Corporate Philanthropy and Breakfast with Mom

When we’re together I always ask each of my young adult sons to breakfast, one-on-one. Since I’m paying, they always order the works–which is good. It gives us more time to be together. My goal is to close the distance that’s come between our lives since they lived at home. I also want to catch up, offer advice (if sought–yes!), explore their goals, heartaches, and fears, and to have fun.   

We are people who can have and achieve several goals at once, at one breakfast. Likewise, we can achieve multiple goals in our partnerships with nonprofits.

Your main corporate philanthropy goal may be the joy of giving. You can also:  

• Help the nonprofit to obtain maximum value from your gifts.
• Collect fresh market data.
• Improve the community by participating in collective action.
• Keep your business in people’s minds.
• Introduce your work to potential customers.  
• Link your firm with good causes.
• Model social responsibility to inspire others.
• Stimulate employee and customer loyalty.
• Improve your skills.
• Enhance your future business climate, etc.  

None of these goals are mutually exclusive. Corporate philanthropy usually offers the joy of giving plus other benefits. When you achieve more with your gifts, you’ll be seen as both smart and generous.

Why does your business give? What else do you hope to achieve? Set your goals. Ask for the works.