Embracing the Spirit of Giving: How Companies Can Champion the International Day of Charity

At McPherson Berry, we believe that businesses have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to make a positive impact on the world. The International Day of Charity, observed annually on September 5, celebrates the power of generosity and encourages organizations to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

Established by the United Nations in 2012 to honor Mother Teresa’s legacy and promote global philanthropy, this day inspires us to reflect on how we can support those in need. In this blog post, we’ll explore why companies and organizations should embrace charitable giving and provide a practical how-to guide for setting up impactful initiatives that align with the spirit of this global day.

Why Companies and Organizations Want to Be Charitable

Charitable giving isn’t just about doing good — it’s a strategic investment in your organization’s values, reputation, and community impact. Here’s why businesses should prioritize philanthropy:

1. Strengthens Community Ties: Supporting local or global causes fosters goodwill, builds trust, and deepens connections with customers, employees, and stakeholders. When companies give back, they become integral parts of their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

   
   

2. Boosts Employee Engagement and Morale: Employees want to work for organizations that align with their values. Charitable initiatives, like volunteer programs or donation drives, enhance job satisfaction, foster team unity, and attract top talent.

   
   

3. Enhances Brand Reputation: Consumers increasingly support businesses that demonstrate social responsibility. Charitable efforts can differentiate your brand, build customer loyalty, and increase market competitiveness.

   
   

4. Drives Social Impact: Businesses have the resources and reach to address pressing issues like poverty, education, and healthcare. By aligning with causes that matter, companies can contribute to systemic change and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

   
   

5. Tax and Financial Benefits: Many charitable contributions are tax-deductible, offering financial incentives while allowing businesses to make a difference.

By embracing philanthropy, companies not only contribute to a better world but also strengthen their own foundations, creating a win-win for all.

How-To Guide: Setting Up a Corporate Charitable Program Creating a successful charitable initiative requires thoughtful planning and alignment with your organization’s values. Follow this step-by-step guide to establish a program that resonates with your team and community:

Identify Your Mission and Causes:

Action: Assess your company’s values and select causes that align with your mission or industry. For example, a tech company might support STEM education, while a retailer could focus on hunger relief.

Tip: Involve employees through surveys to choose causes they’re passionate about, ensuring buy-in and engagement.

Set Clear Goals and Budget:

Action: Define measurable objectives, such as donating a specific amount, volunteering a set number of hours, or impacting a certain number of beneficiaries. Allocate a budget for donations, events, or partnerships.

Tip: Start small with a pilot program to test impact, then scale up based on success.

Example: Commit to donating 1% of annual profits to a chosen charity or organizing quarterly volunteer days.

Choose the Right Charitable Model:

Action: Decide on the type of giving — direct donations, employee matching programs, in-kind contributions (e.g., products or services), or volunteer time. Consider corporate sponsorships or fundraising events like charity runs.

Tip: Matching employee donations can double the impact and boost participation.

Example: Offer paid volunteer days or match employee contributions to nonprofits up to a set amount annually.

Partner with Reputable Organizations:

Action: Research and vet nonprofit partners using tools like Charity Navigator to ensure transparency and impact. Establish formal partnerships for long-term collaboration.

Tip: Focus on local organizations to create visible community impact, or support global causes aligned with your industry.

Example: Partner with a local food bank or a global education initiative to maximize your reach.

Engage Employees and Stakeholders:

Action: Launch internal campaigns to encourage participation, such as volunteer events, donation drives, or workplace giving programs. Create employee-led committees to drive initiatives.

Tip: Use internal communications like newsletters or Slack channels to share updates and celebrate milestones.

Example: Host a company-wide “Day of Giving” on September 5, with team-building volunteer activities or a donation challenge.

Promote Your Efforts Transparently:

Action: Share your charitable impact through social media, blogs, or annual reports to inspire others and build trust. Highlight stories of beneficiaries or employee involvement.

Tip: Avoid “cause-washing” — ensure your actions are genuine and not solely for PR.

Example: Post about your initiatives on LinkedIn or create a dedicated page on your website to showcase your impact.

Evaluate and Sustain the Program:

Action: Track outcomes (e.g., funds raised, hours volunteered) and gather feedback from employees and partners to refine your approach. Commit to long-term giving rather than one-off efforts.

Tip: Set annual reviews to assess impact and adjust goals as needed.

Example: Publish an annual impact report detailing your contributions and plans for the future.

Conclusion: Making a Difference, One Step at a Time

The International Day of Charity reminds us that every act of giving counts. At McPherson Berry, we’re committed to building a culture of generosity that uplifts our community and inspires others. By embedding philanthropy into your business, you can create lasting change while strengthening your team and brand. We’d love to hear your ideas — how is your organization giving back? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the momentum going beyond September 5. Together, we can make the world a more compassionate place.