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CSR: What to Know About Corporate Social Responsibility
If you’re a nonprofit professional trying to determine how corporate social responsibility applies to your organization, you’re in the right place! Corporate social responsibility (also known as CSR) can have a huge impact on not only your organization’s revenue but also your relationships with individuals and companies alike.
In this guide, we’ll outline what corporate social responsibility is, as well as how CSR efforts directly impact nonprofits like yours. Read along with us from the top or use the below navigation to find the sections that most interest you:
- Corporate Social Responsibility FAQs
- Types of Corporate Social Responsibility to Know
- Leading Examples of Corporate Social Responsibility
- Ways Your Nonprofit Should Engage with CSR Departments
- How Double the Donation and 360MatchPro Drive CSR
Let’s get started!
Corporate Social Responsibility FAQ
What is corporate social responsibility?
Corporate social responsibility (or CSR) refers to a company’s attitude and efforts toward improving society. CSR helps companies be socially accountable through a variety of avenues, including philanthropic practices, economic factors, and environmental awareness.
CSR can look vastly different for different businesses, too. For example, let’s examine some hypothetical applications of a socially responsible mindset in a corporate setting:
- Pledging to reduce energy consumption by installing eco-friendly lights in the office
- Empowering employees to make a bigger impact on causes they care about by matching their charitable contributions
- Sponsoring nonprofits or hosting charity events on behalf of a nonprofit
- Supplying paid time off work for employees to partake in skills-based or other corporate volunteer opportunities
- Investing in employee wellness and equity programs
What do all of these ideas have in common? The company is making plans to go above and beyond to benefit society—and people, as a whole—over its bottom line.
These are just a few ideas that companies can integrate into their own practices, and we’ll go over more opportunities later.
Why is CSR or corporate social responsibility important for nonprofits?
CSR is important because it impacts more than just companies. It impacts employees of those companies, nonprofits, and the greater community.
According to Double the Donation’s recent statistics:
- The top 10 matching gift companies will match, on average, up to $47,500 per employee per year.
- The top 10 corporations donate over $2 billion annually in cash to nonprofits, much of it through employee matching gift programs.
- 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grant programs.
- About 63 million Americans volunteer each year, which totals 7.7 billion hours and is worth approximately $175 billion annually.
What are the advantages of corporate social responsibility?
CSR comes with many benefits. Businesses can give back to the community and build a positive image around their company brand, and nonprofits can continue working toward their missions with extra support from these companies. Here are some benefits broken up by type of organization:
Benefits of CSR for corporations:
- Employee engagement. Employees enjoy working for companies that take part in CSR because of the positive public image that results. When an employee’s company is constantly in the media for good reasons, they will be more engaged in their roles and proud of their company’s CSR. Employees also feel valued when companies support the organizations they care about.
- Community impact. Society as a whole can also benefit from CSR. Companies that are mindful of the impact they can make socially, environmentally, and economically will be able to help improve society.
- Improved reputation. When companies take part in CSR, consumers are more likely to want to work with them or purchase their products or services. Companies that offer this kind of positive social value will be more successful and form stronger relationships within their communities.
- Enhanced talent acquisition. Not only does CSR impact existing employees, but it can also help companies recruit talented new team members. For instance, a company that’s lauded for its DEI initiatives will likely attract a more inventive crop of potential hires who can improve the company with their own diverse experiences.
- More chances for innovation. When corporations embrace CSR, they often need to overhaul how they’re currently operating and come up with new ideas. Encouraging team members to be part of the change by suggesting improvements can help spark creativity, efficiency, and proactivity in the workplace. Not to mention, this signals to employees that their voices are valued.
Benefits of CSR for nonprofits:
- Access to mission-critical funds. Nonprofits are consistently working toward a mission that targets the greater good. When CSR programs provide them with grants, matching gifts, and other forms of support beyond individual donors, nonprofits have more resources to perform important tasks.
