Does your organization give back to a non-profit, either by providing in-kind products and services, donating financial contributions, or volunteering to help out? Whether you're the head of the company or an employee who wants to help boost company morale, there are many ways companies can support non-profits and help their employees do the same.
Here are a few simple tips for implementing a corporate giving program in your own workplace.

1. Employee donation matching: Some companies choose to match their employees' contributions to company-approved charities. This can be executed by selecting one or two charities for your organization to support and then giving employees the options to contribute in the pre-selected charity matching programs. Or, you can have each employees submit their contributions to charity for individual evaluation by the company's program manager. Global Language Solutions has been supporting a charity in St. Petersburg, Russia that provides support to the elderly. We are also currently surveying our employees to determine an additional company-wide charity.



2. In-kind product and services: Whether your organization prints collateral or fixes appliances, there is an opportunity to offer in-kind services to individuals in need or charities. For example, Constant Contact offers low cost and sponsored e-mail marketing accounts to qualified non-profits. Global Language Solutions provides free translation services to Whole Child International, an international aid organization based in Los Angeles that works with governments to improve the quality of life for children in orphanages.



3. Start a volunteer team: Get a group of employees together and get involved in the community. Have your team walk together in a charity 5k and wear employer-sponsored matching shirts. Or, set up special volunteer projects, such as an employee beach or park clean-up day. Consider organizing your projects during working hours so that you encourage participation and demonstrate that giving back is important. This type of corporate-led volunteer initiative can also create a greater sense of community within your organization.



4. Organize a "charity event" at your workplace: Have a "bring-a-toy-for-a-child-day" during the holiday season, or arrange to have a "bring-a-canned-good-item-day" for a local food pantry. If you live in the U.S., participate in the food drive organized by the U.S. Postal Service each year, "Stamp out Hunger." Other examples include coins for critters (spare change that can be donated to an animal shelter), backpacks and school supplies for contributions to back-to-school drives at homeless shelters, or gathering toiletries and clothing for a local women's shelter.

By integrating charitable giving into your place of business, you can build a workplace where employees are inspired to give, both to their company and to the community that surrounds them. During this time of thanks and reflection, remember, business is about more than just making products or money. It's about making a difference.

Save the Date! Next year, International Corporate Philanthropy Day will take place on February 22, 2010 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. International Corporate Philanthropy Day is an opportunity to tell your company's philanthropy story on an internationally recognized day, and further engage employees in your giving programs.