Evaluating Nonprofit Partnerships and Setting New Goals for the New Year

​As the year draws to a close, it's a pivotal time for corporate donors to reflect on their philanthropic journeys. At Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors, we emphasize the importance of this period not just for reviewing past contributions but for strategizing future engagements. A key aspect of this process involves assessing relationships with nonprofit partners and planning giving priorities and employee engagement activities for the upcoming year. Our blog post below provides examples to demonstrate how corporations can apply these key points in real-life scenarios, creating a meaningful and strategic approach to corporate philanthropy.

Evaluating Nonprofit Partnerships

• The Power of Reflection: Begin by evaluating the effectiveness of your current nonprofit partnerships. Assess how well these collaborations have met your corporate philanthropy goals and values. This is also the time to consider the feedback from stakeholders and employees involved in these partnerships. Real-Life Example: A corporation annually reviews its partnership with a local food bank, analyzing the impact of its donations and volunteer efforts on the community's food security.
• Successes and Challenges: Identify what worked well and what could be improved. Did the nonprofit align with your company's mission and values? Was there a tangible impact that resonated with your employees and the community? Understanding these aspects will guide your future choices. Real-Life Example: After supporting a literacy program, a company assesses the increase in reading levels among participants but also notes the need for more bilingual resources.

Planning Giving Priorities

• Aligning with Corporate Values: Your philanthropic endeavors should mirror your company's core values and areas of expertise. This alignment not only ensures authenticity in your contributions but also boosts employee morale and stakeholder confidence. Real-Life Example: A tech company focuses its philanthropy on STEM education initiatives, aligning with its core business of technology and innovation.
• Diverse and Inclusive Giving: Consider diversifying your giving portfolio. Inclusiveness in philanthropy means supporting a variety of causes and communities, thus broadening your impact. It’s also crucial to involve employees in this decision-making process, as it fosters a sense of ownership and commitment. Real-Life Example: A fashion retailer diversifies its giving by supporting a range of causes from environmental sustainability to promoting arts in underprivileged communities.

Enhancing Employee Engagement 

• Volunteering That Resonates: Employee volunteer programs are a cornerstone of corporate philanthropy. Plan activities that resonate with your workforce. This could mean offering a range of options or focusing on causes that have a direct connection to your employees. Real-Life Example: An architecture firm encourages employees to volunteer in urban renewal projects, leveraging their professional skills for community benefit.
• Building a Culture of Giving: Encourage a culture of philanthropy within your organization. This can be achieved through regular updates about philanthropic activities, celebrating volunteer achievements, and providing platforms for employees to share their experiences and suggestions. Real-Life Example: A corporation hosts monthly 'Philanthropy Lunches' where employees share their volunteer experiences and discuss new charitable initiatives.

Looking Ahead

• Long-term Partnerships: Consider the potential for long-term partnerships with nonprofits. Such relationships can lead to more significant impacts and a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges of the causes you support. Real-Life Example: A pharmaceutical company enters a multi-year collaboration with a global health nonprofit, committing to research and development for affordable medications.
• Setting Measurable Goals: As you plan for the next year, set clear, measurable goals for your philanthropic activities. These should be ambitious yet achievable, providing a clear direction for your corporate giving and employee engagement programs. Real-Life Example: An insurance company sets a goal to increase employee volunteer hours by 20% and reduce its carbon footprint by 30% in the next year.

The end of the year is more than just a time for reflection; it's an opportunity to strategize and set intentions for meaningful philanthropy. At Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors, we believe in the power of thoughtful planning and the impact it can have on both corporations and communities. As you assess your nonprofit relationships and plan for the upcoming year, remember that your corporate philanthropy is not just about giving back — it's about moving forward together.