Giving back to the community, as a corporate entity, is not a new concept. Philanthropy and business have gone hand-in-hand for decades. These days, though—with innovation reaching new highs every day—it’s no surprise that business owners need to step up their “giving game,” and expand their creativity.
Contributing to the community that supports you is a vital aspect of owning a well-run enterprise. That said, it’s not “above and beyond”; it’s expected. The real trick is to figure out new ways to give back creatively, and become a donating trendsetter. Why? It’s just another way to get your “-est” across (i.e. what you’re best at).
Turns out, however, that it isn’t “giving” that’s a trend…
but, rather, “how” a company chooses to give. Businesses are finding new and resourceful ways to give back to their communities…and, at the same time, are partnering with other organizations that have similar initiatives.
I personally participate in Stand Up For The Cure, and have watched that charity explode in popularity (specifically because of its uniqueness). Our agency (my day job is at ohso! design) has committed more time every year to creative growth of this event. If you feel a hankering, sign up or donate through CrowdRise.
Likewise, look at the awesome things that Amazon.com is doing. Amazon Smile allows you to keep on making the purchases you were going to make anyway except, through their portal, a percentage of your purchase gets donated to the charity of your choice.
Forget the “10% back” philosophy. Instead, seek out innovative ways to donate time or resources to projects in your local community.
Meanwhile, let us follow the advice of the Buddha: “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of that candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
So, I’m curious… How do you creatively give back through your business?
