When it comes to enhancing workplace dynamics and employee satisfaction, one area where data consistently supports positive outcomes is employee engagement. Engaged employees are more productive, less likely to turnover, and contribute significantly to a positive workplace culture. An effective strategy that is backed by robust metrics and research to boost employee engagement is workplace volunteerism. In this blog post, we'll delve into how encouraging employees to give back to the community can have a profound impact on your workforce and provide data-driven insights into its significance.

Employee engagement is more importan than ever when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.

• Increased Productivity: Gallup reports that highly engaged teams show a 21% greater profitability compared to their less engaged counterparts. Engaged employees are inherently motivated to put in their best effort, resulting in higher productivity levels.
• Reduced Turnover: SHRM's research demonstrates that companies with engaged employees experience 59% lower turnover rates. Engaged employees tend to stay with their organizations longer, reducing recruitment and training costs.
• Enhanced Morale: A study by the American Psychological Association found that engaged employees report higher levels of job satisfaction and overall well-being, directly affecting their mental health and morale.
• Innovation Boost: Engaged employees are more likely to suggest innovative ideas and approaches, leading to increased innovation within the organization, as reported by Innovation Leader.

Encouraging volunteerism in the workplace is a proven tool to improve employee engagement.

• Employee Engagement Metrics: Research by Deloitte reveals that organizations with a strong sense of purpose, which includes philanthropic efforts like volunteerism, have significantly higher levels of employee engagement. Remarkably, 73% of employees who say their companies have a strong sense of purpose are engaged, compared to just 23% of those who don't.
• Improved Team Collaboration: A study published in the "Harvard Business Review" underscores that employees who volunteer together are more likely to collaborate effectively. This improved teamwork directly contributes to higher engagement levels, as successful teamwork is a key driver of engagement.
• Skill Development and Job Satisfaction: According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, employees who volunteer have a 27% higher likelihood of finding a job after being unemployed. This skill development and personal growth not only improve employability but also enhance job satisfaction and engagement.
• Enhanced Company Culture: The Cone Communications Employee Engagement Study found that 64% of employees consider their company's social and environmental commitments when deciding where to work. By promoting workplace volunteerism, your company enhances its reputation as a socially responsible and caring organization, making it more attractive to top talent.

Take steps to implement workplace volunteerism in your company.

1. Identify Causes with Impact: Leverage data to identify causes that deeply resonate with your employees and have a quantifiable impact on the community. Analyze employee surveys and preferences to align volunteer opportunities with their values.
2. Flexible Scheduling with Measurable Outcomes: Offer flexible scheduling options for volunteering activities, allowing employees to allocate time for volunteering during their work hours. Establish clear metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the outcomes of your volunteer programs and consider incorporating them into employee performance goals as professional development efforts.
3. Recognition and Rewards, Informed by Data: After tracking volunteer efforts, use the data to determine the most effective ways to recognize and reward employees who actively participate in volunteer activities. This could include personalized recognition, awards, or even career growth opportunities linked to their volunteering efforts.

Data-driven workplace volunteerism is not just a feel-good initiative; it's a potent tool for boosting employee engagement. By aligning your efforts with concrete metrics and research supporting the importance of both engagement and volunteerism, you can create a more engaged, motivated, and socially responsible workforce. Commence your journey toward a data-backed, purpose-driven workplace today, and witness the remarkable positive impact it brings, both within your organization and in the broader community.

In today's rapidly changing business environment, success encompasses more than financial gains and market leadership. An increasing number of companies are recognizing the transformative influence of giving back to the communities they serve. Engaging in volunteerism and community service not only nurtures positive societal change but also offers a multitude of advantages for businesses themselves. From elevated employee morale to a bolstered brand reputation, corporate social responsibility has become a fundamental aspect of modern business practices. Let's delve into the reasons and methods behind promoting volunteerism and community service, creating a substantial impact within the corporate workplace.

