Giving Back

IMG 6386 scaled

Small Businesses Make a Big Impact

Financially speaking, 75% of small business owners donate an average of 6% of their profits to charitable organizations annually. According to data compiled by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to local nonprofits and community causes.

Young female GRB employee stands on a golf course, looking out at the landscape, wearing a green GRB employee volunteer t-shirt.

Giving back not only fosters goodwill, it also contributes to the overall well-being of employees and the community. Small businesses often go beyond direct financial donations, offering more creative and targeted ways to engage employees and make a difference. Consider:

  • Employee Volunteer Programs
    Encouraging and facilitating employee volunteerism allows businesses to extend their impact beyond monetary donations. Employees can actively participate in community service, contributing their time and skills to various projects.
  • Education & Skill Development Programs
    Businesses can invest in the future by supporting education and skill development initiatives. This can include scholarships, mentorship programs, and workshops that empower individuals within the community.
  • Meal Donations
    Providing a “fill the bow” opportunity to battle food insecurity. For Thanksgiving, employee teams might provide the box and canned goods while the company purchases gift cards for the turkey.
  • Supporting Local Organizations
    Just like choosing local suppliers and vendors when possible helps stimulate economic growth within the community, supporting local non-profits can help address specific challenges in the region.
  • Match Employee Fundraising
    When employees donate their own funds to a cause, a corporate match is a great way to double the impact.
  • Make the Big Check Meaningful
    A corporate donation is always welcome, but most nonprofits are thrilled to have the opportunity to go out in the community and talk to people about what they do. Invite the nonprofit in for a “Big Check” presentation and gather employees for a 10-minute overview about the charity.
  • Make it Competitive
    Have some fun! Run an employee March Madness pool or a cook-off fundraiser. Let the winner select the charity for the corporate donation.
  • Local Partnerships & Sponsorships
    Collaborating with local businesses, events, or sports teams through partnerships or sponsorships not only promotes community engagement but also helps boost the local economy.
  • In-Kind Donations
    Businesses can donate products or services to community organizations, schools, or events. This form of giving back provides valuable resources to those in need.

There are many diverse and meaningful ways for businesses to give back to the community. By aligning their efforts with the specific needs of the local area, businesses of all sizes can create a positive and lasting impact that extends far beyond their day-to-day operations.

More Resources

Keep Your Home Safe this Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month and this week, October 8-14, is Fire Prevention Week. Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (https://www.nfpa.org/) has sponsored the...

GRB and ABA Foundation Provide Safe Banking for Seniors Resources

Today is Senior Fraud Awareness Day. GRB has teamed up with the American Bankers Association Foundation to help older adults, families, and caregivers prevent elder...

Celebrating Community Banking Month

Small businesses are a vital part of the American economy, and community banks play a crucial role in supporting these businesses. Genesee Regional Bank provides...

Related Posts

White 3D model of a house sitting on top of a white book on a white desk with a white calculator resting next to the model home.
Home Mortgage

New Loan Limits for 2025

FHFA 2025 Limits The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced new maximum conforming loan limits for 2025. The updated limits for Central and Western

Read More