Give Generously, Reap Rewards
Building profits is important for business, but just as important is being a good corporate citizen. Employees, too, can contribute to the goodwill generated for a business. Allowing time for employees to participate in community-centered projects with their time, energy, talents and monetary gifts promotes goodwill and creates good publicity.
In addition to direct giving, businesses can gain benefits by supporting local or national charities. When you contribute to a charity, you and your company make a social investment. Evaluate the effectiveness of your donation on both the charity’s mission and your company’s corporate citizenship program mission.
If you choose this route, evaluate the options and ensure the charity is reputable. Evaluate charities to determine that they are legitimate, as verified by the available watchdogs, and ethical. Incorporate questions and impose requirements to ensure your “donor rights” are a priority with the charity, as shown here:
Donor Bill of Rights
To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way it intends to use your grant and its capacity to do so effectively
To be informed of who serves on its board and their areas of expertise
To have access to its most recent financial statements
To be assured that your grant will be used for the purpose for which it was made
To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition
To be assured that information will be handled respectfully and confidentially within the law
To expect that representatives of the organization will act professionally
To be informed whether grant seekers are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors
To have the opportunity to be removed from shared mailing lists
To feel free to ask questions when making a grant and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers
The well-being of business is directly related to the well-being of society. Healthy businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities in which they’re located, and to society as a whole. Leaders that build operating principles around a business philosophy or moral vision that views employee well-being, environmental stewardship and community welfare as critical to success develop a long-range view of their company’s position.
What are you doing to promote goodwill in your community? Please share your thoughts.
