Roll up your sleeves: How companies benefit from nonprofit involvement.

Have you ever wanted to get more involved with supporting a cause, but found it difficult to find the time or budget to give back in the way you would like? Try asking your HR department!

Volunteerism doesn’t have to be limited to individuals. Over the last few years, we have been seeing more companies making commitments to social responsibility, giving employees from the mailroom to the boardroom opportunities to connect and make a difference in their communities.

Corporate involvement isn’t just good for nonprofits, however. Here’s how nonprofit involvement can benefit your corporation:

1. Volunteering with clients and shareholders forges unique relationships built on shared experiences.

Shared experiences can foster goodwill and trust between clients, employees, and shareholders. Having the opportunity to experience something new together can strengthen relationships much quicker than a lunch meeting or a cocktail party. At GlamourGals, corporate makeovers give everyone involved the opportunity to share stories, find out what they have in common, and step out of their comfort zones. Your clients will remember your kindness, generosity, and all of the amazing feelings that come with helping someone in need.

2. Volunteering allows C-suite employees to gain face-time with their juniors and show how they’re participating in the company culture.

I’m sure you’ve heard the term ‘lead by example’. Volunteering allows executives within the company to drive corporate responsibility initiatives and foster a culture of kindness. By planning and participating in volunteer events alongside junior employees, you can inspire them to continue to give back as they grow in their careers.

3. Attending nonprofit donor events allows junior employees to interact with executives over dinner.

In addition to volunteering, companies can support nonprofits by attending donor events. Buying a table or even a few seats at a nonprofit dinner can give junior-level employees and executives the opportunity to interact face-to-face while in a professional setting.

4. Industry events and fundraisers allow for networking between  industry professionals who can unite over a common cause.

Networking within an industry can be crucial to long-term career success, landing new clients, and learning about new tools and platforms. Hosting an event to benefit a nonprofit, like a shopping fundraiser, alone or in partnership with other companies in your industry, can help employees make organic connections with potential clients.

If you’d like your company to get involved with GlamourGals, reach out to me at Rachel@GlamourGals.org. We offer opportunities for companies to get involved in each of the  ways listed here to address the nationwide problem of elder isolation. Your support not only helps GlamourGals continue to provide resources and training for students across the country who volunteer with senior citizens, but it can benefit your company in so many ways.