Corporate Citizenship - The Government Can't Do It All
The declining capacity of government has increased the necessity for private sector philanthropy in recent years. Corporate citizenship has long been a staple in the business plan of many large corporations. Today, the generosity of smaller, local business is defining the success of many nonprofit organizations and having significant impact on their ability to fulfill the needs of clients.
Charities look to local business for donations to support operating expense, to provide program funding, facilities upkeep and/or expansion, to sponsor fundraising events through cash or in-kind contributions. Even the smallest of businesses can support their favorite nonprofit organizations through donations of items and services for silent and live auctions that can significantly increase the net proceeds.
In addition, owners, managers and employees of these same companies also support the local nonprofit community through their personal philanthropy. These are the generous folks writing personal checks to support the causes they care about, buying the special event tickets, auction and raffle items and participating in the run and walk-a-thons.
Successful companies know that philanthropy is good for business. Reports indicate that customers prefer to do business with philanthropic companies and the best people prefer to work for the same.
However your company elects to conduct it's philanthropy--laser-light focused in one specific area, or more general appealing to broad interests of owners and employees, cash, in-kind, operating or program, JUST DO IT. (Nike, one of our country's most successful companies and a philanthropic leaders coined that!)
The collective impact will make a difference.
Gaining a higher return on your company’s charitable investments.
A Community Foundation is a cost-effective mechanism for matching local community needs to the charitable goals and interests of individuals, families and businesses.
The Foundation serves a wide range of community needs including Arts & Culture, Economic & Workforce Development, Education, Environmental & Historic Preservation, Health and Human Services.
