11 Meaningful Ways Your Business Can Give Back to the Community

“It's easier to take than to give. It's nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.”
― Joan Marques, Ph.D., EdD

Is part of the reason you’re starting a business to achieve meaningful change? Giving back to the community is a powerful way to support those around you and foster a thriving environment.

Not only does it help your community, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to strengthen your team and your brand. Surveys show that Canadians care deeply about working for companies with a strong sense of purpose and a volunteering culture. In fact, 70% of employees report they’d be more loyal to a company that helps them support social and environmental causes.

When thinking about how your business can give back, consider causes that align with your mission and values. From social issues and environmental concerns to education, arts, and culture, focusing on something you genuinely care about will make your efforts more meaningful and impactful.

With over 86,000 registered charities in Canada, most of which are small and local, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make a difference. You can use the Government of Canada’s registered charities search tool to find organizations that resonate with your values.

Once you’ve identified the causes you’d like to support, here are 11 meaningful ways your business can give back to the community:

1. Give a Percentage of Sales

Dedicate a portion of your sales to a specific cause. You can choose to allocate a percentage of all sales or sales from a particular item to support a charity. Some businesses collaborate with non-profits to create specialty items aligned with the cause, like (RED) products.

2. Organize an Annual or Quarterly "Big Give"

Make a substantial donation at regular intervals, such as annually or quarterly. This can include engaging your team in fundraising efforts. Non-profits benefit greatly from recurring donations, as they allow for better budgeting and resource allocation.

3. Volunteer at a Local Organization

Donate your time by volunteering at a local charity or event. Whether it’s working at a food bank, animal shelter, or community festival, volunteering strengthens ties with your community and shows your commitment to making a difference. Explore opportunities on platforms like CharityVillage, which highlights volunteer roles across Canada.

4. Offer Paid Volunteer Time for Employees

Give employees paid time off to volunteer at an organization of their choice. This empowers your team to support causes they’re passionate about and strengthens their connection to the community.

5. Host a Company-Wide Volunteer Day

Coordinate a day where your entire team volunteers together. Rotate the organizations you support or let your employees propose and vote for causes. This builds camaraderie and showcases your company’s commitment to making an impact.

6. Promote Non-Profits on Social Media or Newsletters

Use your digital platforms to highlight local charities or initiatives. A simple post or feature in your newsletter can raise awareness, amplify their reach, and attract more donors or volunteers.

7. Match Employee Donations

Encourage philanthropy by matching employee contributions to causes they care about. This multiplies the impact of their donations and fosters a culture of giving within your company.

8. Sponsor Corporate Teams for Fundraising Events

Participate in events like marathons, dragon boat races, or charity tournaments with a corporate team. Raise funds for a cause while strengthening team bonds. Events like the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival or ParaTough Cup are great examples of fun, impactful activities.

9. Provide Pro Bono Services

Offer your professional expertise to local non-profits that may not have the resources to hire specialized help. Whether it’s graphic design, marketing, legal advice, or training, donating your services can create a significant impact.

10. Host Community-Based Drives

Organize drives to support specific populations, like food drives, book collections, or winter clothing campaigns. Engage your team and the larger community to contribute and make a tangible difference.

11. Sponsor a Local Sports Team

Support a local sports team or little league by covering some of their expenses. Sponsoring youth sports helps promote health, teamwork, and activity while fostering strong community ties.

Make Your Efforts Meaningful

There are countless ways to give back—it’s all about finding the methods that best align with your business’s values, mission, and resources. By focusing on causes you genuinely care about, your efforts will not only be more impactful but also more fulfilling.

Resource: Use our free Wild Purpose Worksheet to clarify your brand purpose and brainstorm unique ways to give back to your community.