The holiday season is well underway, which means it’s also a great time for a business to consider giving back, whether it’s to your community, employees or customers (or all three!).
As a business owner, you’ve worked hard to establish a solid reputation, and this is a great way to help foster trust and generosity. You likely rely on community support to keep your company successful, so why wouldn’t you want to give back to the community that helps your organization? It’s also a great way to boost employee morale and customer loyalty, as well as give their jobs special meaning. What better way to deepen a great sense of purpose in your business and foster workplace pride.
So, even if you don’t have a large budget for cash donations to a favorite charity, learn more below about how your business can give back.
Community Involvement
Community Partnerships
Sponsor local events, sports teams or community initiatives. Organizations are always looking for business sponsors; this will enable you to support valuable community programs, while spreading awareness for your company. You could donate cash for the event, space for the event to take place, or sponsor a sports team by paying for their equipment. You could also ask employees to recommend organizations that are important to them in order to make your sponsorship feel more personal and meaningful.
Discounted Products or Services
Offer discounted items to specific community groups. The hard-working members of your community deserve a little gratitude once in a while for the positive impact they make each and every day. Local nonprofits and service professionals (such as doctors, EMTs, veterans, teachers, police officers, firefighters, etc.) could always use an extra thank you. You could also offer discounts for customers’ birthdays or by signing them up for loyalty rewards.
Shop Locally
When it comes time to get your employees holiday presents, think local! Instead of handing out gift cards to big box stores, buy presents from small businesses in your community. What a great way to support local business!
Employee Involvement
Volunteer Days
Provide your employees with paid time off for them to find a local charity they would like to support and volunteer their time. You can also host a company-wide day of service by having everyone take the day off to volunteer for a specific opportunity. Whether it be planting trees, cleaning up a public space, or taking food to a local food bank or homeless shelter, it’s a great way to get everyone involved and establish a strong connection in your community.
Direct Donations
Offer matching donations up to a certain amount when employees donate to company-chosen charities. Some businesses offer direct donations from employees from each pay period that go directly to the charity from payroll. This could be offered during the benefit sign-up period, and you can also offer prizes and incentives for your team to sign up to make fun, as well.
Blood Drives
Offer employees who are willing and able an opportunity to give blood by setting up a company-wide blood donation event. Blood is an essential component for everything from natural disasters to chronic disease treatment. Blood donation is always down around the holiday season, so this is a great way to give back. Just remember not everyone may be able to give blood, but volunteers are also essential to the success. What a great way to get everyone involved in some capacity!
Donation Drives
This is a great way to partner employee and community organizations. Something like doing a meal donation is a great way to give back, while involving your employees. Have regularly catered lunches? Consider donating those meals to local food banks instead for the holiday season for those who are in need.
Hold regular donations at work and encourage employees to donate extra canned food, clothing or books to people in need. Partnering with local food banks, women’s shelters or charities can help to create a sense of pride and camaraderie amongst your team.You can also get your community involved by inviting locals to drop off donations during business hours at your location. This is a great way to boost awareness for your business while helping those in need.
Customer Involvement
Customer “Give-Back”
When you are selling different products, incorporate a “give back” element into your sales. This could happen by donating a portion of each purchase back to a certain charity. You could also run promotional campaigns for a percentage of monthly sales of a certain product to support a local cause. Every month this charity could change based on customer feedback and what may be important in your local community.
Customers will see your business as more than just a place to buy what they need. They will see you going the extra mile for community members!
Giving back is a great way to celebrate the holiday season! But, make sure the causes and charities you do support align your company’s mission and values and that the non-profits you collaborate with are reputable. You will also want to be transparent with employees and customers about your giving efforts. Finally, track the results of your giving initiatives to assess their effectiveness and let your strategic partners know how successful you have been!
By giving back to your local community, you deepen this sense of connection and make a difference in other people’s lives. Giving back demonstrates how much you care about your customers and community. Happy holidays!