We live in a world where sustainability, human rights, and social justice have a significant impact on the way people shop. If a company isn’t prioritizing the environment, employee satisfaction, and giving back, they may soon find themselves losing customers. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the idea that businesses should contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way. Both employees and customers want to support and work for a company that actually cares.
As a small shop owner, choosing a non-profit to support can help you stand out in a world where a simple Google search brings up hundreds, if not thousands, of similar products. More than that, giving back is fun, feels good, and sets a wonderful example for your family and the community.
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Why You Should Support Non-Profit Organizations
You’re a business owner, which means you’ve got a lot on your plate. Trust us, we know! So why should you add one more thing to your to-do list? Supporting your favorite non-profit organization has many benefits that will help you out in the long run.
It gives your business a clear sense of purpose and motivation.
Small business owners are dreamers. You envisioned a better way to do something, and you work hard to bring that vision to life. A lot of times, it often ends up benefitting the community as well. If you can be even more intentional and choose to support a specific cause, that would be even more amazing.
Choose a mission that’s close to your heart: supporting the community you grew up in, providing a better future for children in need, or promoting environmental sustainability. This will give you a clear sense of purpose and motivate you to achieve your business goals.
When choosing a non-profit to support, pick a cause that’s close to your heart
Build a better relationship with your team and your audience.
Many people prefer to support small shops that give back to their communities. Backing charitable programs instantly connects you to other people who value the same things that you do. As a company, being able to actively give back and contribute will also do wonders in building team chemistry. Supporting non-profits is a simple way to improve company morale and grow your customer base.
Giving back and paying it forward.
It feels good to give back and to know that you’re putting some good out into the world-- for business owners, employees, and customers supporting those companies. Whether you donate your money, time, or influence, volunteering has benefits not only for your business but for your physical and mental health!
Attract customers that share the same values.
By voicing your support of certain non-profits, you’re attracting like-minded individuals that share the same values. This is a great way to surround yourself with the kind of people you genuinely want to spend time with!
Volunteer work is not just good for your community, but for your mental and emotional health too!
Building a network of communities that do good.
Making a difference starts with one person. By setting a positive example, you can quickly create a network of change within your community.
How You Can Show Your Support
You’ve decided to support non-profits, but how? We’ve got a few ways to get the ball rolling when it comes to social responsibility.
- You can start by giving a small percentage of your sales to a non-profit. It adds up!
- Sponsoring a community in need is one way to get involved. Read more about why we chose to give back to youth in Rwanda.
- Sponsor or co-sponsor fundraising events or charity sales to raise charitable donations. There are a ton of fun ideas out there to make it an event to remember.
- A simple way to increase involvement is to match your employees’ or customers’ donations.
- Depending on your business, you can offer your services to non-profits who need them the most. Most charitable institutions are always on the hunt for businesses willing to lend a hand.
- Similarly, you can donate your products to communities or non-profits that need them.
- Encourage employees to volunteer their time and skills. Doing so improves workplace culture and boosts positivity.
One way to show support is by donating your products to communities or non-profits that need them.
Best Non-Profits That Support Families & Children
Under His Umbrella
Our baby brand, Nightingale, supports Under His Umbrella, which was started by Scott and Tanya, a married couple who felt called to raise funds to build a school in Rwanda. Today, the non-profit protects these children from child labor and provides them with access to education, nutritious meals, and a safe space. Like us, you can sponsor a Rwandan child for $35/month, which covers bible teaching, tuition fees, uniforms, shoes, school supplies, school upkeep, and more.
Our team at Nightingale sponsors food for children in Rwanda (📷 from Under His Umbrella)
Unbound
Unbound supports families living in poverty so that they can become self-sufficient. You can choose to sponsor a child or adult of any age for an automatic donation of $40/month. This financial assistance funds the support of a local staff member. They help provide nutrition, health care, education and training, improved living conditions, and more.
Unbound sponsor families living in the margins of society (📷 by Unbound)
Best Non-Profits That Support Women
RevolutionHER
Women empowerment? Yes, please! RevolutionHER supports women by providing education, inspiring events, mentorship, and the kind of inclusive community that most women are looking for. They work directly with Momentum, which has created a grant program for female entrepreneurs to promote equality.
RevolutionHER supports women by providing education and mentorship.
Best Non-Profits That Support the Environment & Animals
1% for the Planet
Choose a business membership to help tackle the most important environmental issues we’re collectively facing. You can choose from one of 4,000 environmental organizations to donate 1% (or more!) of your annual sales. Rest assured, these are non-profits that will help make the world a better place for future generations.
Donate 1% of your sales to any of the 4,000 non-profit organizations under 1% for the Planet (📷 from 1% for the Planet Facebook)
Best Non-Profits That Support Basic Needs
Charity: Water
Their purpose is simple but possibly the most important: bring clean and safe water to people around the world. 100% of your donation funds water projects, and just $40/month can give 12 people clean water.
📷 by Charity Water
Feeding America
As many as 38 million people in America go hungry, with 12 million being children. You can help end hunger in this country by making a one-time donation, monthly donation, hosting a fundraiser, or directly serving your community. Make a company-wide goal to encourage employee engagement.
Feeding America gives 38 million hungry Americans access to food (📷 by Feeding America)
Giving Back As a Small Shop Owner
By developing a socially responsible business model, you’re getting involved in your community in a way that makes you, your customers, and your employees feel good. When you find a cause that you’re passionate about, you can contribute to society and connect with other people with similar values. We all want to support and work for a company that’s in it for more than profit, which in turn, will help with your business success. Start small, maybe even with the end goal of creating a sustainable CSR program.
Check out this guide to deducting charitable donations when it comes time to file your business tax returns!