The Significance of Volunteerism: Why It Matters

1. Cultivating a Positive Company Culture: Encouraging employees to actively participate in volunteer activities nurtures a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie within the organization. When individuals unite to support a common cause, it transcends hierarchical structures, resulting in enhanced teamwork, empathy, and shared values among employees.
2. Boosting Employee Morale and Engagement: Engaged employees are more likely to be productive and committed. Offering opportunities for volunteerism enables them to connect with their community and align their personal values with their professional roles. This sense of fulfillment positively influences overall job satisfaction and employee retention.
3. Contributing to Stronger Communities: Companies that actively engage in community service contribute to the well-being and growth of the neighborhoods they operate in. By addressing local needs and collaborating with nonprofits, businesses play an indispensable role in creating thriving and sustainable communities.
4. Elevating Brand Reputation: Today's consumers are increasingly conscious of a company's ethical practices and social contributions. Engaging in volunteerism and community service positions a company as a responsible and compassionate entity, elevating its brand reputation and attracting socially aware customers.

Strategies to Promote Volunteerism in the Corporate Workplace

1. Lead by Example: Effective change begins at the top. When executives and leaders actively participate in volunteer activities, it sends a compelling message throughout the organization. Their involvement underscores the company's commitment to giving back and motivates others to do the same.
2. Provide Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO): Grant employees dedicated time off to engage in volunteer work. This not only removes barriers to participation but also demonstrates the company's appreciation for community involvement. Consider establishing partnerships with local nonprofits to offer diverse volunteering opportunities.
3. Align with Employee Passions: Each employee possesses unique interests and causes that hold personal significance. Enable them to propose and organize volunteer events that align with their passions. This personal connection heightens motivation and enthusiasm for community service.
4. Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge and celebrate employees who actively engage in volunteer activities. Establish a recognition program that highlights their contributions, such as "Volunteer of the Month" awards. Recognizing their efforts cultivates a sense of pride and inspires others to participate.
5. Collaborate with Nonprofits: Forge alliances with local nonprofits to establish mutually beneficial relationships. Collaborations can span from one-time events to ongoing commitments. By comprehending the needs of these organizations, companies can tailor their efforts for optimal impact.
6. Measuring the Impact: As with any initiative, measuring the impact of corporate volunteerism is crucial. Implement tools to track volunteer hours, funds raised, and the overall value of contributions to the community. This data not only showcases the company's dedication but also assists in identifying areas for growth and enhancement.

Promoting volunteerism and community service within the corporate workplace is an endeavor that yields positive outcomes for all parties involved. It enhances employee engagement, fortifies company culture, and uplifts communities, all while enhancing the brand's reputation. By embracing the ethos of giving back, companies contribute to positive change and embody the values of compassion, empathy, and responsibility. As we navigate the ever-evolving business landscape, let's remember that success is not solely measured in profits, but in the constructive impact we leave on the world around us.

If you're an employer competing for top talent in your industry, you may want to consider creating a formal plan to encourage volunteer service among employees. Working somewhere that encourages volunteer service can be important for several reasons.

• Volunteering can have significant benefits for both individuals and the community. Studies have shown that volunteering can improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase happiness and well-being. Additionally, volunteering can help build social connections and foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Companies that encourage volunteer service demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and community involvement. This can help improve the company's reputation, build trust with customers and employees, and differentiate the company from competitors.
• Working for a company that encourages volunteer service can be an attractive benefit for employees. Many younger workers, in particular, place a high value on social responsibility and community involvement, and are more likely to be attracted to companies that demonstrate these values. Companies that encourage volunteer service can also help improve employee engagement and job satisfaction by giving employees opportunities to participate in meaningful work outside of their regular job responsibilities.

