As I continue working with non-profits, I’m finding that more and more companies are looking for simple and cost effective ways to become socially responsible. Companies such as TOMS, Warby Parker, and the Honest Company are leading social responsibility efforts. Becoming a socially responsible company can be cost effective and simple. Here are 7 ways that you can quickly become socially responsible.
Donate Proceeds from a Sale
If your company sells products or services, you can have a day or weekly sale on specific items where a percentage of the proceeds are donated to a local charity. This is a great way to get publicity on a rarely used service or to liquidate clearance or over stocked items.
Create a Product Where Sales Benefit a Charity
Gap has had a huge success with their RED line of clothing in which they give 50% of their proceeds to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. I have friends who would shop at GAP just to support the RED line. If you are a small company you can create one or two products that will benefit a charity.
Allow Employees to Donate Their Time
Give you employees one full or half paid day off a month to volunteer at a charity of their choice. You can even suggest that full departments take a day off to donate their time. Charity work is also an excellent team building strategy.
Create a Fundraiser
Start a yearly event such as a marathon, silent auction, or gala. Many events don’t cost much to produce and you will be able to find sponsors to offset the involved costs. Like any event, it will take a lot of planning to make it successful.
Sponsor a Fundraiser
There are hundreds of fundraisers taking place every day. Once a year, twice a year, or every month donate to a fundraiser. Choose fundraisers that employees want to support and purchase tickets to the events for their family or friends. This will keep morale up in your company while you support a good cause.
Donate Products or Services
Donate a portion of your products or your services to help a charity. There are numerous charities that specialize in giving out food, electronics, clothes, etc. Find the one that will best use your products or services. For example, if you sell office furniture, donate chairs to the office staff.
Pool Money to Support a Charity
Once a week you can ask your co-workers to donate a few dollars towards a cause. You can make Friday a casual work day and those who participate donate a dollar or two towards a fund. At the end of the month or quarter, the money is donated to a charity.
Takeaway
There are thousands of ways to positively influence your community. Hopefully, these 7 simple ideas will get you started brainstorming on how your company can become more socially responsible. The time and money will be well spent to not only help support a good cause, but to gain a positive image within your community.
The above photo was taken from the CASA fundraiser event. Contact us to learn how we can help you plan your next charitable event.
