In a sector where resources are stretched razor thin and challenges loom large, partnerships between small charities and local businesses can serve as a game-changing strategy for achieving transformative impact and sustainable missions.

This isn’t just theory—it’s a reality I’ve lived as a professional fundraiser. Over a twenty-five-year career working with charitable organizations, I’ve experienced the incredible impact of strategic and well-aligned partnerships with local businesses.

When goals exceed resources

Let’s face it, the challenges facing most charities in Canada are immense: 91% operate with fewer than ten staff members and an astonishing 59% are entirely volunteer-run. Despite these extraordinary challenges, Canadian nonprofits continue to pursue ambitious goals, driven by their commitment to serving others and protecting what matters most to them. How do they manage it?

In my early days with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, I quickly came to understand the challenge of balancing ambitious financial targets with the hopes of families relying on us to find a cure or control for this devastating disease. The weight of those dual responsibilities often kept me up at night. With limited resources and a small but deeply committed team of local volunteers, I realized that ensuring the chapter's sustainability required a strategic, long-term approach.

This involved carefully crafting a strategy to build and strengthen corporate partnerships that could provide long-term support for the organization. The results were extraordinary—even from a seasoned fundraiser’s perspective. These efforts led to the establishment of eight annual charity golf tournaments, with the Ottawa CF Chapter named as the beneficiary. This was just one of several successful initiatives. We also secured sponsorships from local businesses, whose generous in-kind contributions brought our events to life.

Volunteers from the businesses we partnered with also helped with execution of the events. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve the calibre or number of events we held without their support. Some partners even offered corporate matching gift programs, which significantly increased the overall impact of our fundraising appeals. This plan helped to establish a reasonably reliable funding stream that allowed us to achieve our goals.

But this is only one side of the equation.

While it's vital for charities to build strategic, long-lasting relationships with local businesses, it's equally important for those businesses to make “giving back” a core part of their mission. The rewards are clear and profound, and this values-driven message is one I strive to convey every day through my work.

What benefits do companies gain by embedding philanthropy into the fabric of their operations? Below are a few noteworthy considerations:

• According to Gallup, companies with engaged employees outperform by up to 202% and 87% of employees who engage in corporate volunteering report an improved perception of their employer.
• Harvard Business Review highlights a 50% increase in collaboration and, a 22% boost in productivity amongst employees who work in a philanthropic culture.
• Kambeo reports that 77% of employees say company-sponsored volunteer activities are essential to their well-being.

What about the external or community benefits derived from corporate philanthropy programs? According to Vorecol,

• 79% of consumers prefer to support companies that engage in corporate social responsibility
• 87% of consumers are likely to purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue they cared about

It would be difficult to find a compelling argument against corporate philanthropy. Businesses boast a happier, more loyal, and productive workforce while demonstrating exemplary leadership and a values-first commitment that resonates with both existing and potential customers.

Where do charities and community businesses go from here?

The answer is not as scary as you would think. Begin with a thoughtful and intentional process that defines what truly matters and then move forward with building meaningful connections.

Charities need to leverage their existing network of supporters. For example, board members, volunteers, or donors to identify potential partners. Attend sector-specific events that allow you to share information about your organization’s mission. Be prepared for the occasional “no” and don’t let this setback discourage you from your ultimate goal of achieving success.

Community businesses can begin by stating their intention to make corporate philanthropy a core organizational priority on an annual basis—one that involves the input of all staff rather than a top-down approach. It will surely be one of the most strategic and meaningful decisions you make.

Lois Graveline is a passionate advocate for meaningful philanthropy, dedicated to forging strong connections between individuals and charitable organizations. As the Founder and CEO of Harmonia Philanthropy and a fundraising practitioner of thirty-two years, she embodies the belief that philanthropy should transcend transactional relationships, creating lasting impacts for both donors and communities. Learn more about Harmonia Philanthropy by visiting harmoniaphilanthropy.ca or by contacting Lois directly: lois@harmoniaphilanthropy.ca or (613) 282-0344.