Are you a business owner or entrepreneur looking for ways to give back to the community? Consider supporting a charity! Because they are set up differently than for-profit businesses, nonprofits rely heavily on donations, volunteers, and other partners to advance their cause. Supporting nonprofits can help you just as much as it helps others. Not only are your monetary donations tax-deductible, by giving regularly and finding ways to help the world around you, but you and your employees are also more likely to experience the following benefits:

• A stronger sense of purpose and meaning – Supporting a good cause provides a sense of purpose and meaning beyond earning a living

• Personal and professional growth – Involvement with a charitable cause creates opportunities for both professional and personal growth.

• Employee loyalty and engagement – Employees feel good about being part of a company that helps others in their community.

• Positive community reputation – Your business will have a great reputation for being generous and giving back to the community.

• More social connections – You will see your own growth on all levels and an increase in both personal and professional connections.

• Good karma – The good you do comes back to you in other ways!

While you may be convinced of the value and benefits of giving back, you may feel stumped when it comes to knowing how to support and build energy around charitable programs and offering multiple ways for your employees to contribute. You may be surprised when you discover how many fun and creative ways there are to not only support but also partner with a nonprofit organization.

Here are just a few examples:

1. Giving Tuesday donations -  Giving Tuesday is an annual fundraising campaign for nonprofits that happens every November. Donating funds to your favorite cause and encouraging your employees to donate and share their Giving Tuesday campaign is a very easy and effective way of supporting it.

2. Matching employee donations– Consider matching donations by employees to causes your business supports. A matching program can be a meaningful part of a company's corporate social responsibility program and adds to employee participation and enthusiasm.

3. Sponsoring and volunteering at fundraising events– If a non-profit is holding a fundraising event, consider sponsoring it, donating your time, and helping promote it. It not only supports their cause, but it’s also a great way to promote your brand.

4. Organizing company team events – If you have employees who usually sign up for local athletic events like bike races, marathons, and 5ks, consider putting together a corporate team to represent your business at an event. By covering the registration fees, you encourage healthy living while also helping to support the charity affiliated with the event itself. The other benefit is a big boost in team spirit, employee morale, and engagement.

5. Communications, marketing, and PR – Nonprofits don’t have deep pockets for their marketing campaigns so they depend on the generosity and expertise of individuals and businesses to support their marketing efforts. Donating funds, time and expertise will go far in helping their organization grow.

6. Offering connections or partnerships – You can support a non-profit by introducing them to your network of connections and business partners. Helping them expand their presence in the community is a significant way to help them grow. 

7. Board membership – Serving on the board of a non-profit is a very effective and meaningful way to support it. This is a good opportunity to offer your skills “pro bono” and provide helpful business advice.

Considering this mix of options should help you build a comprehensive charitable giving program that you can begin implementing right away. You will not only reap tax benefits, but you will also enjoy the satisfaction of serving others while simultaneously creating a positive presence in your community, enriching your company’s purpose, and increasing employee loyalty and engagement.