Zions Bank has established itself as a company that gives back in big ways through donations, sponsorships and large-scale service projects. Many employees serve on boards of directors or committees for local nonprofit organizations and volunteer their time both during and after the workday.
This level of community giving isn’t possible for all businesses, though, especially small businesses. Zions Bank’s Director of Culture and Community Shaleane Gee shares 4 ways your business can give back to your community without breaking the bank.
1. Get involved in your community
There’s no way to support your community if you aren’t involved in it. Gee suggests taking some time to research local schools, congregations, and community organizations. Your local newspaper can be a good resource to learn about the organizations in your area. Look for those stories that fire you up — that can indicate the causes you are passionate about.
A few great resources include The Community Foundation of Utah, the Idaho Community Foundation and The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
Get to know the community leaders in your area. Reach out to them and see if they could use any support. Gee also suggests getting to know what causes your customers support. Common causes are good for communities and good for business too.
2. Sponsor or donate goods or services
Every community has little league teams, high school drama clubs, or senior centers. The little league team might need jerseys, or the drama club might need advertising to put in their program, or the senior center may need new furniture.
These are important community organizations that need support. Local small businesses are one of the best supporters these organizations can have because it is easier to know the organization on a deeper level.
Gee suggests getting involved with the local chamber of commerce. If there are ethnic chambers in your area, consider supporting them as well. As a small business, you may qualify for reduced membership fees.
3. Support community events
Community events happen all the time and you may be able to find a small way to donate your time, money or services. If you’re a restaurant, that might be prime opportunity to donate food to an event. Gift certificates or small gift baskets also make great items for silent and live auctions. Otherwise, reach out to the event coordinator and see if there is anything they might need. Helping to spread the word about important community events is also always appreciated.
4. Partner with new local businesses
If you’ve been in business for a while, you know how hard it can be to get started. Research shows that half of all small businesses fail within the first five years of operations. If you have the time, consider partnering with local chambers of commerce, SCORE, or local business resource centers and volunteer as a mentor. Other organizations in your area such as small business incubators, community college or university business centers, and venture capital funds are also in need of mentors and advisors.
5. Be open to opportunities and know your boundaries
Once you’ve involved yourself in the community, you might find that opportunities for community involvement fall on your doorstep. People or organizations may approach you with specific ways they need help. Be open to these opportunities when they come and listen to the people involved first.
Gee says it’s important to take into account your own boundaries, though. It’s not possible to donate to every request or to every organization. She recommends choosing the causes you are most passionate about, that align with your business goals and spend your time there. That will make your giving more meaningful to you and to the causes you support.
Let the Zions Bank Business Resource Center assist you in getting your business off the ground with resources and tools for aspiring, new and existing business owners, from consultations to virtual classes. Services are complimentary and available to the public regardless of where you bank.
Content above is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, financial, or business advice. Contact a specialist about your specific needs and circumstances. Content may contain trademarks or trade names owned by parties who are not affiliated with Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Use of such marks does not imply any sponsorship by or affiliation with third parties, and Zions Bancorporation, N.A. does not claim any ownership of or make representations about products, services, or content offered under or associated with such marks.
