How To Choose The Right CSR Charity Partner

For many companies exploring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the first time, the benefits can be huge - boosted employee engagement, a stronger brand reputation and more. But finding the right CSR charity partner can be challenging. So, how do you make sure you get it right from the start?

Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a CSR charity partner:

1. Align your goals

Finding the right fit starts with understanding your business goals and values. Think about what matters most to your company and your employees:

Local impact: Small businesses might prefer to support local charities that directly impact their community.
Broader reach: Larger businesses may benefit from working with national or international charities that align with their extensive reach.
Industry relevance: Aligning with charities related to your industry can enhance authenticity. For example, energy companies often support environmental causes, while healthcare companies may focus on health-related initiatives.

A strong alignment ensures the partnership feels genuine to both your business and your stakeholders, making it easier to secure employee buy-in and maintain enthusiasm over time.

2. Do your research

A little research goes a long way in finding the right CSR charity partner. Before committing, explore the charity’s mission, financial health and reputation to make sure it’s the right fit for your business and your employees.

Here’s what to look for:

A clear mission – If you’re investing time, money and resources, the charity should have a focused goal. Make sure their mission aligns with your company’s values and long-term objectives.
Community presence – A charity that’s actively involved in the community shows commitment and authenticity. Attend an event, meet the team and ask questions to get a feel for their work and engagement.
Good communication – Open and consistent communication is key. Your CSR charity partner should keep you updated on how funds are being used and be willing to collaborate with your team to maximise impact.

If you find multiple charities you'd like to support, Give as you Live Corporate allows you to support up to five charities. We handle the administration and distribute your bespoke split of funds raised!

3. Prioritise transparency

Trust is essential when working with a CSR charity partner. In recent years, some charities have faced criticism over issues like administrative costs and director salaries, making it crucial to know exactly how your support will be used.

Fund allocation: Look for a charity that openly shares how funds are allocated.
Impact reporting: Ensure they provide clear reports on donation spending and the outcomes achieved.

A transparent charity partner builds confidence among your employees and customers, making it easier to demonstrate the value of your CSR efforts. With Give as you Live Corporate, you can track every penny raised from your employees' donations with our downloadable, GDPR-compliant reports, giving you full visibility over your business's impact.

4. Involve your team

Your employees will be more motivated if they feel connected to the cause. Make it easy for them to participate and encourage them to share their own fundraising ideas:

Diverse participation: Offer various ways for employees to get involved, from payroll giving to fundraising events.
Volunteer opportunities: Encourage employees to volunteer or attend charity events.
Celebrate success: Highlight achievements and share success stories internally to maintain momentum.

With Give as you Live Corporate, you can set up campaigns to support your fundraising efforts. Once set up, your employees can create Fundraising Pages for your campaign. You can then see the direct impact your business has made and even identify leading contributors through our leaderboards!

5. Plan for the long term

A successful CSR partnership should grow and evolve over time. Set clear goals at the start and regularly review them with your charity partner.

Define Success: Determine what success looks like - be it fundraising targets, volunteer hours, or specific project outcomes.
Regular Check-ins: Schedule consistent meetings to keep the partnership on track.
Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust as business and charity needs evolve.

A great example of this is Peninsula Group Ltd who are supporting DEBRA, Air Ambulances UK and Together for Short Lives for 3 years. They are aiming to raise £3 Million in total:

Choosing the right CSR charity partner can have a lasting positive impact on your business, your employees and the wider community. By aligning with a charity that reflects your company’s values, doing thorough research, prioritising transparency and actively involving your team, you can create a meaningful and sustainable partnership.

If you're looking for a flexible and streamlined way to manage your CSR efforts, Give as you Live Corporate makes it easy to support up to five charities at once. We handle the admin, provide detailed reporting, and give your employees the tools to fundraise and track their impact - all in one place. Start building a CSR partnership that makes a difference today!

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What is Give as you Live?

Since 2010, Give as you Live has helped raise over £36 million for UK charities through online shopping, Fundraising Pages, direct donations and more. Get started now and turn your everyday actions into free donations.