Even though many corporations have developed a bad reputation – whether by their own actions or simply by being a large corporation during a time riddled with corporate scandals – many companies reach out to their communities, trying to be good neighbors.

Donations

From the PTA to church groups to community organizations, auctioning or raffling off items is a major fundraiser. Small businesses can’t always donate away their profits (although some do), but large corporations often have provisions for charitable donations. Chain restaurants will offer gift certificates for free dinners or desserts. Other large companies can donate various services, based on their business.

Another way large corporations can be good neighbors through donations is to be a sponsor. Companies will sponsor youth sports teams, arts performances, or fund-raising events such as a walkathon to raise money for disease research. This is a win-win situation for both the corporation and the organization. The organization gets necessary funds while the corporation gets positive advertising and perhaps a new client base. Sponsor donations aren’t always monetary. They could be in-kind donations, such as providing the drinks and snacks for participants in the walkathon.

Volunteerism

Another way corporations reach out to the community to be good neighbors is by encouraging their employees to volunteer. Some companies include volunteer hours as part of the annual review or when considering an employee for a promotion. Other corporations will participate as a company in a charity, such as working together to build a house for a needy family or as a relay team in Relay for Life. Some corporations are generous with time off work to volunteer in the community, especially if the employee promotes the company by wearing a hat or a t-shirt.

Why Perform Community Outreach?

Community outreach provides many good outcomes for a company. It presents the corporation in a positive light within that community. This is important for a company that has been receiving negative press on a national level. Also, it can create a better work environment for the employees. Employees live in the community, after all. If employees see the corporation cares about the community, it creates a higher morale in the work place.