As more and more companies recognize the importance of social responsibility and community involvement, many are turning to volunteer service programs as a way to give back and make a positive impact. However, simply encouraging employees to volunteer on their own time may not be enough to create a meaningful impact. To truly make a difference, companies need to develop a formal plan to encourage and support employee volunteer service.
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Here are some reasons why your company needs a formal volunteer service plan:

1. Increases Employee Engagement: Employee engagement is a critical component of a positive workplace culture. By providing opportunities for employees to engage in meaningful volunteer service, companies can help improve employee satisfaction, foster a sense of community and connection, and increase employee retention.
2. Builds Positive Reputation: Companies that are known for their commitment to social responsibility and community involvement can build a positive reputation and gain the trust and loyalty of customers and employees. A formal volunteer service plan can help demonstrate the company's values and commitment to giving back.
3. Supports Local Communities: By encouraging and supporting employee volunteer service, companies can help support local communities and make a positive impact on the lives of others. This can help build strong relationships with local organizations and foster a sense of community and connection.
4. Improves Employee Skillsets: Volunteer service can provide employees with opportunities to develop new skills and experiences that can benefit them both personally and professionally. This can help improve employee job satisfaction and make them more valuable to the company.
5. Enhances Corporate Social Responsibility: Corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly important in today's business landscape. By developing a formal volunteer service plan, companies can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and create a positive impact on society.

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A formal volunteer service plan can provide numerous benefits to both employees and companies. By supporting and encouraging employee volunteer service, companies can improve employee engagement, build a positive reputation, support local communities, improve employee skillsets, and enhance corporate social responsibility. If your company has not yet developed a formal volunteer service plan, now is the time to do so and make a meaningful impact.

If you're asked to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization, make sure you will be covered by Board Member D&O Insurance (Directors and Officer's Insurance). Most companies and nonprofits will cover the cost of this insurance for all board members, but if they refuse you have the option of purchasing a policy yourself. You also may want to think twice about joining a board that will not cover your exposure to financial risk. 

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What is Nonprofit Board Member Insurance?

Nonprofit board member insurance (D&O insurance) is an important protection for those who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on the board of a nonprofit organization. Think of it as a safety net that protects you as a board member. It covers board members from the risks they may face while serving on the board, such as personal liability for decisions made in the course of their duties, legal fees, and damages they may be held responsible for. D&O Insurance is a type of liability insurance that covers the legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments that may result from legal action taken against you for alleged wrongful acts or decisions made in your capacity as a board member.


Why Do Nonprofit Board Members Need D&O Insurance?

If you are a nonprofit executive leader, you should spend the money to offer a policy to your Board of Directors. Having this insurance can demonstrates a commitment to responsible governance and can attract high-quality board members who value the protection that insurance offers.

Nonprofit board member insurance is especially important in today’s world, where nonprofit organizations often take on complex and challenging projects, and face a variety of legal and financial risks. Board members are ultimately responsible for the decisions made by the nonprofit organization, and can be held personally liable for any mistakes or oversights. Even if the board member is not directly at fault, they may still be held liable for any losses or damages suffered by the organization.

It's not a matter of if a lawsuit will happen, but rather when. As a nonprofit board member, you can be held personally responsible for any decisions or actions that result in financial loss or harm to the organization or its stakeholders. Even if the allegations against you are false or baseless, the legal defense process can be lengthy and expensive. D&O Insurance can give you peace of mind so you can and focus on your role as a board member without worrying about personal financial repercussions. Nonprofit board member insurance provides financial protection for board members in the event of any legal action taken against them. It can cover legal fees associated with defending the board member against any allegations, as well as any damages that may be awarded. In some cases, this insurance may even cover the cost of settling out of court.


When is D&O Insurance Used?

D&O Insurance can be used in a variety of scenarios. Here are some examples:

• Allegations of mismanagement or financial irregularities: If someone claims that the nonprofit was mismanaged or that there were financial irregularities, D&O Insurance will provide the necessary legal defense and financial protection for the board members.
• Claims of breach of fiduciary duty: As a board member, you have a responsibility to act in the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders. If someone claims that you breached your fiduciary duty, D&O Insurance will provide the necessary legal defense and financial protection.
• Employment as an officer, director, employee, or volunteer in the corporation: Even if you're simply volunteering your time and expertise, you may still be personally liable for actions taken in the course of your volunteer service.
• Employment practices or discrimination claims: If someone claims that the organization engaged in discriminatory employment practices, D&O Insurance will provide the necessary legal defense and financial protection for the board members.
• Allegations of defamation or libel: If someone claims that you or the organization made false or damaging statements about them, D&O Insurance will provide the necessary legal defense and financial protection.