- Increased exposure. Partnering with a corporation is a great marketing opportunity for nonprofits to reach the company’s customers and other stakeholders. Plus, nonprofits will experience the benefits of social proof when the corporation’s customers see that they’re supporting a cause and feel inclined to support it too.
- Capacity-building. Corporations can provide much more than funds to support nonprofits. They can also provide time and resources to help expand the nonprofit partner’s bandwidth, such as pro-bono services or event venues.
- Expanded networking opportunities. As part of a partnership with a corporation, nonprofits can access more chances to build relationships in the corporate space and the community at large, which can lead to funding opportunities in the future.
- Normalization of philanthropy. Many people want to help the world, but they might not know how or where to start. Corporate giving partnerships with nonprofits provide an easy way for workers to make an impact through a familiar organization: their employer.
Benefits of CSR for employees:
- Increased job satisfaction. Employees working for socially responsible companies tend to experience higher job satisfaction. Knowing that their employer is committed to making a positive impact on society can enhance their sense of purpose and pride in their work. This, in turn, leads to greater loyalty and a more motivated workforce.
- Enhanced professional development. CSR initiatives often provide employees with opportunities to develop new skills and gain experiences outside their regular job responsibilities. For example, volunteering programs or sustainability projects can help employees build leadership, project management, and teamwork skills. This not only benefits the employees but also adds value to the company.
- Stronger team cohesion. Engaging in CSR activities can bring employees together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. When employees collaborate on initiatives that align with their values, it can strengthen relationships and create a more cohesive and supportive work environment. This unity can translate into higher productivity and better overall performance.
- Improved work-life balance. Companies that prioritize CSR often implement policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, or wellness programs. These initiatives show that the company values the well-being of its employees, which can reduce stress and burnout, leading to a healthier and more satisfied workforce.
- Increased sense of purpose. Working for a company that prioritizes CSR gives employees a sense of purpose beyond their daily tasks. Knowing that their work contributes to positive social and environmental outcomes can make their roles feel more meaningful. This increased sense of purpose can lead to higher levels of engagement and fulfillment in their careers.
Benefits of CSR for society:
- Positive societal change. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives can lead to significant positive changes in society. Companies that prioritize CSR can address critical social issues, such as poverty, education, and healthcare, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and society as a whole. This commitment to the greater good can help alleviate systemic problems and contribute to a more equitable and just world.
- Environmental sustainability. By adopting CSR practices, companies can play a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability. This might involve reducing carbon footprints, minimizing waste, or investing in renewable energy. These efforts not only protect the environment but also set a standard for other organizations and individuals to follow, leading to broader ecological preservation and a healthier planet for future generations.
- Economic development. CSR can also spur economic development by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering innovation. When companies invest in the communities where they operate, they help stimulate economic growth, which can reduce unemployment rates and improve the quality of life for residents. This kind of responsible business practice can lead to more stable and prosperous societies.
- Social inclusion and equity. Companies engaged in CSR often focus on promoting social inclusion and equity by supporting initiatives that address discrimination and inequality. Whether through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or partnerships with marginalized communities, these efforts can help to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Types of Corporate Social Responsibility to Know
Philanthropic
A large part of CSR consists of corporate philanthropy. Corporate philanthropy is the act of a company promoting the welfare of others, usually through charitable donations of funds. This type of CSR serves humanity by donating time, money, or resources to different nonprofits with varying causes, such as human rights, disaster relief, and educational programs.
Here are a few examples of philanthropic responsibility:
Example #1: Matching Gifts
Matching gifts are one of the most common CSR programs for companies. Essentially, companies will match the donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations at a specific ratio, usually 1:1 (though many companies match at a higher ratio, such as 2:1 or even 3:1!).
This CSR program can have a huge impact. For example:
- 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs.
- Over 18 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs.
- 12% of total corporate cash contributions to nonprofits are made through matching gift programs. Corporations donated a total of $23.8 billion to nonprofits in 2018.
