A Guide To Giving Back To The Community

It's hard to open your news feed without seeing the latest mega-donation by a huge company intent on showing they care. But for businesses that can't reach into their wallets, there are still ways to make meaningful impacts in your community.

Giving back to the customers that have supported you can make even more of a difference now and there are plenty of ways to affect change without writing a check.

Here are a few tips to guide your company as you determine the best ways to give back.

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Start with your employees. Ask them where they want to put their energy and what causes are meaningful to them.

If you still need more sources, take a close look at the local news and social media to see where people are in need at the moment.

In many recent cases, food banks have been running low due to the spike of unemployment and are in need of non-perishable food donations. First responders working around the clock to ensure the community is healthy, have been low on essential supplies.

Understanding the dynamics of your community and the passions of your team - especially in light of crises - can help identify where your company can best support your community’s needs.

Now that you know where to focus your efforts, reach out! Call or email the nonprofit or organization you are aiming to support and see what specific things they need. For example, when talking to a shelter, ask what types of supplies they’re running low on, or if they prefer cash donations at the moment.

Also, be sure to ask if help is even needed at the moment. Some nonprofits are getting bombarded with donations due to the current circumstances and may refer you to a different agency or group that is in need. Make sure your company is meeting actual needs and truly helping people.

In times of crisis, customers often desire compassion and thoughtfulness when doing regular business with you. Take a look at where you can adjust your internal processes or infrastructure to ensure people feel safe, or where you can provide flexibility to support their financial security during periods of unexpected employment.

For example, some apartments are giving their tenants grace periods to pay their rent. Grocery stores are putting up sneeze guards and providing hand sanitizer at entrance and exit points to keep their customers safe as they pick up essential items. Acceptance Insurance provided free TeleMed to encourage patients with non-emergency illnesses to be safe by visiting a doctor virtually. The possibilities for focusing on the customer first are endless!

At the end of the day, all contributions to the community benefit others, no matter how big or small. In times like these, every bit helps, and making sure your contribution is serving the specific needs of the community will enhance its value.

Use these tips to guide your next community support initiative, and remember that together we can make a meaningful difference for the communities that support our business.