Corporate Gifts That Give Back: How to Support a Good Cause While Showing Appreciation

Corporate gifts have long been a popular way for businesses to show appreciation to their clients, customers, and employees. These gifts serve as a way to say thank you for their hard work, loyalty, and support. However, in recent years, corporate gifting has taken on a new meaning, with companies looking for ways to give back to the community while still showing their appreciation. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of corporate gifts that give back and how businesses can support a good cause while showing appreciation.

What Are Corporate Gifts That Give Back?

Corporate gifts that give back are gifts that serve a dual purpose - to show appreciation to the recipient and to support a good cause. These gifts are typically created by businesses that partner with nonprofit organizations or social enterprises that work to improve the lives of individuals and communities in need. By purchasing these gifts, businesses can support these organizations financially, while also showing their clients, customers, and employees that they care about making a positive impact in the world.

Examples of Corporate Gifts That Give Back

There are many types of corporate gifts that give back, and they can be tailored to fit the preferences and needs of the recipient. Here are a few examples:

1. Socially Responsible Products

Many businesses now offer socially responsible products that are ethically sourced, sustainably produced, and give back to the community. For example, a company may choose to purchase coffee from a fair trade cooperative or artisanal products made by women in developing countries.

2. Charitable Donations

Instead of giving a physical gift, a business may choose to make a charitable donation in the name of the recipient. This donation can be made to a non-profit organization that aligns with the recipient’s values or interests.

3. Volunteering Opportunities

Some businesses offer volunteering opportunities as a gift, allowing their clients, customers, or employees to give back to the community while also bonding with their colleagues.

4. Branded Merchandise That Supports a Cause

Another option is to create branded merchandise that supports a specific cause. For example, a business may create t-shirts or water bottles that are sold with a portion of the proceeds going to a non-profit organization.

5. Benefits of Corporate Gifts That Give Back

Corporate gifts that give back offer several benefits, both for the recipient and the business itself. Here are a few reasons why businesses should consider giving gifts that support a good cause:

6. Improved Corporate Social Responsibility

By giving gifts that support a good cause, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility. This can help to improve their reputation and brand image, as well as attract socially conscious clients and customers.

7. Increased Employee Engagement

When employees are given the opportunity to volunteer or participate in social responsibility initiatives, they feel more engaged and connected to the company. This can help to improve employee retention and productivity.

8. Strengthened Relationships

Corporate gifts that give back can help to strengthen relationships with clients, customers, and employees. By showing that the business cares about making a positive impact in the world, it can create a deeper sense of loyalty and connection.

9. Positive Impact on the Community

Finally, corporate gifts that give back can have a positive impact on the community. By supporting nonprofit organizations and social enterprises, businesses can help to improve the lives of individuals and communities in need.

Tips for Choosing Corporate Gifts That Give Back

If you’re interested in giving corporate gifts that give back, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose a Cause That Aligns with Your Values: When selecting a nonprofit organization or social enterprise to support, choose one that aligns with your values and mission as a company. This will help to ensure that the gift is authentic and meaningful.

1. Consider the Recipient

Think about the recipient and what they might appreciate. Do they have a particular cause that they are passionate about or a nonprofit organization that they support? Tailor the gift to their preferences and interests to make it more personal and meaningful.

2. Research the Organization

Before selecting a nonprofit organization or social enterprise to support, do your research. Make sure that the organization is reputable and that your donation or purchase will have a positive impact.

3. Don’t Skimp on Quality

Just because you’re giving a gift that supports a good cause doesn’t mean that it has to be low quality. Choose high-quality products or experiences that will be appreciated and valued by the recipient.

4. Be Transparent

Be transparent about the donation or support that you’re providing. Let the recipient know that their gift is also making a positive impact in the world, and share information about the organization that you’re supporting.

Examples of Companies Giving Corporate Gifts That Give Back

Many companies are already embracing the concept of corporate gifts that give back. Here are a few examples:

1. The Little Market

The Little Market is a nonprofit organization founded by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla that supports female artisans in developing countries. The organization offers a variety of products, including candles, home decor, and jewelry, that are all ethically sourced and sustainably produced. Many companies, including Google and Disney, have partnered with The Little Market to give corporate gifts that give back.

2. Warby Parker

Warby Parker, an eyewear company, has a Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program that donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair of glasses purchased. The company has also partnered with nonprofits like VisionSpring to provide access to eyeglasses for individuals in developing countries.

3. Patagonia

Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, has a Common Threads Partnership program that encourages customers to reduce their environmental impact by repairing, reusing, and recycling their clothing. The company has also donated millions of dollars to environmental nonprofits through its 1% for the Planet program.

4. TOMS

TOMS is a shoe company that is well-known for its One for One program, which donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes purchased. The company has expanded its giving to include eyewear, clean water, and safer birth services.

Conclusion

Corporate gifts that give back offer a unique opportunity for businesses to show appreciation to their clients, customers, and employees while also making a positive impact in the world. By partnering with nonprofit organizations or social enterprises, businesses can support a cause that aligns with their values and mission, while also strengthening relationships and improving their reputation. When choosing corporate gifts that give back, it’s important to consider the recipient’s preferences and interests, as well as the reputation and impact of the organization being supported. With a little research and thoughtfulness, businesses can give meaningful gifts that make a difference.