 
D&O Insurance is an essential component of any nonprofit organization's risk management strategy. As a board member, having this insurance in place can provide peace of mind and protect you from personal financial loss in the event of a lawsuit. It's important to ensure that the nonprofit you are involved with has this coverage in place to protect both the organization and its board members.

Having the right insurance in place can help protect board members from any financial losses they may face due to their involvement in a nonprofit organization. It can also help to reduce the risk of financial ruin for the organization itself, as well as for its board members.
If you need help finding a reputable, trustworthy risk management advisor for your nonprofit organization, contact us and we can help point you in the right direction.

One of the considerations that comes up when you decide to participate in charitable giving is the topic of anonymity. Depending on the type of person you are and the effects you are looking for, giving anonymously may seem like the way to go rather than making your donations well-known to everyone. There’s arguments for each side and ultimately, the decision is up to you. Before making your next philanthropic move, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of giving anonymously and publicly. 
Giving Anonymously
​There are plenty of factors that go into making the decision to be anonymous in your giving. These can include your background, the organization you are supporting, etc. Here are the advantages and disadvantages associated with giving anonymously:

Disadvantages

• Giving anonymously keeps you from being recognized for your work. 
• This could keep you from being part of the decision making process when funds are distributed within the organization.
• Your motives for giving may be questioned under some circumstances.

Advantages 

• The focus is kept on the organization rather than the individual donor.
• You will not be overwhelmed with requests from other organizations for donations.
• You can keep the causes you support private if they are ones that would cause controversy among people in your life.
• Your name is kept out of the public eye which can be beneficial for  privacy.

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​Giving Publicly
Disadvantages

• People have insight into your financial ability which can be dangerous in some situations.
• You may be expected to give the same amount consistently which could stretch your limits. 
• When certain philanthropic issues rotate into the media cycle, people will look to you for action and you may be expected to donate to all types of causes. 

Advantages

• Making your charitable contributions known can inspire others to donate. 
• You can build a good reputation within your community. 
• You don’t have to be secretive about organizations you are actively involved with financially which allows you to talk about your passions to others. 
• GIving publicly helps you open up more opportunities for discovering similar organizations to contribute to. 

Public donations are preferred by many organizations and offer them more opportunities and benefits than you may realize. For example, the more donors they are able to publicly include on their list, the more likely they are able to grow their work with the community. Not only does your donation help fund their projects, you name attached to a charitable gift can be used to help elevate fundraising efforts, create compelling stories, and help the organization build a relationship with you as a donor. 

​​Joining the board of directors for a nonprofit organization can be a major responsibility as well a major source of pride and excitement. Guiding a nonprofit and being along to see it obtain its goals is a worthwhile experience. But there are a few things to consider before taking on this role. Nonprofit board members should be actively involved with the organization and are expected to contribute financially in some shape or form whether this be through giving your time, dedicating your skills towards advancing the organization, or donating money. Before making the decision to become involved with a board of directors, make sure you understand the commitment you’re making as well as the organization you are serving. 

1. Can I see a copy of your latest IRS Form 990?
A form 990 is the form submitted to the IRS to determine whether or not a nonprofit organization can maintain its tax-exempt status. This form will include all of the nonprofits income and expenses including any money they have awarded through scholarships or grants, salaries of the organization’s five highest paid employees, donations, fundraising, etc. 
As a potential board member, you can use this form to evaluate the financial health of the nonprofit and whether its spending and saving habits fall in line with your expectations as a future member on their board of directors. Most nonprofits will make this form available to those who request it and some may even be found online through sites like Guidestar. 

2. How much will I be expected to give each year?
When you join a board of directors for an organization, it is usually expected that members will make some sort of personal contribution to the organization themselves. Board giving is a common way to demonstrate your support to the organization you serve and also positions you as a role model in the community for other donors. Expectations can vary based on the nonprofit you are working with so be sure to get informed before getting involved. 

