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Nonprofit and Corporate Giving

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Volunteering can not only make a difference for those in need, but it also can have a positive impact on your business. Research shows that employers who encourage and promote volunteering boost morale, workplace atmosphere and
brand perception.

According to Deloitte’s 2017 Volunteerism Survey, nearly 89 percent of working Americans believe that companies who sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall working environment than those who do not. In fact, 70 percent of respondents say that volunteer activities are more likely to boost employee morale than company-sponsored happy hours, and 77 percent say, “volunteering is essential to employee well-being.” Thirty-eight percent of respondents say that their employers provide access to company-sponsored or coordinated volunteer programs. In addition, 69 percent say they are not volunteering as much as they would like to.

One way that businesses can encourage more volunteering is by helping employees better understand how their efforts benefit their community — particularly Millennial employees who currently make up the largest portion of today’s workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics’ study, Labor Force Projections to 2024: The Labor Force is Growing, but Slowly. Seventy-five percent of surveyed Millennials said they would volunteer more often if they had a better understanding of the impact they were making, compared to 61 percent of all respondents.

Another way businesses can encourage more volunteering is by helping their employees understand how it benefits them. In 2016’s Deloitte Impact Survey, 80 percent of hiring influencers indicated that they believe active volunteers move into leadership roles more easily.

“As businesses continue to find new ways to retain and attract new talent, and establish a more purpose-driven and engaged workforce, they should consider how they can better incorporate volunteerism into their culture,” said Doug Marshall, managing director of corporate citizenship, Deloitte LLP. “It’s a potential solution from which businesses, professionals and communities can benefit, while supporting employees’ personal and career development, and boosting their sense of well-being.”

In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll highlight some of the nonprofit organizations and charitable events that benefit the community, including the 12th annual Roar on the Shore® Bike Week, which runs from July 18-22. We’ll also talk with Jim Mando, president and chief executive officer of the Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center, about the Center being the rally’s charitable beneficiary for 2018, and explore some other charitable planning options for employers.

Plus, don’t miss exclusive photo coverage of the Business Magazine’s first IMPACT luncheon, featuring strategies for successful internships. Our IMPACT series offers opportunities for employers to get timely and critical information to help their businesses succeed — so be on the lookout for more details — or visit the Association’s all-new website, www.mbausa.org, to learn more!