Does your company support community programs, social initiatives or other charitable endeavors? If not, why not?
You might not immediately consider it, but companies that help others also realize business benefits as a result.
There are many executives who make charitable giving a top priority. One of them is philanthropist Thomas Kane, a Chicago wealth manager who believes strongly in sharing his own resources. He’s been doing this for years and continues to identify new opportunities for providing much-needed help.
You don’t have to be a corporate executive, though, to make a difference. There are myriad ways to support your community, and many of them can be found right outside your door; for example, participating in a charity sporting event, organizing a community garden or supporting a local research hospital.
Supporting your community is good business. Here’s why.
It helps you build relationships:
Supporting community needs exposes you to lots of people. It’s always good to make new friends and business contacts. Often in community settings, when there’s a need to be addressed, community leaders come together to develop a solution. There are almost always people who, like you, appreciate what the community offers. When you sit around that table or write a check to help, you’re not only doing good, but you’re also expanding your network.
It makes the community more vibrant:
Your contributions, whether financial, voluntary or otherwise, will be appreciated. More than that, though, you’ll further solidify your reputation as a good community member, one who cares about enhancing it. If you live and work there, consider it your responsibility to make it an enjoyable, healthy and vibrant place for your neighbors.
You’ll inspire your employees:
How about team work? When charitable giving turns into teamwork rather than individuality,it becomes a group effort with one overarching goal. Let your employees know how important it is to give back and encourage them to do the same. Identify a need, form an in-house team and go to work. Together everyone can move mountains.
Building business:
When you take an active role in helping your community, your company can’t help but get noticed and, often, respected. Your neighbors will realize that your business has a strong value system in place and truly walks the talk. In addition, many people actively seek to do business with companies that operate under a strong code of ethics. Don’t be surprised in your charitable and community work helps build your bottom line.
Unnati Vaidya
Unnati Vaidya is a freelancer Content Writer and SEO generalist. She is an enthusiastic reader of Novels and a big fan of watching Sci-fi movies and seasons!