Working with businesses - what's in it for you?
Developing a knowledge of CSR solutions, approaches and strategies, voluntary sector organisations are often well positioned to work with businesses for mutual benefit. With an increasing drive for businesses to interact more with wider communities, they:
- can be a source of skilled and well-motivated people willing to support your organisation;
- can support your organisation through sponsorship or in kind donations;
- may present opportunities to sell your services; and
- can support you in making savings from adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Working with local business can present innovative and effective partnerships for voluntary sector organisations - and the benefits are often felt by the local community as well as the organsiations directly involved.
More people, more skills
Combining the skills and capacities in your organisation with those in a local business can be a great way of adding value and promoting partnership working.
Businesses keen to work with voluntary sector organisations can offer:
- Support from motivated and skilled individuals;
- Increased resources through team building activities, (a group of employees volunteering together), which can present opportunities for undertaking bigger, practical projects for the community;
- Access to professionals with specific expertise who are willing to share their skills and knoweldge with staff and volunteers through Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) schemes.
More resources
Businesses can present a great source of finance to voluntary sector organisations - and requesting donations in only one option.
- Make sure that your organisation is always ready with relevant and exciting sponsorship opportunities;
- Businesses may be more able or willing to consider donations in kind. Make sure that they know what to do with spare equipment or furniture, or proceeds from recycling initiatives. Even free meeting space can save you money.
- Make sure you benefit from local payroll giving schemes and have materials at hand to promote this when you can.
Some organisations have a more business-oriented relationship, selling services to earn unrestricted income. Community mediation services, for example, may offer their skills to employers on a paid basis, arguing that mediation may be cheaper than industrial action or an employment tribunal.
Theory to Practice
Working with local businesses is only one element of Corporate Social Responsibilty and it is important to identify whether this relationship would be appropriate and / or desirable for your organisation:
Explore the options:
- Which local businesses would you like to work with?
- Where are there opportunities for crossover or complementary services?
- What do you want to gain from the venture - and what do they want to gain?
Be prepared:
- Have a clear idea of your objectives - and those of the business.
- Have a clear idea of your expectations - and those of the business.
- Decide on a timescale and the level of commitment from both parties.
