I hope this post is not like those dreaded belated birthday cards that shout-- "I'm an idiot for forgetting to do something special for you on your special day."
Yesterday, February 25, 2008, was National Corporate Philanthropy Day according to the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). Here is a list large corporate Do-Gooders that celebrated the day with a new philanthropic initiative.
While CECP focues on encouraging large corporation to develop philanthropic intiatives, endeavors and huge strategic giving programs, I want to emphasize that philanthropic efforts of smaller companies can make a difference too (especially to small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations).
Workplace Philanthropy Does Not Have To Come Out Of Corporate Profits
With that said, I want to announce a new category here at DP--- Workplace philanthropy. Here the focus will be how ANY company and ANY employee can collaborate with the goal of giving back to the community around them. In this category, I will post information and ideas to help DP readers employed by smaller companies dip their foot in doing good for the community around them. I encourage people to leave their own idea, experiences, triumphs, bumps in the road and successes to this series via comments--- in hope of it becoming a resource and encouragement for those investigating how to start these types of endeavors.
To start, here are a few "first steps" that can be an entry into a workplace "do good" program.
- Identify employees that are actively involved and engaged in nonprofit organization or community improvement efforts (volunteers, donors, and advisors). Invite several of these individuals to develop a committee to investigate how the company can use it's strengths and talents to help the community.
- Develop a list nonprofits in your community (Network for Good is a good resource for this) where your organization is uniquely positioned to help. Brainstorm on how the company can help 2-3 of these organizations.
- Buy some cookies and cupcakes and invite representatives from local nonprofits in for a volunteer drive during lunch. Focus on education and refrain from fundraising during this event. Don't forget to take time to network with the nonprofit representatives.
Please feel free to add your ideas!!!
Hi there.
Just letting you know that Firstgiving's blog url has been changed from http://firstgiving.typepad.com
to www.onlinefundraisingblog.com. Thanks for having us on your blogroll!
-Firstgiving
Posted by: Firstgiving | June 11, 2008 at 01:04 PM