improve public perception of a company but need to be handled delicately to simultaneously get the word out while overcoming skepticism.

Furthermore, a corporation’s directors must choose the recipient carefully. After all, their reputation is on the line. If the charity later proves bogus, or ineffective, the entire operation can backfire.

Obviously, those are two areas where we can help.

We have other programs to suggest for socially conscious corporations and venture capitalists but that information is proprietary, not for the web. We’ve invested not only our time but also time with financial and legal professionals to develop the plans. If you would like your business to do good, give us a call at 972-50-240-5332. We can help you help.