How Startups Can Build CSR Programs

Do you run a small business with a handful of employees, say 5-10 and you are wondering how to build a Corporate social responsibility program, even with minimum resources compared to the bigger organizations?

According to Business News Daily , Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to business practices involving initiatives that benefit society. A business’s CSR can encompass a wide variety of tactics, from giving away a portion of a company’s proceeds to charity, to implementing “greener” business operations.Jun 27, 2016

Your company is just as important as the huge corporations doling out huge sums of money as philanthropy. According to the definition above, CSR also requires time, energy and a burning desire to make a real difference.

Here are ways a startup can build a CSR program,  and give back to your community without breaking the bank:

 

Communicate and confirm with your team members

Sharing your plans with your staff before committing. Startup resources can be strained at times, and the last thing you want is to turn a moment of good, into a moment of hardship and frustration for your employees.  More often than not, employees are glad to be part of philanthropic activities when employers present the case properly.

Volunteer your time

There are charities and organizations in your area that need your time. It could be for public awareness or feeding the homeless and destitute. Your time is invaluable to such organizations and will make a huge difference in the lives of those you will be helping.

Volunteer your expertise

Many members of the public lack knowledge about basic things such as health, diet and their rights as citizens among other things. You can organize outreach programs where people get to hear you address pressing issues or needs. You can also reach out to the youth and students in that community to give them pep talks regarding education and career.

Plan trash mobs

A trash mob is just like a flash mob only that instead of dancing or entertaining, they take litter off the streets very quickly. No body likes to build or rent an apartment in a dirty area so cleaning actually adds value to the environment. A trash mob can clean up an estate in just an hour. Sounds daunting? Yes but it can definitely be achieved through proper planning and engaging the right equipment. You can print Tees with your company logo and even invite friends of your company to join in. You can hand out trash cans and bags to community members while sharing tips on how to keep their surroundings clean.

Give gifts 

Put up a donation box within your office space. Employees and clients can be invited to pitch in and monthly proceeds can be used to purchase books that will be donated to selected public school libraries in your community.

Read to children 

Visit children at the Home for the Visually Impaired and read to them. Yes, they read braille books but who wouldn’t love to listen while someone reads an interesting story? They will have interesting questions and you will definitely learn a lot from these smart kids.

Distribute new mom kits

One or two members of staff can be responsible for buying some necessities for new mums like diapers, wipes, toiletries for the baby, pumps and bottles for feeding. The others can wrap them neatly and distribute them to new mums at the hospital. You should visit the hospital before making purchases so you have an idea of how many mums you might be catering to.

Know your local officials and leaders 

Meet with members of the local government and learn about areas where they really need help. The public health centers are always a good place to start. You can help with immunization programs, teenage mothers, destitute families that need help taking care of their children or sick elderly ones. There’s no limit to how many families you could be helping live better lives.

Include your customers 

Let your customers know about these activities by sharing with them on social media and putting notices up on the company website. Do not forget to include thanks to non-staff members involved. Your clients will be impressed that you are taking the initiative and might offer their assistance.

Provide your services at low or zero cost 

What service does your business render? There’s no reason why you can’t incorporate this service into your corporate giving activities. It will endear your community to you and get you to interact with those who really matter – Potential Clients!

Do you know of any other ways small businesses can get directly involved in philanthropy? Let us know in the Comments Section.

 

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