Basics Corporate Giving We Are For Good Podcast

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Overview

Just when we thought we had Corporate American figured out, the world went and threw a global pandemic at us, and everything flowing from that experience has reshaped what we all know about corporate giving. Join us as Jon + Becky walk us through Back to Basics: Corporate Giving. We're talking through types of corporate philanthropy, CSR, reimagining corporate engagement and trends we see looming post-pandemic for employee-driven, socially-minded businesses. Spoiler: How you meaningfully partner with companies matters now more than ever.

Episode Transcript

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“Corporations are just different than individual donors. They have different motivations and things driving their decisions.”

— Jonathan McCoy, CFRE

Episode Overview

Where to start? Focus on values (2:00)
What is corporate giving? (3:00)
Overview of corporate social responsibility (3:30)
Key tips to level up your corporate giving (7:30)
Current trends in corporate giving (14:30)
It’s not what the for-profit can do for you, it’s what you can do for them (18:40)
The opportunities for these partnerships is immeasurable. Be strategic! (21:00)

Powerful quotes

“Corporations are just different than individual donors. They have different motivations and things driving their decisions.” -Jon

“We feel like this is a moment in time. It feels like social responsibility has become part of the fabric of every company moving forward.” -Jon

“Find alignment with the values that drive your organization.” -Jon

“Stakeholders are becoming as important as shareholders. Nonprofits have such an opportunity to pour into this movement to make smart alignments.” -Becky

“Companies need to figure out how the things solving the largest systemic problems in their communities can be poured into.” -Becky

“CSR is driving a lot of the conversations around corporate giving.” -Jon

“If you can understand where a corporation is heading, you can make a compelling case for how you can run alongside them.” -Jon

“A strong sense of purpose and a commitment to stakeholders helps a company connect more deeply to its customers and adjust to the changing demands of society. Ultimately, purpose is the engine of long-term profitability.”

— Larry Fink, CEO, BlackRock

Our Key Tips to level up your Corporate Giving

How do you define your values and align giving according to those values?

Companies all have their own unique values. How are they using their people and platform to advance these platforms? If you can figure this out and align it with your organization, you will be light years ahead.

View this as a partnership. Redefine your relationship.

With a partnership, there is expectation that both sides are looking to gain something. If you can come to the table as a partner, with things you are offering as an organization, you are better positioned to secure a gift.

Try to move away from traditional transactional asks.

This will be such a healthier conversation. Let them join you alongside your big vision.

Think about gift-in-kind opportunities.

Organizations will have some sort of asset that could help you over cash. Get creative!

Define your impact incredibly well.

If you can define the social impact of a gift, you will foster and steward that relationship so well.

Reminder: you are providing value back to them.

Remember the Benefits of Corporate Giving 👇

Builds positive work environment
Increased employee engagement
Positive Public Image
Enhanced Consumer Relationships

Current Corporate Giving Trends

Corporations are beginning to look at building year-long plans around giving
Foster authentic relationships with the right person at the company: community relations, CSR, corporate foundations.
Workplace giving is trending! Want tech or ways to involve their employees
Look for opportunities to partner with corporations rather than pitching
Messaging and marketing is key. How you position your need, your value and your impact, wrap story/visual round it.
Corporate social responsibility is exploding in our sector. Align now!