Nonprofit organizations are facing urgent financial needs as we enter the year-end giving season. According to a recent report from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, more nonprofits are in distress this year than at any time since 2020 due to inflation, rising costs and the lingering effects of the pandemic.

The year-end giving season is the opportunity for businesses to step up, support nonprofits and strengthen their own brands in the process. Contributing financially to nonprofits is also an opportunity for businesses to engage thoughtfully and strategically in causes that align to the company’s values and impact communities where they operate and employees live.

Where to start? Create a strategic approach to giving

Aligning year-end giving efforts with your company’s purpose, mission and values ensures actions are strategic and authentic. This is how philanthropy really becomes an Impact Strategy for your business. Consider these steps as you develop your company’s plan.

1. Define or elevate your company’s Impact Strategy: Clarifying your organization’s unique social, environmental or community commitments is the first step in defining its impact strategy and activating a year-end giving communication plan.
2. Align to Purpose, Mission and Values: Support and amplify causes that align to your company’s purpose, mission and values to build authentic, meaningful connections with employees and key audiences, including customers and board members.
3. Build Partnerships: Ongoing partnerships with nonprofits allow organizations to create measurable change over time. Nonprofits benefit from the consistency — whether that be through financial contributions, product donations or volunteer activity. Think about causes your company can support through all types of contributions.
4. Engage Employees: Employees feel connected to their work when they participate in related philanthropic efforts. Provide volunteer opportunities, matching gift programs and fundraising and donation events to encourage employee involvement. In Minnesota, Give the Max Day is a one-stop-shop event for people and organizations alike to activate their values to benefit Minnesota’s nonprofits and schools.

The Role of Strategic Communication

Activating your organization’s Impact Strategy and corresponding communication plan is a key way to align its purpose, mission and values to real action. You organization will also make positive connections with employees, customers and the broader community. In return, your business can expect:

• Stronger talent recruitment and retention
• An engaged and motivated workforce
• Fully activated leadership
• Better business results

Looking for support in developing or activating your impact strategy? Reach out to Beehive.

Businesses of all sizes can make a positive impact for nonprofits during this year’s giving season. Beehive’s home state of Minnesota is one of the nation’s most generous states. Please join us, wherever your company is located, in supporting nonprofits. Businesses have the power to make a measurable difference.