How To Create a Corporate Philanthropy Program

This world has many problems and so many people to help. So, as a large or small organization, how do you decide who to aid? You can’t help everyone and every cause, but you don’t want to cut everyone out completely. That philosophy wouldn’t prove good either, leaving you the scrooge of the year.

Part of taking the difficulty out of the situation is creating a corporate philanthropy program that suits you and your company’s goals. By understanding what you want to accomplish and what priorities you have, you could alleviate the tension and stress of saying yes or no to others. Gather together your board or most loyal employees and create a system that you feel good about. Be sure to complete the following three things in the process.

1. Reassess Your Mission Statement

When you created your business, what goals did you have? What was your mission in life and work? This saying should guide the decisions you make with both giving and growing your company. Pull it back out and reflect on it.

There is a benefit in corporate giving. Professional businessmen like David Johnson Cane Bay Partners understand that by helping others, you do good and add benefit to your company. The trick is to allow your mission goals to guide your other decisions. With your team, decide on what types of philanthropic efforts fit your objectives and mission. If someone doesn’t work with your current concept, it isn’t right for you. You could always lead them in a better direction.

2. Decide on How Much and What To Donate

You also need to set a limit on your cash donations. Speak with your financial advisor on what you have to offer and at what point you must say no. Make this number firm, and be transparent with your philanthropic team that your amount can’t change.

In addition, come up with ideas for how your employees and company could gift time and effort if money isn’t possible. Are you willing to serve at a soup kitchen one evening or weekend? Would you like to host a food bank fundraiser? Maybe you want to go out and help build homes? Think of things that permit staff to collaborate, do good deeds and make a difference, but that doesn’t always impact the bottom line. Commit to one or two as the company goals.

3. Come Up With a Formal Application Process

Put someone in charge of philanthropy. For a small business, this step could be one person. You may develop a team or allow HR to take over for a larger establishment. Be clear about who leads, and have that person create a formal document for others to fill out for donation approval. This process eliminates confusion and creates a tracking method. You could place it online to avoid too many calls or emails as well.

Prioritize giving, but do it with order and goals. When you know what you can do and what you want to do, the process may become more manageable.