Ideas for a Business to Give back to the Community

Sara Melone
No matter how large or small, a business is part of the community in which it operates. Many business owners who wish to invest in their local community may be at a loss as to how to contribute to their community. Businesses have a variety of creative ways they can give back to a community from accepting charitable donations to providing mentoring.

Request Charitable Donations

A business that operates a storefront or accepts customer payments for goods and services might consider taking up a regular donation for a local charity or other community organization, as suggested by the National Federation of Independent Business. A business owner could make a collection box available where customers can donate money, food or clothing items. The business owner might also consider adding an optional donation amount to the customer's purchase, such as a $1 donation to a local community organization.

Donate Products or Services

A business owner or manager may also consider contributing products or services directly to the community. A business that sells or makes food items could donate to a local food bank. A company that makes or distributes clothing, school supplies or medical equipment could donate to a community shelter, school or medical clinic. Even a business that provides a service such as construction or plumbing could volunteer employee time and materials to facilitate needed repairs for elderly and low-income households in the community.

Become a Sponsor

Many small to large sized businesses give back to the community by partaking in a variety of sponsorship opportunities. For instance, a business with a high-traffic location such as a gas station or restaurant might host a car wash where students can work to raise money for class trips or supplies. Other businesses sponsor a local little league team by investing in their uniforms, which has the dual benefit of providing advertising and exposure for the business.

Mentoring Programs

A business within the community is in a unique position to give back on a personal level, as well. Some businesses offer a mentoring or job skills training program open to local community members. The business might offer internship programs for high school and college students looking for new work experience in a particular field, or the program could be open to people looking for work requiring on-the-job training to acquire new skills.

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