Photo credit: The Salvation Army in Kent County
For many companies, corporate success is defined by profit margins. For others, it’s measured by giving back to their community. And for some, it’s about both. Beyond the altruistic reasons, there are many benefits to corporate charitable giving.
Public image and brand loyalty
The marketplace for shoppers is very competitive. While some consumers prefer the lowest priced option, others are increasingly conscious of companies that demonstrate a commitment to social good. Many businesses may be unaware that when you give to local branches of national organizations, like The Salvation Army in Kent County, your money goes to help individuals in your area. With a corporate gift, a company can improve their public image and increase brand loyalty while helping to improve their community.
Employee engagement and retention
By supporting local non-profits, employers can also provide meaningful volunteer opportunities. Employees, particularly those of the younger generations, prefer to work for companies with a strong sense of purpose and social consciousness. This can strengthen employee engagement, improve morale and increase employee retention.
There are key points to consider when selecting a non-profit to support, and funds used to help those in need locally is among the top reason for some businesses. “We look for many things in the organizations we support and chief among them are integrity, providing people with a hand up instead of a handout, and addressing unmet human need. The Salvation Army meets all these criteria, and we’re honored and pleased to be in a position to offer them assistance.” said Lynn Afendoulis, UFP Industries Foundation.
We look for many things in the organizations we support and chief among them are integrity, providing people with a hand up instead of a handout, and addressing unmet human need. The Salvation Army meets all these criteria, and we’re honored and pleased to be in a position to offer them assistance.”
– Lynn Afendoulis, UFP Industries Foundation
“Our family and my company, now doing business as InfiniDrive Motor Manufacturing, have been blessed in so many ways,” said David Hathaway, Senior VP. “Accordingly, we feel compelled and honored to share our blessings with other in our community, but particularly The Salvation Army in Kent County, which continues to give so much in His name to those in need in our community without discrimination.”
“Our programs were created specifically to meet the needs in Kent County,” said Major Tim Meyer, Grand Valley Area Commander with The Salvation Army. “We have numerous programs that operate year-round which help thousands of families. We provide housing and utility assistance, address substance use disorders and addictions, and we are the only food pantry in Kent County operating five days a week. The Salvation Army focuses on ‘Doing the Most Good’, which is why we offer different programs to meet the needs of each community in which we are based.”
Simply put, corporate social responsibility is not mandatory, but it does show its customer base and employees that it cares about people and the community.
Whether it’s a corporate or year-end gift, sponsoring a special fund-raising or assistance event, an in-kind donation or volunteering, together we can all make a difference.
To learn more, go to sakentcounty.org or contact us for a meeting or a tour to learn more about how we can help.
