This document discusses how non-profit organizations can benefit from understanding corporate trends toward sustainability and corporate social responsibility. It provides information on inbound and outbound project requests and considerations for handling them. Sustainability creates opportunities for suppliers of green products and services. Partnering with companies allows non-profits to include charitable activities in events. When developing outbound proposals, non-profits should clearly define goals and be prepared to negotiate. They should understand their own assets and potential partners to create mutually beneficial partnerships.

1. The nuts and bolts of the ins and outsHow non-profit organizations can benefit from understanding more about the corporate trend towards sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR)Geraldine Gatehouse Donna Lubrano

2. Two Types of ProjectsInbound: these are requests for projects coming in to you from outside organizations such as associations, corporations and meeting planning companies

3. Outbound: these are requests for specific projects that you develop and present to outside companiesSustainabilitySustainability is beneficial for business and creates opportunities for: suppliers of ‘green’ consumers

4. developers of environmentally safer materials

5. firms investing in eco-efficiency, and

6. companies that engage in social well-being (corporate social responsibility or CSR).SustainabilityBenefits: competitive advantage

7. local community’s goodwill

8. return on efforts reflected in $ bottom lineCSR is Gaining TractionThe increased awareness of the benefits of the triple bottom line is leading to more opportunities for non-profit organizations to partner with companies for community give back programs. A recent survey* showed that “Though 76% of incentive trips in 2000 included some meeting or training component, including CSR-oriented activities was unheard of back then. In this year’s survey (2010) 35% of respondents included a charitable activity during their trips.” Source: Corporate Meetings & Events Magazine, January, 2011

9. General Considerations for Outbound ProposalsA project with clearly defined attributes and goals.“Shop them around and be prepared to negotiate.” Can vary in scope from individual projects to on-going relationships.Can be generated through the Development Office, Event Planners, Director Of Volunteers etc.

10. Understand Your Assets What do you bring to the table that is of interest to your potential partner/s?Passion and dedication to your mission.Human Resources and skill sets of your staff.Make-up of Board of Directors.

11. Knowledge of Your Potential Partner/sEmotional/Personal/Connection to the Goal. (People want to support efforts they care about). Harness the “Mirror Neurons” of Your Potential Partner/s.What, Where, When and How of their business. (Make sure you offer them something they want and need.) Need for Community/Connection.

12. What are the benefits of your Proposed Partnership? -ROIV. VisibilityWhat position will your partner play in the effort. I. Income What if any opportunities will there be to reach audiences who have buying power in their industry?P. Promotion/Press/Public RelationsWill their participation be promoted by you in the relationship?

13. How Do You “Stand Out” from the 1.4 Million Non-ProfitsHow do the opportunities you offer differ from others?What kind of impact has your organization had on the community. (Provide Metrics). What kind of success have you had with other partners?

14. Inbound ProjectsYou receive a request for a group of 60 people who want to come in to volunteer as a team building and give back opportunity!Don’t panic! It is not as overwhelming as it sounds!Ask questions if you are not clear about what is being requested, and make sure you know when an answer is needed.Ask each staff member and key volunteers for input .

15. Inbound ProjectsDraft up some workable ideas, even though they may be different from what is being asked for.You may be short on staffing, but there is a cost-effective solution for that.There are no blueprints – this is the time to be creative!

16. Considerations when Handling Inbound RequestsWho is the main contact within your organization to handle inbound requests?Volunteer coordinators are typically not trained to handle corporate requests.Important to handle requests promptly.Consider routing through the business development staff or contracting with CSR consultant.

17. Service Levels Are CriticalHigher service levels than volunteer groups requireResearch your volunteer data base – do you have anyone who has strong organizing skillsConsider using Travel Staff