3. How much will I be expected to raise each year?
Fundraising should always be one of the top priorities for board members. This is one of the key ways many nonprofit organizations raise enough money to accomplish their goals. Board fundraising can look like a variety of situations from creating connections with your own circle and identifying prospective donors to helping with fundraising initiatives and requesting gifts. It also includes bringing in resources, support, and skills into the organization. 
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The Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization is tasked with the responsibility of considering, discussing, and voting on the affairs, actions, and decisions of the nonprofit. Being a member of the board can allow you to have some say in how money is spent, where resources are allocated, which steps the nonprofit will take next, and much more. If you are particularly interested in or dedicated to the work being done by the nonprofit, working on the board can allow you to make an impact on a cause you care about. 

While some nonprofits are desperate for board members, and will happily take volunteers that are willing to dedicate their time and energy, others are more selective and require potential board members to prove themselves before being considered for a slot at the table. If you have found a nonprofit that you feel passionate about, and want to become more involved by joining their board of directors, here are a few pieces of advice to keep in mind: 

• Start as a volunteer, then work your way up to applying for the board. One of the easiest ways to become involved with an organization that you care about is by volunteering with them since most charitable and nonprofit organizations are always accepting new volunteers. Volunteering will get you better acquainted with the work being done and will help to make you more recognizable to the people running the nonprofit.
  
  
  
• Take on leadership roles as they are offered to you, and show your commitment and enthusiasm for the work. If you become a regular volunteer, you will naturally become more involved in the organization as other members begin to rely on you. Taking on leadership roles within the volunteer structure of the organization is a good stepping stone for taking on leadership roles higher up, and will show your commitment to the cause. Examples of volunteer leadership roles include: chairing a fundraising committee, managing an event, or promoting a service or program.
  
  
  
• Share your time and talents generously to show just what an asset you can be. Nonprofits are constantly in need of extra help, and if you have something to offer, they will gladly accept. You are more than just a person with a body to take up space, you are an asset with a set of skills that you can use to make yourself more valuable to the organization. Offer to use your professional skills, knowledge, and energy to make the organization better, and you’ll soon be in the running for a position on the board. 

 

• Be prepared to donate or ask others you know to donate to the organization. As passionate as you are about the mission of the organization, it will not exist at all without funding. Board members are responsible for finding ways to strengthen cash flow security within an organization. Many times, you can contribute by donating some of your own funding but if you cannot do that, you should be willing to ask others (friends, colleague, the company you work for) to be generous with their pocketbooks.  

Want more tips, tricks, and advice on living a philanthropic life? Visit Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors today, and be sure to visit our blog for more information. ​

​Creating a thriving and efficient work environment isn’t always about what happens in the office - sometimes, it’s the time you encourage your employees to take off that makes the biggest difference. Offering your employees volunteer time off is an amazing way to get them engaged in the community, can help boost the image of your company, and can help further the mission of your business. 


What is VTO?

Like paid time off, volunteer time off (VTO) policies offer employees the chance to take a day off with pay. Rather than going on vacation or taking sick leave, VTO is for volunteering. Offering paid days off to your employees encourages them to take advantage of the opportunity, and can even help boost employee morale. 

Most companies that offer VTO offer somewhere between 8 and 80 hours per year, with some even offering employees the chance to take paid sabbaticals to dedicate themselves purely to volunteering. An organization offering VTO can choose just how much time they will allow, and can even dictate which organizations employees should volunteer with to qualify. By requiring employees to volunteer for specific causes and organizations, you’ll be able to direct time, energy, and effort toward a cause that matters to you and your business. 

Some companies require employees to take at least 8 hours of VTO throughout the year, implementing mandatory minimum volunteer hours for all members of staff. Other companies leave the choice entirely up to the employee, allowing them to request as much or as little VTO as they want. Approving employees for VTO is a relatively straightforward process, and requires little more than a simple scheduling protocol for employees to submit requests for VTO with reasonable advanced notice.