How to raise more with this CSR strategy: Your organization can raise more through CSR by leveraging a matching gift database, such as 360MatchPro by Double the Donation. This database automates much of the process surrounding matching gift submissions, reducing the effort needed from your team. The more awareness there is surrounding matching gifts, the more nonprofits can receive from CSR companies.
Example #2: Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships are an additional way for corporations to support nonprofits, both for fundraising and awareness purposes. Corporations team up with like-minded nonprofits to provide support for their mission, whether it’s providing computers for the nonprofit’s office, launching a matching donation challenge, or simply donating to the cause.
Sponsorships are mutually beneficial for both nonprofits and corporations. According to Double the Donation, these are the biggest corporate sponsors:
- Wells Fargo comes out on top, sponsoring nearly 3% of the nonprofits surveyed
- State Farm is in second place, sponsoring 1.07% of the nonprofits surveyed
- PepsiCo is in third place, sponsoring .98% of nonprofits surveyed
How to raise more with this CSR strategy: Nonprofits can leverage more sponsorships by using a reputable database of different companies’ CSR practices. Double the Donation’s comprehensive list of companies that give to nonprofits is a great place to start. Also, cover all of your bases by reaching out to local businesses for smaller sponsorship opportunities.
For example: Visa will match a maximum of $5,000 per employee at a 1:1 ratio.
Volunteerism
Volunteerism is another type of CSR in which companies encourage their employees to engage with nonprofits. In this case, corporate employees volunteering their time benefits both the companies and nonprofits they work with. Employees will be seen contributing to charitable causes, and nonprofits will receive invaluable time and support.
Here are a few ways for companies to support volunteerism.
Example #1: Volunteer Grants
Volunteer grants are an impactful form of CSR programs for companies. When a company’s employees regularly volunteer at a nonprofit, they can submit a request for a volunteer grant from their employer. Companies generally have guidelines, such as a minimum number of volunteer hours to be met or types of eligible organizations, before they issue a check to the nonprofit.
Volunteer grants are frequently overlooked forms of CSR, but can make a huge difference for nonprofits. For example:
- 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grant programs.
- 80% of companies with volunteer grant programs provide between $8-$15 per hour volunteered.
- The average corporate volunteer participation rate is 30%.
How to raise more with this CSR strategy: Your organization can raise more through CSR by leveraging a CSR database, such as 360MatchPro by Double the Donation. This tool automates much of the process surrounding volunteer grant submissions, helping your supporters easily participate in their employers’ programming.
Example #2: Company-Wide Volunteerism
Part of the reason why corporate partnerships work so well is that they have strength in numbers. If a corporation has a philanthropic partner that they donate significantly to, they can rally their employees to support them too with organized fundraising and volunteer campaigns. For example, take a look at some real employee volunteering and giving policies:
- Salesforce employees get seven paid volunteer days off per year
- Abercrombie & Fitch employees contribute to multiple nonprofit partners by contributing through the A&F Challenge fundraising event.
- Verizon employees can organize team volunteer efforts, and the company has a goal of volunteering a collective 2.5 million hours.
How to raise more with this CSR strategy: The best thing your nonprofit can do to push the needle and get companies to support you is to create custom pitches for each prospect. Remember to focus on quality over quantity; research your prospects and spend more time fine-tuning your pitch and building relationships with them.
For example: Microsoft will provide a grant of $25 per every hour an employee volunteers as well as up to 40 hours of VTO each year.
Environmental
Companies that participate in CSR are taking on more responsibilities than just providing resources to nonprofits. CSR helps many companies fulfill their environmental responsibilities, as well.
This includes reducing air, land, and water pollution. When companies take the lead on such initiatives, this improves their public image, but also helps the greater community by working to improve environmental conditions everywhere.
For example: Intel estimates that their water conservation efforts have saved about 44 billion gallons of water over the past decade, which is enough to sustain more than 400,000 U.S. homes for one year.
