Regards and best,  

 

With a continued strong economy, more companies are engaging in various forms of strategic philanthropy to help their community and enhance their market reputation.  This strategy is not about disguising self-serving activities under a veil of good intentions or to merely sell products.  It's about showing consumers that your company cares about its community.

 

Recent research by Fortune Magazine has shed new light on the growing support from companies who are finding that promoting the "greater good" is actually also good for their bottom lines. Today, they have come to recognize that giving to important causes reflects well on their brands.

 

Other smaller businesses with a regional footprint are also deeply involved in promoting the growth of important causes, with notable examples that include:

Westchester Bank  -  This regional financial services company supports a wide range of charitable causes, ranging from the March of Dimes March for Babies to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Their CEO, John Tolomer, is one of the most visible figures in the Westchester area, and their commitment to area causes is an important part of their strategy to support the community and offer services as a community bank. 

Robison Oil - T his company, owned and operated by the Singer family, has sponsored and supported cause organizations for decades. Some recent examples include the  Westchester Association of Development Officers, and the Original Energy Shine a Light on Veterans  project that offers area municipalities the opportunity to install LED lighting at Veterans memorial sites at no cost.

The importance of giving and sponsorship have evolved into "strategic philanthropy" as companies large and small demonstrate their support and provide a higher profile for their business at the same time.

 

With the growing pressures on governments and the private sector to cut back on spending, business leaders are filling the void, and they are finding that their efforts have helped them grow their market share through positive PR. 

 

HRG recommends businesses and nonprofit come together and consider what we have found to be best practices in developing a mutually beneficial relationship:

 

Establish a true partnership of equals - it is very important for each entity to approach the relationship openly, and pursue it based upon  complementary interests and shared goals. Many companies find that it is more rewarding and fulfilling to participate in their efforts as well as sponsoring it.

 

Think small - Research organizations in your community where smaller donations and limited resources can have a big impact. Support a new project or nonprofit group , and you will notice how your contributions make a tangible, visible and measurable difference.

 

Align with your business mission - Your sponsorship should be linked to your overall market strategy , and leverage your products, services, and areas of expertise to support your cause.

 

Lead by example - Setting up a charity or volunteering demonstrates to your employees that your company is visibly connected with your community.  

 

Get the Word Out! - Most nonprofits have limited PR experience or resources, and they need outside help. Promote your charitable activities in your newsletters, social media, and website.The people in your community should know about your partnership and how you are working together to improve it.