Why donations should be part of your small business CSR initiatives.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a framework that encourages businesses, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to consider the social and environmental impacts of their operations and take steps to contribute positively to their communities and the world. Donating as part of your CSR strategy is important for SMEs for several reasons:

1. They can have a direct and positive impact on local communities. This can include supporting education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and other social causes that are aligned with a company’s values and goals.
2. Donations can enhance a company’s reputation and brand image. Consumers, employees, and other stakeholders often view businesses more favourably when they demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
3. They can differentiate SMEs from their competitors. It can be a way to stand out in the market and attract socially conscious consumers and partners.
4. Employees are often more engaged and motivated when they work for a company that demonstrates a commitment to giving back. CSR initiatives, including donations, can boost employee morale and retention.

It is important to note that while donating is a common form of CSR, it should be done thoughtfully and strategically. SMEs should align their donations with their values, goals, and the needs of the communities they operate in. Donations should also be transparent, well-documented, and part of a broader CSR strategy that includes other initiatives like sustainability efforts, ethical business practices, and employee engagement programs.

In my experience I have found donating to be really inspiring and uplifting, whether that is supporting someone on a marathon run, walk or endeavour or recycling something you have so that someone else can make use of it. donating is an obvious response to me and it brings me great joy and a huge smile on my face.

This year I have donated the following;

• A friend of mine’s daughter is suffering from anorexia and she completed the Tough Mudder so I donated towards her efforts for the BEAT charity.
• Another friend’s daughter completed her first half Marathon in aid of Prostrate cancer as her dad is undergoing treatment and she wanted to raise funds on his behalf.
• I purchase toilet paper from “Who gives a crap” and by mistake, they delivered a duplicate box and said that I could keep this. I knew that my local food bank was asking for toilet paper donations so I delivered the box to them and they were delighted.
• I met a lady from a local charity RB Kares that makes items to sell to raise money for our local hospital. She mentioned that they needed a sewing machine and I had one that was sitting idle in my house. Yes, you’ve guessed I delivered the sewing machine to them and they are now using it every week.
• I am working with a children’s charity Yorda Adventures, and they always need equipment. We didn’t need our DVD player anymore and I asked them if they could use one. YES was the reply and I delivered that along with many Disney films. Their area for children to relax and watch a film is now complete.
• Lastly, I will be buying some Christmas cards from Kingston Hospital Charity my local hospital where they help raise funds for staff and patient well-being and to provide services that make the hospital the best it can be.

There are so many ways we can all donate whether that’s time, money, or recycling things from our homes to avoid landfill. I have met all the above people and conversations have led to me thinking of them and donating. I have personally gained contacts and friends from doing it.

Donating has also made me feel good, has strengthened my personal values, made an impact on other people’s lives, is a generous act, and helps to strengthen communities.

Start giving and donating today and remember to record what you have done and the impact that it has made for you and the recipients.