Contemporary Corporate Philanthropy

Harry Bloodworth

31 January 2025

In today’s world, the role of philanthropy and social value in client relationships and successful procurements has never been more significant. Organisations across both public and private sectors are placing greater emphasis on these intangible contributors.

This trend mirrors the rapid rise of environmental responsibility on organisational priority lists over the last two decades. While changes in government policy and industry incentives have played a role, I believe the cultural shift within businesses is equally important. Companies are no longer just ticking the philanthropic box; they are genuinely investing in causes that matter to their staff and those within their business network.

How Do Small Businesses Fit into This Changing Landscape?

Large organisations have the luxury of creating tailor-made foundations and funding long-term grants, ensuring close alignment with their priorities. But what about smaller businesses? How can they deliver effective philanthropic impact?

Smart Approach

Inspired by SmartCo’s approach, I believe in focusing on community-driven, targeted initiatives that align closely with our values and are within our means. By prioritising these initiatives, we can ensure that our efforts are not only impactful but also sustainable. This means engaging with local communities to understand their unique needs and challenges, and then tailoring our projects to address those specific areas.

By aligning our initiatives with our core values, we reinforce our commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices. This approach not only benefits the communities we serve but also strengthens our brand reputation and fosters a sense of pride and purpose among our team members.

Identify

It all starts with encouraging staff to identify causes and initiatives that resonate with them or their clients. By empowering our team members to choose causes they are passionate about, we tap into their intrinsic motivation and commitment. Often, these causes are within our own or the client’s locality, fostering a shared sense of purpose and community.

This collaborative approach ensures that our efforts are relevant and meaningful to those directly involved. Moreover, it helps build a culture of social responsibility within our organisation, where everyone feels they have a stake in making a difference.

Partner

Collaborate with partners to identify how the business’s strengths can align with and support the philanthropic need. By working closely with our partners, we can pinpoint areas where our unique capabilities can make the most significant impact. This might include skills-based volunteering, in-kind donations or organising community events, all of which help maximise the company’s contribution.

By collaborating with our partners and aligning our strengths with their needs, we can ensure that our philanthropic efforts are both strategic and effective. This approach not only maximises our contribution but also strengthens our relationships with our partners and the communities we serve. Together, we can achieve more and create a positive, lasting impact.

Deliver

A cornerstone of effective delivery is admitting what we don’t know, trusting local charities and on-the-ground organisations. Recognising our limitations is crucial, as it allows us to collaborate more effectively with those who have the expertise and experience to make a real difference. No matter how well-meaning a business is, these organisations will always drive more effective, demonstrable and meaningful impact.

Local charities and on-the-ground organisations have a deep understanding of the communities they serve. By partnering with them, we can leverage their knowledge and resources to ensure our initiatives are both relevant and impactful. These organisations often have established trust and credibility within the community, which can be invaluable in achieving our goals. This local expertise ensures that our efforts are not only well-intentioned but also practical and effective.

Smart Collaboration

By engaging employees, partnering with local charities, and leveraging their unique capabilities, small companies can deliver targeted and effective philanthropic programmes, and make a significant difference in their communities. This approach not only strengthens ties within their business network but also allows them to contribute to causes that align with their values and local communities. It proves that impactful philanthropy is within reach for businesses of all sizes.

About SmartCo Consulting

SmartCo is a consultancy business specialising in the delivery of digital transformation projects for large private and public sector organisations. We offer advisory, project delivery and optimisation services across a range of industries including Healthcare, Consumer & Retail, Media & Telco and Financial Services. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.

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