Ethical
Companies also have a responsibility to their own employees. CSR encourages companies to look after the welfare of their employees. This includes practicing fair labor, not discriminating among employees, providing equal pay for equal work, and offering a better living wage.
When companies commit to this type of CSR, their employees will be happier and more productive as a result. A healthy work environment goes a long way to benefit companies.
For example: According to Sony Corporation, “The Sony Group Code of Conduct anchors the ethics and compliance program. It establishes Sony’s standards for ethical and responsible business conduct, core ethical values and the basic policies on important topics.” Sony has been recognized as one of the “2019 World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute.
Economic
Companies also have an economic responsibility. In terms of CSR, economic factors refer to the balance between business, environmental, and philanthropic practices. Companies orchestrate their business growth and generate profits by helping the greater community.
This means CSR companies are paying their taxes, investing in their communities, and paying it forward for the greater social good.
For example: According to Intel’s recent CSR report, they invest in education and digital skills training to help communities and countries advance their economic development and improve their competitiveness.
Leading Examples of Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR Company #1: Disney
Disney is a multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate. Over the years, the company has taken a number of initiatives in their CSR strategy.
According to their most recent CSR report, Disney has taken strides to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste, and conserve water resources. They also offer competitive pay to their employees, health and wellness benefits, and family support, and promote diversity and inclusion.
Disney will match a maximum of $25,000 in donations per employee per year at a 1:1 ratio. Disney will match a maximum of $25,000 in donations per employee per year at a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, the company offers team members up to 8 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off each year, along with volunteer grants worth up to $2,000 each.
Last year, Disney gave $338.2 million in charitable contributions.
Learn more about Disney’s matching gift and volunteer grant programs.
CSR Company #2: Microsoft
Microsoft is a multinational technology company that manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and more. Overall, Microsoft has some excellent CSR program examples.
According to their CSR initiative, Microsoft has committed to helping reduce operational emissions by 2030. The company has also committed to ensuring their suppliers are socially, environmentally, legally, and ethically responsible, and that those who work for them are treated fairly.
This CSR company matches up to $15,000 in donations per employee per year at a 1:1 ratio. Not to mention, Microsoft offers a full week of paid time off for volunteering each year, with volunteer grants available worth $25 per hour a team member volunteers.
Microsoft states they are committed to supporting their employees’ wellness and safety, and also strives to bring resources to underserved communities all around the world.
Learn more about Microsoft’s matching gift and volunteer grant programs.
CSR Company #3: Google
Google is a technology company that specializes in Internet services, including its search engine, software, hardware, and online advertising technologies. Google is a top CSR company largely due to its 5-year goal to award $1 billion in grants and contribute 1 million employee volunteer hours.
According to Google, the company strives to combine funding, innovation, and technical expertise to support underserved communities and help solve the challenges these communities face each and every day. This includes humanitarian relief, data tracking for disease spread, and more.
Google supports organizations that address social and environmental challenges. For every hour an employee volunteers with an eligible organization, Google will provide a $10 grant to the nonprofit. What’s more, they’ll match their employees’ donations up to $10,000 dollars.
They also offer Google for Nonprofits, a program that provides free and discounted access to their premium productivity and communication tools. With an account, you can apply for their Google Ad Grants program, which awards eligible nonprofits $10,000 in advertising money each month. We recommend working with a Google Ad Grants agency such as Getting Attention to apply for the program and create ads that connect you with motivated prospects via Google Search.
Get a free consultation with Getting Attention to chat about Google Ad Grants.
CSR Company #4: Checkr
Checkr is a background check company that leverages technology to create fairer hiring practices. The company’s CSR efforts are centered around promoting equity in the workforce, reducing bias in the hiring process, and providing opportunities for individuals with criminal records.
According to the company’s mission statement and CSR overview, Checkr has implemented programs that focus on fair chance hiring, which helps individuals with criminal backgrounds gain employment. This is part of their broader mission to reduce recidivism and create a more inclusive job market.
