By Evan Vitale
As a business owner, you will find there are many opportunities in your local community that allow you to give back. However, with so many in need, you’ll need to make some tough decisions on how and when to donate to local organizations, clubs, schools, individuals, etc.
In can be over-whelming.
Here are some tips on how you can be charitable in your community:
- Talk to some of your business associates and networking connections and ask them for charity referrals. They probably know of some local programs that need assistance and can offer you some personal referrals on where you can donate time or money.
- Have a meeting with your staff. Here, everyone on your team can offer their input on local donations.
- Consider donating time instead of finances. Many local charities greatly appreciate your time than they do your checkbook. They may need help cleaning a playground, painting, serving meals, etc.
- Food bank donations. Rather than a financial donation, many local food banks often publish a list of items they need. Your company and its employees may inherit a food bank and decide to regularly purchase much-needed items to the charity on a monthly or quarterly basis.
- Offer your services to a non-profit organization. This is an excellent idea. Again, instead of sending a check, many organizations would appreciate your services. Perhaps, your staff can help them design and write marketing materials, create or update a website, write and publish press releases or provide search engine optimization and social media services. These can be invaluable to a local organization.
Don’t wait until the holidays to help. Many local charities and non-profit organizations are in constant need of help year round. Unfortunately, many tend to be overwhelmed with help during the holiday season, but are soon forgotten about come January.