How Nonprofits Can Leverage Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility is more than just philanthropy.?

If done right, it’s a transformative way for nonprofits to collaborate with businesses to address societal challenges while creating mutual value.???

Bea Boccalandro shared this with us in episode 71 of the Lead with Heart podcast.

Bea is a world-renowned advisor on corporate purpose, corporate social responsibility, and environmental, social, and governance initiatives. She is also the author of Do Good At Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing.

If you want to check that out, I’ll add the episode player below so you can tune into the full episode where we discuss the evolution of corporate social responsibility and how employees at all levels can make a meaningful impact through their work.

In this article, we’re going to learn more about how your nonprofit can leverage corporate social responsibility:

1. What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
2. Corporate Social Responsibility in Action
3. The Two Mistakes Nonprofits Make When Trying to Leverage Corporate Social Responsibility

1. What is Corporate Social Responsibility

Bea explained that there are a few terms that essentially mean the same thing - corporate social responsibility, conscious capitalism, triple bottom line, and ESG.

“Corporate social responsibility is anything a company does (it can be the way they operate, it can be where they put their money, it can be how they make decisions on who their vendors are) that takes into consideration the impact that has on societal causes.” - Bea Boccalandro

These causes could be climate change, homelessness, or extinction of species, to name a few.

“For nonprofit leaders, one thing to realize is that philanthropy [...] is just one tiny sliver of the corporate social responsibility a company has.” - Bea Boccalandro?

2. Corporate Social Responsibility in Action

Bea gave an example of a lunch program for seniors that was having a hard time getting men to come to the free lunches. When asked why, this was the men’s response:

“Who wants to sit in this ugly cafeteria? I'd rather just stay home, eat toast, and watch TV.” - Bea Boccalandro

The nonprofit could have raised money to create a better environment so that the men would show up and while there is nothing wrong with this approach, they did something different.

“They said, is there a business out there, that part of their corporate social responsibility outside of the philanthropy might be helping us?” - Bea Boccalandro

They came up with a solution that included a local restaurant. They created a special menu and then when people came into that restaurant with a certain card they could order anything off of that menu and the nonprofit would pay for it.

“This was like a pub. It was fun. And so guess what? They were able to serve many more individuals.” - Bea Boccalandro

In addition to being able to serve more people, the restaurant staff also really loved the concept.

“All of a sudden, there were servers from that restaurant showing up to help in other areas of this nonprofit.” - Bea Boccalandro

This is a perfect example of corporate social responsibility.?

“That restaurant decided that they would serve certain people partnering with a nonprofit for free so that they could further this cause of nutrition for seniors.” - Bea Boccalandro

3. The Two Mistakes Nonprofits Make When Trying to Leverage Corporate Social Responsibility

Bea shared the top two mistakes she thinks nonprofits make when trying to leverage corporate social responsibility from companies:

1. Approaching companies with “deep pockets” rather than companies you have a relationship with.

The first mistake is approaching companies that you think have “deep pockets”.

“Deep pockets don't exist.” - Bea Boccalandro

Bea explains that you may think that a Fortune 500 company has a huge amount of money to share when in reality, they only give out $1500 philanthropy grants.

“So forget the idea of the deep pockets. Instead, what I would suggest is to reach out to the businesses you already have a relationship with.” - Bea Boccalandro

For example:

• The donut shop where you purchase donuts for your staff meetings.
• The company you pay for electricity.
• The 7-Eleven that is next door to you.

“Whatever commercial relationships you have, [...] approach them first.” - Bea Boccalandro

2. Not sharing the value your nonprofit can bring to a company.

The second mistake is approaching a company with the selling point that there is a dire need.

“I know it's true. I'm not saying it's not true. I'm just saying it's not very effective to start there.” - Bea Boccalandro

What you should rather start with, Bea explains, is what your nonprofit can do for that company.

“I'm not saying it's more important. Absolutely what you're doing is more important than what you're going to do for the company. I totally believe that, but it's just where you start.” - Bea Boccalandro?

Bea shares another example relating to the nonprofit trying to serve seniors.

They could approach a grocery store and say there are a lot of people who have food insecurity and it’s only getting worse. This approach is not terrible, but there is a more effective way to approach the situation.?

“It's actually more effective if you go, do you guys have food waste? Does it bother you? Do you have anything to do with your food waste? We could take it off your hands. Try that first. Then you get into the amount of good it's going to do.” - Bea Boccalandro

In conclusion, corporate social responsibility offers nonprofits more than just a source of funding - it is an opportunity to create meaningful partnerships that benefit both society and businesses. By approaching corporate social responsibility strategically, leveraging existing relationships, and demonstrating the unique value that you can provide to companies, nonprofits can unlock creative solutions to pressing challenges.

Nonprofit teams often work in silos, which can lead to staff burnout and donor attrition, ultimately, hurts the people we serve. I help nonprofits raise more money through fundraising training, “done for you” fund development strategy, and campaign implementation.?

?? If you want to learn more about ways we can collaborate and work together, please visit my website, https://thesavvyfundraiser.com/.

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