What Are the Advantages of a VTO Policy?

Some business owners might frown at the idea of paying their workforce to ‘work’ elsewhere for a day, but despite the lost working hours, there are plenty of advantages to implementing a VTO policy in your organization. 

• Reputation & Image: Consumers across the board favor companies and organizations that participate in their communities and show conscious effort towards making the world a better place. The impact on your bottom line is clear. Reputation Institute found that consumers are 350% more likely to buy from companies they hold in high regard. Encouraging employees to volunteer and offering VTO is just one of the ways you can prove to your consumer base that your company truly cares, and puts its money towards creating real change and making a real impact. 

 

• Recruitment & Retention: Studies show that Millennials are more likely to accept positions at companies that show commitments to social investment. When employees feel like they are able to make a difference on the job, they’re more likely to stick around. Research by SurePayroll shows that there’s a 28% reduction in absenteeism in companies with strong engagement compared to those that do not.

 

• Employee Satisfaction: Employees working for an organization that emphasizes doing good tend to be more satisfied in their positions, and will speak more highly of their employers. Chances are that your employees probably have similar values to you, and are interested in things that would impact your company or the community in which it exists. Having a mutual interest and goal is an incredible unifying factor, which is why volunteering can create happier, more satisfied teams. In addition to making a difference in the community, VTO can be a super fun experience, bonding the team and creating a more positive atmosphere back at the office. 

 

• Leadership Development: Volunteering can give employees opportunities to improve and strengthen skills in a way they are unable to in their day to day work assignments. This fosters growth and encourages employees to develop new leadership skills that can be adapted to workplace scenarios and lead to promotions and reduced voluntary turnover.
  
  
• Foster a Healthier Community: Wherever you have set up shop (or office, or warehouse, etc.), it is important to become part of your community and to support it in a meaningful way. Community success becomes a personal success, and by working together, many businesses and organizations have helped to make significant change in neighborhoods and communities in need of support. Lending your employee hours to the community can help you to cement your organization as a member, and can help to create a better, more prosperous community for all. 

Companies that Offer VTO

If you decide to begin offering your employees VTO, you’ll be joining the more than 65% of companies that already have these programs in place. Some of the biggest, most well-known corporations are also those with the most generous VTO policies, and more and more professionals are beginning to expect their employers to dedicate a portion of their resources to community and social programs. Here are just a few of the companies that offer VTO to their employees: 

• Allstate: 16 VTO Hours, Required. ​
• Build-A-Bear Workshop: 4 VTO Hours
• PNC Bank: 40 VTO Hours
• Capital One: Maximum of 32 VTO Hours
• Google: Maximum of 20 VTO Hours
• Verizon: 50 hrs. VTO Hours, Required

How You Can Create a VTO Policy

If you haven’t already, now is the time to begin offering your employees paid volunteer time off. Creating a basic VTO policy is fairly simple, and if you already have a PTO policy in place, you will be able to follow its basic framework. Some important details for your VTO policy to include are: 

• Minimum or maximum number of hours required/allowed
• Information regarding placing requests for VTO in advance
• Regulations to ensure that VTO won’t conflict with peak hours or busy seasons
• Approved organizations for VTO
• Eligibility information (full-time employees only, all employees, etc.)
• Performance requirements

Ready to take it to the next level? 

These are companies who are going above and beyond and offering an even greater depth to their community service programs:

• NuStart Energy (Texas): Loan Executive Program offers 3-5 months paid; this is a competitive program offered to just one employee each quarter.
• Gibson (Indiana): Offers unlimited Paid Time Off for volunteer service.
• Johnson and Johnson (New Jersey): Extended Volunteer Leave Policy allows employees to take up to 2 weeks each year for volunteer trips, 40 hours of which is paid. That’s not all, Johnson and Johnson also offers specials programs like competitive Global Pro Bono and Secondment Program which off sabbaticals up to six-months to work on-assignment in service to organizations in developing countries or high-need causes. 
• DeLoitte (London): Pro Bono support encourages employees a chance to make a long term commitment to a specific nonprofit or cause. Employee in their stepup program use modules and a formal training program to learn how to provide value and leadership in communities in addition to providing pro bono services to organizations. 

