When A Business Supports Charitable Groups, Does It Work?

There are several inspiring examples of businesses successfully supporting community nonprofits, demonstrating the mutual benefits that come from these partnerships. Here are a few well-known examples:

1. Starbucks and Local Community Programs

Starbucks has a long-standing commitment to community involvement through various nonprofit partnerships. One notable initiative is the company’s Community Store Program, where a portion of each store’s sales is donated to a local nonprofit that serves the community. For example, in Los Angeles, a Starbucks Community Store has partnered with Homeboy Industries, a nonprofit focused on job training for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through this collaboration, Starbucks has provided financial support and also helped with job creation, directly benefiting the nonprofit’s mission of reintegration and economic empowerment.

This initiative not only strengthens Starbucks’ connection to the community but also builds brand loyalty among customers who care about social impact.

2. TOMS and its “One for One” Model

TOMS, the footwear company, is widely known for its One for One program, where for every pair of shoes sold, the company donates a pair to a child in need. Over time, TOMS expanded its giving model to support various nonprofits focused on healthcare, clean water, and education. For example, TOMS has worked with Sight Giving Partners to provide medical treatment and glasses to people in underdeveloped areas.

This model has helped TOMS donate millions of shoes and improve the lives of people in need worldwide. At the same time, the company’s commitment to philanthropy has driven significant brand growth, attracting socially conscious consumers.

3. Salesforce and the 1-1-1 Philanthropic Model

Salesforce, a global leader in cloud-based software, has pioneered the 1-1-1 model, where the company donates 1% of its equity, 1% of its product, and 1% of its employees’ time to nonprofit causes. This model has allowed Salesforce to partner with thousands of nonprofits globally, providing them with free or discounted access to Salesforce products, as well as employee expertise.

One standout example is Salesforce’s collaboration with San Francisco Unified School District, where it invested millions to improve education technology infrastructure, providing students with better access to digital learning. The company’s employees have also volunteered extensively in local schools, helping to support learning initiatives.

This program not only enhances the community but also engages Salesforce employees and helps to attract socially conscious talent, while boosting the company’s public image as a leader in corporate social responsibility.

4. Ben & Jerry’s and Social Justice Initiatives

Ben & Jerry’s, the socially conscious ice cream company, has a long history of aligning with nonprofits to address social justice issues. In partnership with organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Color of Change, Ben & Jerry’s supports initiatives focused on racial justice, climate change, and fair trade.

A notable success was the company’s Justice Remix’d campaign, where they teamed up with criminal justice reform nonprofits to raise awareness and funds for criminal justice reform in the U.S. As part of the campaign, Ben & Jerry’s launched a new ice cream flavor, with part of the proceeds going to nonprofits working on justice reform. This partnership successfully raised awareness and resources for critical causes, while also strengthening Ben & Jerry’s reputation as a brand deeply committed to social justice.

5. Microsoft and Technology for Good

Microsoft has established itself as a major player in supporting nonprofits through its Tech for Social Impact initiative, which provides technology and funding to nonprofits worldwide. Microsoft has partnered with nonprofits like Team Rubicon, a disaster relief organization, by equipping them with cloud services, data analytics tools, and software to improve disaster response efforts. By enabling nonprofits to leverage Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology, they can respond more quickly and efficiently in times of crisis.

This initiative has helped Microsoft drive social good on a global scale, while also showcasing how its products can be used for real-world impact.

Key Takeaways:

Calling all small businesses

These examples illustrate that businesses of all sizes can create successful partnerships with nonprofits, driving positive change while strengthening their brand, engaging employees, and building lasting customer loyalty. Whether through direct donations, volunteerism, or leveraging company products for social good, these initiatives showcase the power of corporate-nonprofit collaboration.

