Local business leaders often face a steady stream of donation requests from non-profits—fundraisers, capital campaigns, auctions, volunteer days, and more. It can feel overwhelming. How can small business owners continue to give their money, goods, and time while still running a profitable operation?
Many business owners who transition from other sectors, including the non-profit world, quickly realize the challenge. Balancing a desire to support community initiatives with limited resources can feel daunting, yet finding a way to contribute is possible and rewarding.
How Businesses Can Give Back
Some businesses operate on a seasonal cycle, allowing them to be strategic about when and how they give. During slower months, volunteering can become a priority. Volunteering not only provides hands-on support to local non-profits but also builds team morale, strengthens relationships, and deepens connections to the community. Staff members often gain insight into local issues, discover new partnerships, and develop a stronger sense of purpose in their work.
During busy periods, businesses can shift their focus to financial contributions. To make the process inclusive and intentional, some companies include donation requests on staff meeting agendas. This approach gives employees a voice in deciding which causes to support and ensures giving aligns with shared values.
Community foundations, such as the Northshore Community Foundation, can help match businesses with non-profits that align with their mission. Online tools like Candid.org also offer valuable information about non-profit financials, programs, and impact areas.
Why Giving Back Matters
Business success isn’t just measured in revenue; it’s measured in impact. Sharing time, talent, and treasure with local non-profits can boost employee morale, foster pride, and create joy within the workplace. Supporting non-profits isn’t just good for the community, it’s good for business. It builds brand loyalty, strengthens reputation, and connects businesses with customers who value social responsibility. It also creates opportunities for collaboration, networking, and innovation that might not arise through traditional business activities.
A Call to Action
Local business owners are encouraged to rethink donation requests, viewing them as opportunities rather than burdens. Saying yes doesn’t require giving everything; even a few volunteer hours, a modest donation, or simply sharing a non-profit’s message on social media can make a meaningful difference.
Giving back isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s a smart, strategic, and deeply rewarding part of doing business. Let’s embrace it.
(An informative article from the Chamber’s Small Business Council member Jamie Andrepont, owner of AFX Pro.)