“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Winston Churchill
One of the most impactful ways a business leader can give back to the community they live in is by participating in philanthropic work. As an industry leader, you need to show the world what you stand for and what separates you from the competition.
The first step to build a successful philanthropic relationship is to identify the unique values that make your brand special. This band may refer to a company or an individual. Your personal brand is the image you create in the mind of the consumer. Make sure that you are creating a clear and consistent picture of your personal brand. Also, remember that your personal brand is strengthened or weakened by your connection to other brands.
After establishing your personal brand and defining your goals, ask yourself how you would like to get involved in your community. How much time do you have to volunteer? Would you like to use your unique professional services, offer your home or network for fundraising, or serve on a Board of Directors? All of these opportunities offer a way to build valuable relationships between you and the community.
Choosing the right organization is very important. Not only does the organization need to represent your values and those of your personal brand, but also you need to make sure the organization is financially sustainable. Each year the number of nonprofits operating in the United States increases. According to a recent report, the number of nonprofits increased almost 30% between 2003 and 2013. However, the same report cites a survival rate of 2% to 3% after 5 years. The report concludes that it “takes a great idea combined with tremendous effort, proper people and a dash of luck to beat those odds!” While traditional nonprofits are an excellent place to volunteer your time and talents don’t forget to look into family foundations and giving circles.
Whichever way you choose to volunteer your time or money, remember that any philanthropic work is an excellent way to advocate and have your voice heard. At DeSantis Trusted Advisors, we offer guidance to our clients to help them think strategically about the role they would like to play in philanthropic work. We help to forge relationships to help clients realize their long-term goals.
