Corporate Giving: Advocating for Programs that Give Back as an Employee of a Corporation

In today's world, corporate social responsibility is a growing priority for businesses across the globe. Many companies recognize the importance of giving back to their communities, and they encourage their employees to get involved in charitable initiatives. If you're working for a corporation and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of shelter animals, you're in the right place! In this blog post, we will explore how you can research and take advantage of volunteer hour matching, donation matching, and other typical corporate giving programs. We'll also provide tips on advocating for these programs at your workplace.

Research Corporate Giving Programs 

The first step to making a positive impact is to understand your company's corporate giving programs. Most corporations have established philanthropic initiatives, and some even have dedicated departments or teams for managing their charitable efforts. Here's what you can do to get started:

• Contact Human Resources: Reach out to your HR department and ask about corporate giving programs. They can provide information about volunteer hour matching, donation matching, and other opportunities available to employees.
• Visit the Company Website: Many corporations have a dedicated section on their website that outlines their philanthropic efforts and employee engagement programs. Take some time to explore this resource.
• Network with Colleagues: Talk to your colleagues who may already be involved in corporate giving programs. They can provide insights and share their experiences, which can be valuable in navigating the process.

Volunteer Hour Matching 

​Volunteer hour matching is a fantastic way to double the impact of your time spent volunteering at our animal shelter. Here's how you can take advantage of this program:

• Check Eligibility: Review your company's policy to determine if they offer volunteer hour matching. Most companies match a certain number of volunteer hours with a monetary donation to the charity of your choice.
  
• Document Your Hours: Ensure that you keep accurate records of the hours you spend volunteering at our shelter. This documentation will be essential when applying for the matching donation.
  
• Submit Your Request: Follow your company's procedures for submitting a volunteer hour matching request. This typically involves providing proof of your volunteer hours, such as timesheets or supervisor verification.

Donation Matching 

Donation matching is another powerful way to support our shelter financially. Here's how to make the most of this opportunity:

• Confirm Matching Limits: Find out if your company has a maximum donation limit, matching ratio, or any specific guidelines for donation matching. This information will help you plan your contributions effectively.
• Make Regular Donations: Consider setting up regular donations to our shelter. This can be monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your company's matching policy. Regular donations maximize the impact of the matching program.
• Submit Matching Requests: After making your donation, submit a request for donation matching through your company's designated channels. Be sure to include any necessary documentation, such as donation receipts or confirmation.

​Advocating for Corporate Giving

If your company doesn't have established corporate giving programs or you believe there is room for improvement, consider advocating for change. Here's how:

• Gather Information: Collect data and research to support the benefits of corporate giving programs. Show how such initiatives can enhance employee engagement, company reputation, and community impact.
• Identify Champions: Connect with like-minded colleagues who share your passion for philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Building a team of advocates can be more persuasive.
• Present a Proposal: Prepare a proposal outlining the potential corporate giving programs and their benefits. Present it to your HR department or management with a well-thought-out plan for implementation.​

As an employee of a corporation, you have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of shelter animals through volunteer hour matching, donation matching, and corporate giving advocacy. By researching your company's programs and taking advantage of these opportunities, you can help support our shelter and contribute to a more compassionate community. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the animals we care for.