Our local charities especially are doing it hard with a recent Roy Morgan Research survey finding that Australians are giving less to charity but are increasingly using digital technology to make their donations.
In 2012, 66% of Australians aged 14+ donated to charity — down from 70% in the year to December 2008, according to the latest findings.
As local charities feel the pinch, twice as many donations are going to charities which fund overseas development - with the lion’s share going to World Vision, the Christian-based giant in the market.
Greater Western Sydney is home to more than 150,000 small businesses and collectively we can make a real difference in our local community.
Here are six reasons why you should consider supporting a charity or non-profit endeavor in your community:
1. The opportunity to give back. Your business success is probably down to the local customers who support you so giving back some of your good fortune to assist charities or community groups in your area makes good sense and may bring added business benefits too.
2. Community support and good will. Being an integral part of a community is vital for small business. In today’s competitive world of mega stores and the convenience of the internet, it can often be difficult to maintain the awareness of your small business. One way to ensure that your business thrives in your community is to help build a thriving community.
3. Marketing opportunities. If you donate money, products or services or even your time you will find that most charities and non-profit groups usually have some sort of recognition program. This is positive recognition for your brand and one of the reasons you see your child’s sporting team wearing shirts sponsored by a local business.
4. The opportunity to support causes you believe in. Get your staff involved in choosing a local charity or not-for-profit organisation for your business to support. Ideally relate it to your business purpose, for example a swimming pool store may support the work of Royal Life Saving.
5. Non financial contributions. Many local organisations are under resourced and have particular needs for time and services as well as cash. Contact the group you would like to help and ask them if there are volunteer opportunities available.
6. The opportunity to be involved. Getting involved in your local community is a great business strategy for many reasons and helps build a solid network of likeminded people and other businesses. You’ll become part of a special group of people who are in tune with the needs of the local community - market research that would be almost impossible for small businesses to attain.
According to a study commissioned in the UK by financial services group, Foresters - most consumers think businesses should support charities and nearly half are more likely to buy from companies that donate to good causes.
The survey of 1,100 people from across the UK found that 89 per cent thought businesses should support their local communities and 59 per cent that companies that did so would benefit from increased profits.
All in all, supporting a charity or non-profit group can help a business grow, but most of all, it can be a great way to give back to your community and help support causes that need your help.
The Sydney Hills Business Chamber is running a breakfast event at The Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill on Wednesday October 9 from 7am.
Join members and guests to discover how business and charity work together including three ways of partnering with charity that doesn't involve $$$ and provides direct benefits to business.
Support Chamber members and local community groups - Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children, Men In Action, Sustain Foundation and The 'Hills' Relay For Life and hear about an exciting initiative designed to assist all of these charities in 2014. For more details on this and other upcoming events visit the Chamber website at http://www.sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au