Want to learn more about making a difference in your community? Visit Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors insights blog to discover much more. ​

Some people give simply because they know they should, and offer up charitable donations out of some kind of moral obligation. While it is true that we should all do our best to give back, this sentiment of obligatory philanthropy is readily going out of style. 

The next generation of philanthropists, the 20-somethings, are giving to those causes they feel personal connections to, rather than giving simply for the sake of giving. Young people like to engage personally with the causes they support, and are building philanthropy plans that reflect their interests and values. 

If you are a 20-something and have been wondering whether it is time you create a philanthropy plan, the answer is: it’s never too early to start giving! Building the habit of generosity and learning support causes that impact you and your community from an early age will help you to feel more connected to your community, and will help you to build patterns of empathy. 

Many younger people with charitable sensibilities shy away from engaging in philanthropy because they believe that they need to have tons of expendable income to make an impact. In truth, young philanthropists can contribute to nonprofit and community organizations in many ways, including but not limited to financially. 

How You Can Give Back Without Having Money

While even the smallest financial donation is appreciated by nonprofit organizers, not all young philanthropists can afford to donate money. Instead, try donating something else, like your time. Volunteer, serve on boards or committees, offer professional pro-bono services, or find some other creative way of donating your time. 

Many nonprofits often need additional volunteers to help with basic administrative tasks, to help organize or clean their facilities, or to simply spread the word about their cause. Donating your time is just as rewarding - if not more - than donating your money, and the sooner you begin contributing to causes you care about, the sooner you will feel the benefits of generosity. 

Once you start giving back, we know you won’t want to stop, which is why we encourage you to keep changing your philanthropy plan as often as necessary. As you, your career, and your life grow, you will find new ways to contribute to the causes that mean the most to you. Creating a basic philanthropy plan in your 20s is just the first step. 

Learn more about philanthropy and how you can make a difference when you visit Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors. We offer more information like this on our blog, where you can discover tips, tricks, and advice for volunteering, corporate giving, fundraising, and much more. ​

• DO: Think about how you will merge your giving strategy and goals with your corporate strategy and goals. Are there any charities who share a similar vision or mission? For example, if you’re a financial advisor – you may want to look into teaming up with a nonprofit like Junior Achievement who teaches youth about making smart money decisions. Do you run a construction company? You may consider finding some nonprofits or schools who teach trades to low-income adults.

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• DON’T underestimate the power of relationships you will build through partnerships with nonprofits. If you take the partnerships seriously, you will gain valuable contacts through staff and board member interactions. This is an investment that could impact your bottom line.

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• DO: Ask your employees what their passion is. Imagine spending all your time rallying your employees to support your favorite animal shelter only to find out not a single person you work with is passionate about animal rights. If you find out their passions don’t align with your corporate strategy for giving, consider offering them a matching gift grant to encourage giving to nonprofit of their choice. On average, major corporations match employee gifts up to about $1,000. Match any amount, even $100, will go a long way to show your team that it’s crucial for the team to be engaged in philanthropy.

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• DON’T forget to provide time for volunteering opportunities to your employees. The estimated national value of an employee hour is $25.43. Even if you’re a small business and can’t afford a big corporate giving program, you can probably afford to offer group volunteering and optional volunteer time off hours for your employees to give back their time. If you organize a time for employees to take the day off to volunteer at a food pantry for the day, that amounts to a $1,000 donation to a charity.

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• DO: Track every penny you spend on charitable giving. These donations are 100% tax-deductible. Think strategically with every gift -- ask yourself why questions and how it will add value to your company and the people who make up your company. You should be tracking corporate philanthropy just the same as you would monitor any other performance metric in your company. As we say at Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors, anything worth doing is worth doing well.

