Stronger Nonprofit and Business Partnerships Can Drive Greater Impact
As the public’s trust in government and other institutions continues to fall, expectations for businesses continue to rise. More people — especially younger generations — are looking to businesses to take action on today’s big societal issues.
Signs of this shift are everywhere. Two-fifths of Gen Z workers, a generation that’s especially motivated by a sense of purpose and strong social conscience, say they wouldn’t accept a job if their potential employer’s business clashed with their values. Likewise, in an era of mindful consumption, 44 percent of consumers say they’re willing to pay premium prices for products from brands that make a positive impact on the world.
I think this moment of changing expectations is creating a unique opportunity for new and more impactful partnerships between businesses and nonprofits.
Such partnerships are powerful because they allow businesses and nonprofits to bring their respective strengths to the table. Businesses that want to extend their social impact benefit from the unique expertise, relationships, insights and community trust that nonprofits have built over time. Nonprofit partners can help businesses better understand the specific needs of their communities and focus their resources in ways that align with their values.
At the same time, nonprofits benefit from an often-critical infusion of resources. More than 60 percent of nonprofits say they’re seeing increased demand for their services, but nearly a third are experiencing less funding and fewer resources to fulfill their missions. Given these challenges, support from for-profit partners has become critical.
Every day, I get to see how these partnerships open doors and improve the quality of life for so many people. To help the Y better meet the needs of our communities, we’ve worked with partners in a wide range of ways. These collaborations have made it possible for us to simply do more – more water safety classes, more healthy meal programs and more transformational camp experiences to help more kids grow healthier and stronger.
Facility Access at YMCA
1yI agree with suzaane
Nonprofit leader and fundraiser who loves to champion good causes
1yCouldn't agree more. YMCAs, like Staunton-Augusta YMCA Josh Cole, make their communities more attractive to prospective employees of local companies with quality child care programs, youth enrichment programs, family activities, and education and encouragement in healthy lifestyles. Strong and healthy communities are a great recruiting tool! And companies can make their local YMCAs even stronger with financial support, provision of discounted services and products, and corporate sponsorships. The Staunton-Augusta YMCA is about to celebrate its 150th anniversary and will need corporate sponsors to partner with them in drawing attention to the wonderful community they are creating in the Staunton area. There's no better time to help support your local YMCA -- particularly if you live in or near Staunton!
CEO Bloomsburg YMCA
1yThank you for sharing this Suzanne! This article makes me think of new and innovative ways we can share as the non-profit with our business partners, the deeper importance of Partnerships.
Regional Director at American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Midwest
1yThank you, Suzanne. APDA is proud to partner with you to offer programs for the Parkinson Community. The opportunities are limitless.
Purpose-Driven Leader Business Operations Data Analysis
1yAgree. There’s more and more need to foster collaboration amongst non-profits. Collaboration and partnership are the way to let each expert do what they do best so that together, we can reach the objectives at all levels. Thanks for sharing!