There
are few satisfactions in life that can match the feeling of helping to make the
world a better place. And while there are many ways to accomplish this, ranging
from modest to ambitious, supporting a cause you believe in can bring a
tremendous sense of fulfillment, in addition to improving the lives of others.
But that’s not all—involvement with charitable work can be a boon for your
business too.
Read on to find out
why.
1. Goodwill. Which business would you rather patronize and support: one that
participates in community-building projects, sponsors events and fundraisers,
and sends volunteers to help out—or one that does none of those things? All
else being equal, most people would choose the former. By showing an enthusiasm
for helping and giving back, you demonstrate that you are invested in the
success and welfare of the community. This will not go unnoticed or
unappreciated by local residents, and may help to secure and expand a loyal
customer base.
2. Networking. Advertising and marketing have certainly evolved over the decades,
but few offer better results than does the oldest medium around: word-of-mouth.
Volunteerism is a great way to spend time with like-minded people, many of whom
may be able to offer referrals, or become prospective clients themselves. There
is also some overlap with item 1.
(above): the more you show enthusiasm for assisting and empowering others, the
more likely they will be to do the same for you.
While devoting your
time to a worthy cause, keep your eyes open for talented and proficient
volunteers. Charity events are a great way to meet skilled, ambitious
professionals who care deeply about the health of their communities, and are
comfortable with both individual tasks and teamwork. These are qualities that
typify excellent colleagues and employees too.
3. Association with reputable
causes. Again, this point partially ties into items
1. and 2., respectively. A
business that associates itself with well-regarded causes is likely to attract
clients and customers with shared values. Furthermore, organizations will often
show appreciation for the support of their donors by mentioning the names of
those benefactors at their events.
4. Employee morale. Some companies earmark a few hours of each week for employee
volunteerism, and (in the case of a team-oriented project) allow employees to
vote on which charity or non-profit organization they would prefer to serve.
Not only will this enhance the perception of your workers toward their
employer, it also has the potential to attract new, community-oriented
prospective employees to your business.
5. Tax deductions. In many jurisdictions (including Canadian provinces), funds donated
to charity by individuals and businesses may be eligible for tax breaks. If you
host a fundraising event, and cover the cost of meals or other expenses for
that event, those costs can also be written off in some cases. Make sure to
obtain and hold onto all receipts!
6.
Personal growth. Charity work can be an
enriching experience for you as an individual as well. You’ll have the
opportunity to hone a wide range of skills, and undertake duties that would not
normally be part of your day job. By helping those less fortunate than
yourself, you’ll be reminded that your own challenges, important though they
may be, pale in comparison to the problems other people face—and we could all
use a bit of perspective sometimes. You may even be inspired by individuals who
have dealt with tragedy, confronted significant obstacles, and succeeded at
overcoming long odds in life.
