The document provides 3 tips for effective corporate philanthropy: 1) Get involved in the community through face-to-face volunteer time to understand community needs and how they are changing. 2) Identify alternative ways to contribute beyond monetary donations, such as employee volunteer days or providing free services, to make a longer-lasting impact. 3) Conduct research to understand the different age groups being served, as each generation responds best to a tailored approach, in order to most effectively help people.

1. 3 EFFECTIVE
CORPORATE
PHILANTHROPY
TIPS
TALIA RAMOS
W W W . T A L I A R A M O S . C O M

2. While corporate philanthropy provides a new, more
meaningful layer to any business, many companies have
trouble crafting a single focus message to both their
employees and the community in which they operate.
Effectively making a difference in the community with the
appropriate marketing tactics, face to face time, and ways to
help the people around you can be a daunting task. To help
both you and your company in the process, take the time to
think about the below ways to guide the way to philanthropic
success.

3. Matt Tonello, of Harvard University, explores how corporate
philanthropy programs can add value and meaning to the
company’s overall brand, while also strengthening local ties
with community members on a more personal level. Tonello
states that with an engaging mission statement and a well
designed program, these CSR programs can provide said
company with a certain competitive advantage.
“For example, charitable contributions can increase the name
recognition and reputation of a brand or company among
consumers. In addition, corporate support of local causes
improves the quality of life in communities where the
company does business.”

4. COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT

5. Getting involved in the community with some personal face to
face volunteer time is the best way to understand the needs
of the people in your community and foresee their changing
needs in the future.
A great example of a philanthropic organization that has done
this is called the “Park West Foundation,” which is currently
working with the autumn de Forest to provide art supplies to
schools with the national Turnaround Arts program. Together,
they have even sponsored museum exhibitions around the
country, offering a public forum where children of all ages can
learn and experience the power of art.

6. THE DOLLAR ONLY
GOES SO FAR

7. Identifying alternative ways your company can contribute
to a cause or charity will create a long lasting impact. Some
examples of this include employee workdays, free services,
and half day volunteer days to make a positive mark in the
area.

8. KNOW THE PEOPLE
YOU’RE SERVING

9. Deciphering the age groups that you are helping will guide
you in understanding how to most effectively aid them. One
huge mistake that companies make is to apply the same
marketing tactics to different generations they are working
with. As each generation speaks a slightly different cultural
language, conducting some research beforehand is the best
way to approach the situation.