Plus, the company empowers its employees to get involved in corporate social responsibility by matching team members’ gifts to qualifying organizations, too! And by working with a CLMA-designated CSR provider, Checkr’s employees can even access groundbreaking matching gift auto-submission functionality—making the program as simple and accessible as possible.
Learn more about Checkr’s corporate social responsibility programs.
CSR Company #4: WarnerMedia
WarnerMedia, a leading media and entertainment company, is dedicated to using its platform to drive positive change through its CSR programs. The company’s initiatives focus on environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.
WarnerMedia has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact. The company has implemented measures to decrease its carbon footprint, promote recycling, and support renewable energy projects. They are committed to sustainable production practices across their film and television operations, ensuring that their content creation processes are as eco-friendly as possible.
WarnerMedia is also deeply involved in community engagement. The company supports various philanthropic initiatives, including education programs, disaster relief efforts, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Employees are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities with a generous 40 hours of VTO each year, and WarnerMedia offers matching gift programs to support charitable donations made by employees.
Learn more about WarnerMedia’s corporate social responsibility programs.
8 Ways Your Nonprofit Should Engage with CSR Departments
Companies all over are taking the initiative to get involved in CSR, and many of them have specific departments devoted to developing a corporate social responsibility plan.
So how can your nonprofit successfully engage with these departments?
It’s important to keep your organization’s mission and values at the forefront of your mind when reaching out to companies. That’s why we’ve outlined our top strategies to get you started:
1. Identify your niche.
Before reaching out to companies, create a list of the social issues and constituents your organization addresses and supports. Identify how these areas of your organization would benefit from additional help.
2. Start researching companies.
Identify companies, local or national, that relate to your organization’s mission. Determine which companies may connect most with your cause. From there, take a look at their past corporate giving history. All of this will help you find the companies that are most likely to be responsive.
3. Choose wisely.
From your list, start narrowing down the companies to ensure your partnership is compatible. This means avoiding controversial companies that can damage your organization’s reputation.
4. Reach out.
Start reaching out to your narrowed-down list of companies to learn more about their CSR initiatives. You can even enlist a mutual contact to make a warm introduction between your team and the potential corporate partner, if available!
5. State your cause.
Share the social issues and impact your organization makes on the greater community by creating a proposal and presenting a few optional ways the companies can provide support. This can include donation matching campaigns or sponsorships, but it can also mean in-kind donations or other non-monetary options. Focus on value. How will their participation benefit the company’s image? What impact will they be making?
6. Offer additional assistance.
Offer to take on administrative tasks (like writing social media and email templates), help out with an implementation plan, and assist with measuring outcomes. This will show your value to the company and create the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship.
7. Recognize the company.
Be sure to recognize the company however they prefer to be acknowledged, whether this is by featuring their logo on your website or in event materials, or giving them a shoutout in other marketing communications.
8. Turn to experts for help.
Agencies can help you make the most of CSR opportunities. Let’s take Google Ad Grants for example. Partnering with a Google Grants agency means you’ll have an expert on your side to apply for the program, maintain eligibility, and keep your account in good standing.
Incorporating these strategies into your CSR outreach plan can drive better results for your organization, help you find the support you need, and build long-term relationships with companies that align with your mission.
How Double the Donation and 360MatchPro Drive CSR
As much as CSR makes a difference in the greater community, it can be difficult as a nonprofit to find specific opportunities that will benefit you and your mission. This is especially true if you’re a larger organization or university.
Fortunately, that’s where a matching gift and volunteer grant database comes into play. Because these are two of the most popular CSR programs, it should be easy for donors to find information about matching gifts and volunteer grants. A comprehensive database like Double the Donation’s can help your supporters find out if they work for a company that takes part in CSR programs. More than 8,500 organizations use Double the Donation’s database, and it covers programs from more than 20,000 companies and subsidiaries!