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• DO: Take the time to get to know the nonprofits you support. You could even organize nonprofit tours and interviews for your employees to help choose the best spot to invest your corporate cash and time. This process should be taken seriously just as any other endeavor you undertake in your business.

Our brains are hardwired to serve. Here is why businesses and their employees benefit from embracing meaningful causes.
By Susan SteinbrecherCEO, Steinbrecher and Associates@SteinbrecherInc
​Published by Inc. Magazine, May 31, 2019

At a recent celebration for Harvard Business School's Class Day, speaker Michael R. Bloomberg, extolled the value of graduates aligning themselves with companies that were deeply committed to philanthropic efforts, stating that at Bloomberg, "...philanthropy gives us a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining talent -- and it's as good for the bottom line as anything a company can do."

Literally translated, the word philanthropy means "love of humanity." By very definition, philanthropy is only philanthropy when it stems from giving without personal gain. It begins and ends with a selfless motive -- that of helping one's fellow man without seeking recognition or reward.

Most of us know that charity is its own reward. The true wealth of charity is measured by good deeds, not ego and material gain. That's why many affirm that they get back far more than they give. In other words, what they receive is the joy of love in action, the manifestation of their gift of time or money in such a way as to make a visible difference.

Interestingly, good people doing good work experience benefits that go beyond just their contentment in the knowledge that they are advancing the well-being of humanity. A well-known study examined the brain activity of a group of people, each of whom was given money ($128) and asked to make choices about whether to keep the money for themselves or to give some or all of it to charity anonymously. The outcome was fascinating. The participants who gave the money to charity experienced an extremely high level of pleasure. The researchers concluded that, "The warm glow that many donors get from giving to charity involves the same brain mechanisms that evoke pleasurable sensations after sex, eating good food, and using heroin or other drugs."

Companies that embrace philanthropic efforts enjoy significant advantages that contribute to the mutual benefit of both management and employees on every level such as:

Loyalty and morale rise.
This occurs in direct correlation to the enhanced sense of personal engagement and connectedness of the employees since they are proud to be associated with a company that cares and does good for others.

Employees experience an increased sense of personal satisfaction.
The reward that goes with being part of a meaningful community effort is something bigger than themselves that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Team building.
This happens at a higher level since all employees are working side by side together towards a common goal.

A sense of accomplishment.
The collective group can work together to achieve something for the community while serving as a profound team-building event for the employees.

We've been taught since we were children that it is better to give than to receive. This Chinese proverb illustrates the intrinsic worth of charitable works:

"If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. 
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. 
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. 
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody." 

Many people wonder if their volunteer time at a charity completing professional tasks can be deducted on their taxes. You cannot deduct the value of services rendered in volunteer service to a nonprofit. You can, however, deduct the expenses you incurred while volunteering or traveling to and from the volunteer assignment.

• Gas mileage (at the rate of $.14/mile), public transportation costs, and airfare or train travel to farther volunteer destinations or conferences can all be deducted. Meals and lodging for longer distance volunteer assignments may also be deducted.
• If you’re required to wear certain type of shoes or outfit, the purchase of those items may be deducted.
• Out of pocket expenses (ie. books, materials, copies, supplies, etc.) can also be deducted as charitable contributions.
• Save your receipts and ask the charity to verify the expenses as an in-kind donation if the total adds up to $250 or more for the year, otherwise you're able to claim in-kind donations up to $250 as a tax deduction.

Example 1 - The Artist:

An artist who paints a mural on the wall of her local local Boys & Girls Club can deduct the cost of paint, paint brushes, and other supplies needed to complete the mural. She can also deduct the gas mileage it took to get to and from the charity to complete the volunteer service. She cannot deduct for the time it spent her. 

Example 2 - The Nurse:

A Red Cross volunteer who is a Registered Nurse travels to Florida to help with hurricane disaster relief recovery. He can save the receipts for his airfare, lodging, and meals while on assignment. He cannot calculate the hours he spent working as a nurse for Red Cross and deduct the pay he would have been paid in his workplace.

Always consult with your tax advisor to be certain.