Small businesses can also make a significant impact by supporting community nonprofits, often creating meaningful partnerships that resonate deeply with local audiences. Here are some examples of small businesses successfully engaging with nonprofits:

1. The Laundromat Project – Local Artist Empowerment

A small New York-based arts nonprofit, The Laundromat Project, partnered with local laundromats to bring art into unexpected community spaces. Small laundromat businesses helped by providing space for local artists to engage with their communities, creating murals, art classes, and public art projects for residents. This collaboration not only helped the nonprofit empower local artists but also benefited the laundromats by attracting more foot traffic and improving customer experience.

This example shows how small businesses can offer something as simple as space or visibility, creating community hubs and supporting local talent while engaging with customers in unique ways.

2. Brewery Partnerships with Nonprofits – Charity Brews

Many small craft breweries have found success by brewing special beers in partnership with local nonprofits, donating a portion of sales to charitable causes. For instance, Frogg Brewing in New Hampshire has regularly collaborated with local animal shelters and other nonprofits.

Some breweries are creating limited-edition brews where part of the profits support causes like wildlife conservation or pet adoption efforts.

These partnerships allow the brewery to engage socially conscious customers while helping nonprofits raise funds and visibility. The business benefits from increased sales and strong community loyalty, while customers enjoy contributing to meaningful causes through their purchases.

3. Small Retailers Hosting Donation Drives

Independent retailers often make a big difference by organizing donation drives for local nonprofits. For example, a small bookstore in San Francisco, Green Apple Books, regularly partners with local literacy programs by hosting book drives where customers can donate new or gently used books for underprivileged schools. They also donate a percentage of their sales during special events to support these literacy nonprofits.

By supporting education, the bookstore not only contributes to a good cause but also positions itself as a community-focused business, driving customer loyalty and building goodwill.

(Here in Keene we have a reading program centered around The Swampbats very own mascot, Ribby!)

4. Farm-to-Table Restaurants and Food Donations

Little Goat Diner in Chicago, a small farm-to-table restaurant, partnered with The Greater Chicago Food Depository, a local food bank, to address food insecurity. The restaurant donates excess food to the food bank and regularly hosts charity nights, where a portion of their sales goes directly to support hunger relief efforts. Additionally, they allow employees to volunteer at the food bank during paid work hours.

This not only provides critical resources for people in need but also strengthens the restaurant’s connection to the community, engaging customers who appreciate socially responsible businesses. It also fosters team-building and employee satisfaction, as staff members can contribute to a worthy cause.

5. Local Fitness Studios and Charity Events

Small fitness studios, like Pure Barre in Austin, Texas, often partner with local health-related nonprofits by hosting charity workout classes. In these events, participants pay a donation-based fee to attend a special class, and all proceeds are donated to a chosen nonprofit—whether it’s for cancer research, mental health awareness, or local hospitals.

Business supporting Business

This kind of event benefits the studio by bringing in new customers and building a sense of community while raising awareness and funds for important health issues. Participants feel good about attending a fitness class that supports a greater cause, making it a win-win situation.

6. Local Coffee Shops and Pay-it-Forward Campaigns

Small coffee shops like Café Gratitude in Los Angeles have embraced the idea of “paying it forward” by partnering with local nonprofits. Café Gratitude allows customers to purchase “kindness cards,” which can be redeemed for free meals by people in need. Proceeds from these cards are donated to local organizations that focus on homelessness and food insecurity. This simple model connects the coffee shop’s customers with community members who benefit from the donations.

Not only does this build a stronger community, but it also enhances customer loyalty as patrons feel directly involved in helping those less fortunate.

I said I lead a couple of nonprofits. One of those is an organization called PN4UINC. Our heart is to promote positivity, embrace positive events, and provide positivity education to school students. Recently, a friend and corporate trainer decided to collaborate with us. He has develop curricula, “work pages”, and books. Another friend is developing the tech side. 

We are always looking for folks who want to party up with us as we get ready to launch coming into 2025.

And if you are a business, and you are working with a nonprofit, I would love to hear from you. 

Please reach out to me. 

Here is my friend’s initiative