360MatchPro Matching Hub: Software for Nonprofits to Raise More Money from Matching Gifts
If you’re part of an organization looking to increase its matching gift revenue, Double the Donation offers an embedded plugin for use on donation pages, confirmation pages, and other places on your website. This plugin offers direct access to the database’s company search tool, allowing your donors to search for their employer’s CSR program information.
Once a supporter has interacted with your organization, such as by submitting a donation, 360MatchPro by Double the Donation will automate the process to secure a matching gift.
Here’s how it works:
- Once a supporter makes a donation to your organization, 360MatchPro will automatically scan for information provided during the donation process, such as email domains or employer information, to determine match eligibility.
- If identified as match-eligible, the platform will automatically trigger an email to the supporter with information about how to submit a match request to their company. If their eligibility is undetermined or they’re likely ineligible, they will receive instructions on how to double-check their eligibility.
- Once your supporter’s information has been collected, the platform will help you track matches through to completion, allowing you to form a stronger relationship with each supporter and stay updated on their match request.
Not to mention, 360MatchPro offers a unique feature that can streamline the matching gift submission process even further. According to Double the Donation, auto-submission enables donors to have their requests sent straight to employers without taking any extra steps:
To learn more about auto-submission and what it means for nonprofits and corporations, watch our educational video:
A database like 360MatchPro can offer benefits for your team because:
- When your supporters can easily determine if their employers participate in corporate giving programs, they’ll be more likely to engage with your organization, and you’ll improve your relationship with them.
- When it’s easier to find the information your supporters need about CSR, this will make them more likely to give to your organization and request a donation match on your behalf.
- When more supporters give to your organization, this will, in turn, boost your revenue and allow your organization to continue working toward its mission.
360MatchPro Volunteer Hub: Software for Nonprofits to Access More Corporate Volunteer Incentives
In addition to Double the Donation’s matching gift tools, we also offer a robust volunteer-focused portal within 360MatchPro. As such, 360MatchPro Volunteer Hub makes it easy for nonprofits and their supporters to identify corporate volunteer incentives like volunteer time off, volunteer grants, and more.
Here’s how it works:
- A supporter interacts with your organization’s Volunteer Hub database tool, either on your website or within your volunteer registration forms.
- 360MatchPro Volunteer Hub then utilizes the provided information to scan against its comprehensive database of corporate volunteer incentives and uncover invaluable opportunities.
- The individual is provided with company-specific information regarding their employer’s volunteer grant or VTO programs. From there, they’re encouraged to get involved with direct links to the appropriate submission forms.
Having the right tools and resources to help promote CSR and boost your organization’s impact is incredibly important. Databases like Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro can help you more effectively meet this challenge.
And for the best results, 360MatchPro by Double the Donation also integrates with more than 100 leading online donation platforms, peer-to-peer fundraising platforms, volunteer management tools, and CRMs.
Wrapping Up & Additional CSR Resources
Corporate Social Responsibility (or CSR) presents a unique and powerful opportunity for fundraisers to deepen their impact and forge meaningful partnerships with businesses committed to social good. By understanding the key components of CSR and how they align with your nonprofit’s mission, you can effectively tap into corporate resources, engage employees, and amplify your fundraising efforts.
Whether through corporate giving programs, employee engagement initiatives, or collaborative campaigns, integrating CSR strategies into your fundraising plan can lead to sustained support and long-term success.
Interested in learning more about leading ways your team can benefit from CSR? Check out these additional resources for further information:
- Matching Gifts Guide. Matching gifts are a top CSR program that can benefit nonprofits. Learn how your organization can start automating your matching gift process!
- Corporate Giving Guide. Corporate giving is on the rise, so it’s important to understand the basics. Discover ways your organization can leverage this form of corporate philanthropy!
- Corporate Philanthropy Guide. Corporate philanthropy impacts both nonprofits and companies. Explore the ways your organization can benefit and start raising more!
- Google Ad Grants Guide. This CSR program is an incredible opportunity for nonprofits that you don’t want to overlook! Learn everything there is to know about Google Grants from the experts at Getting Attention.
