Creative Ways to Make an Impact Through Charity
Companies have the platform to make an impact on communities and advance causes that genuinely mean something to them through philanthropy at events. Businesses can give back, engage employees, customers, and communities through fundraising, volunteerism, and partnerships. Here are ten of the most creative ways companies can create a charitable impact with events:
1. Donate Event Proceeds to a Chosen Charity
Make a direct impact by donating some of the event proceeds to charity. It may be through ticket sales, merchandise profits, or concessions; directing even a small percentage of your revenues to a nonprofit allows your business to make a difference for a worthy cause. The right charity is important; look for one whose mission or values match your company’s. For example, if your event is based on environmental awareness, then partnering with an environmental nonprofit will help to increase the message and impact of your event. Promoting the charitable aspect of your event in advance can also increase attendance, as attendees feel more connected knowing their participation contributes to something greater. Learn how to choose the right charity with Charity Navigator.
2. Partner with a Charity for Fundraising Events
One of the best ways to do this is to partner with a charity. Host a fundraising event and make it more interactive by adding silent auctions, raffles, or donation-based activities. Research charities that align with your audience and your company’s ethos. Building a transparent agreement with your charity partner ensures trust and clarity. For example, clear visibility of how the proceeds will be distributed can help bring in more donors. Also, in promotions, previous successful partnerships or case studies can be used to add credibility and evoke participation. Explore tips on partnering with nonprofits effectively.
3. Add a Volunteer Component
Make it an active event by coupling your event with some volunteer activity, a charity walk, a community cleanup, or any other hands-on service project. Incorporating volunteerism into an event makes the event experience much more meaningful for your attendees and further cements your company’s commitment to giving back. For instance, holding a community garden-planting event as part of an environmental event will surely open avenues for participants to make a tangible difference. It creates a feeling of achievement and more connection toward the cause. Find volunteer opportunities near you with VolunteerMatch.
4. Host a Charity Benefit Concert
Organize a benefit concert to harness the power of music. Donate all of the proceeds from the tickets sold to your chosen charity, and encourage your company to donate as well. Consider teaming up with local artists or bands to keep costs down but still attract a crowd. Mentioning the mission of the charity during the concert, through videos or speeches, could strengthen emotional appeal and urge more donations. Things such as Live Aid and Farm Aid prove the incredible power of a music event in raising money. Learn how to organize successful charity concerts.
5. Organize a Charity Golf Tournament
Combine philanthropy with networking by organizing a charity golf outing. Not only does it offer a day of fun on the course, but it also gives all participants the opportunity to make a difference for a good cause. To really make an impact, consider adding events such as closest-to-the-pin or hole-in-one challenges, where the collected sums go directly to the charity. Consider hosting a dinner or award ceremony following the tournament, which can host other fundraising events, like live auctions or donation drives. Get tips on organizing charity golf tournaments.
6. Host a Charity Run/Walk
Organize a charity run/walk event focused on health, wellness, and giving back. The proceeds from the entrance fees can be forwarded to a nonprofit organization of choice. To make the event more inclusive, consider offering virtual participation options for those who cannot attend in person. Adding family-friendly elements like a kid’s run or a festival atmosphere with food and music can make the event even more engaging. The successful charity runs like Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure prove events like these can raise considerable funds and awareness. Discover how to plan a fun run for charity.
7. Offer Matching Donations
Amplify donations by matching those from employees, customers, or event participants. Whether dollar for dollar or percentage-based, matching encourages more people to give because they know their contribution will have an even greater impact. Set a cap or budget for matches to manage expenses while still maximizing generosity. Promote the matching program through email campaigns, social media, and at the event itself to see participation rise significantly. Set up a matching donations program with Double the Donation.
8. Incentivize Customers to Give Back
Treat your customers generously so that they return the favor. Offer them discounts, special offers, or even free gifts in return for a donation receipt. For example, a retail store might offer 10% off for any customer who donates $10 or more to a specific charity. Advertise these incentives on your website, social media, and at checkout to create a win-win situation where customers feel good about supporting a good cause and also enjoy the benefits that come with shopping at your business.
Real-World Examples of Philanthropy in Action
In fact, so many businesses incorporate philanthropy within their business model. The front runner in giving back to environmental causes from the profit percentage is Patagonia. TOMS uses a “One for One” model in which every purchase means a child in need is given a pair of shoes. Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses for every one sold. Such charitable business practices make the aforementioned methodologies very powerful.
Conclusion: Events as a Force for Good
Events are not just one option, but one meaningful avenue for giving back. From donating proceeds to hosting a benefit concert or charity walk, the way businesses can incorporate philanthropy into an event is really varied. Meeting business objectives and coupling them with charitable causes cultivates goodwill and reinforces community relationships, even building a model from which others can learn. By using events to fuel philanthropy, your business can create a memorable experience in which everyone benefits.