However, if you already have some prior knowledge on this topic, be sure to read this post to the end. We have gone beyond the most basic concepts and brought you information that you will certainly enjoy discovering about this practice that is already so widespread around the world and that brings benefits to the companies involved and to society.

What is corporate philanthropy?

The term philanthropy , in its dictionary meaning, means love of humanity or charity. In other words, it is a voluntary donation that one person makes to another person in need.

Here, the object of the donation is not necessarily something monetary. A philanthropic action can be carried out with any item: be it clothes, food, toys, books and many other objects. As long as this action serves the real cause of people who need this help.

What does corporate philanthropy mean?

After this explanation, it is much easier to imagine the concept of corporate philanthropy. It consists of involvement, through donations, in social causes that benefit a group of people in need. However, in this case, the agent of the action, instead of an individual, is a company; a legal entity.

In other words, when companies voluntarily participate in social assistance programs, donating money or products of various types, they are carrying out philanthropic actions.

Examples of philanthropic companies

There are many companies, including famous ones, that participate in philanthropic actions. Being involved in social causes of this nature can bring organizations many competitive advantages. This is because people, customers, tend to be more attached to companies that show some kind of concern and get involved with society’s problems. Here are some examples of very successful philanthropic companies:

• Google;
• Apple;
• Microsoft;
• Shell;
• PepsiCo.

How can companies help third sector entities?

The ways in which a company can contribute to the causes of an NGO, foundation, or association are quite varied. It is correct to say that, in most cases, this help is done with financial resources, especially by the large corporations mentioned above, but this is not the only way.

For example, it is possible to develop volunteer work programs for employees. In other words, company employees can provide services to third sector entities supported by the organization. Google and Microsoft have adopted this practice.

In addition, technological equipment can also be provided to help educate communities; free meals, among other actions.

How to raise funds from philanthropic companies?

Currently, the most efficient way to communicate and attract philanthropic companies is through the internet. Developing a good digital marketing strategy and executing it allows your NGO, Association or Institute to obtain partnerships not only locally, but also nationally and even internationally.

And among the activities that cannot be left out of your planning, there should be the creation of a website, to better publicize the institution’s purpose and projects. In addition, investment in the implementation of an online donation system , as it facilitates the collection of resources.

Also, content production, on blogs and YouTube videos, and a presence on social media are essential. All of this helps to publicize the work, brings credibility to the entities and, therefore, companies feel more secure when joining the projects.

Corporate philanthropy and social responsibility

These terms have very different meanings, although in both cases the effects of their actions are felt socially. The word corporate philanthropy, as already mentioned, refers to the commitment of organizations to philanthropic causes, donating money, labor, or material items, which serve as supplies.

Social responsibility, in turn, concerns the role that a company has as a member of a given society. In other words, it is the obligation that the company has to also contribute to the growth and development of the place – city, state or country – where it carries out its productive activity.

The first term refers to something more immediate, specific and temporary. While the second works with the long term; and accompanies the company as long as it exists.