How to Build Charity Work into Your Hectic Schedule No matter how hectic our lives get, sometimes we’re overcome with the urge to help others in need. However, it can feel almost impossible to add one more thing to our to-do lists no matter how worthy the cause. Reaching out and working for a cause has shown to increase endorphins (those ‘mood booster’ brain chemicals), reduce stress, and of course, help the world. So how can you put a little back in when you are already doing so much? Remember that you don’t need to donate hours each week or write huge checks. A little goes a long way. Tap the Talent What comes easily to you? What do you spend a lot of time doing in your career? Many charities need help with social media posts, newsletters, fundraising, or general business management. Wise advice is worth a lot! See if the cause calling your name can use your specific skills. Chances are it could. Smart Shop Many retailers are offering to donate a portion of your purchase or product to an institution in need. Make it a habit to seek out and choose businesses that will give a little back themselves. Hit HR Talk to your human resources department or your boss and find out if your company will match a charitable donation you make. Often they will match your contribution dollar for dollar. There may be restrictions on donating to political or religious organizations, but your business will let you know. Pass the Presents Have you reached the point where you have enough stuff? Let friends and family know that instead of a gift, they can donate to a charity instead. It can be one they like or one you suggest. Consider buying this kind of gift for a loved one who would appreciate the gesture more than another ugly holiday sweater. Shout Outs Nonprofits and charities need loud voices. Making phone calls, penning letters, lobbying, and similar activities help keep sponsors, lawmakers, and other supporters abreast of the latest news. A few minutes on the phone or typing up an email or letter goes a long way toward keeping needs in the forefront. It’s easy to let the busy-ness of our day trick us into thinking there isn’t anything we have time to do to give a little back to the community. But with careful forethought, small efforts can yield big results.
5 Questions to Ask About Business Leasing New and seasoned business owners understand that there are many different types of expenses associated with your operations. In some cases, costs rack up before you can open the doors. This is one of the reasons why leasing business equipment is a practical option. It doesn’t matter whether you require office appliances, machinery, or various other items. Many of these can be leased with affordable terms and agreements. According to The Fabricator, eight out of ten companies actively lease their equipment. There are a lot of good reasons to do this that are not necessarily related to the rising costs of business equipment. Service plans are one example of reasons that prevent owners from purchasing. These additional or supplemental costs don’t always fit into the budget, particularly if you’re a new business. Before deciding to lease your equipment, ask yourself the following questions: 1 – Is This Essential Equipment? One of the first questions to ask is whether or not the equipment is essential to your business operations. Photocopiers, computers, landscaping tools, and various others are instrumental in some cases. 2 – Does the Company Understand Your Goals? There are financial benefits associated with sharing your business objectives with the leasing company. It may be possible to have your agreement explicitly tailored to your business model and goals. 3 – What Are the Agreement Terms? Understanding the agreement term details is paramount before you sign it as a business owner. Things like monthly payments, term length, and any additional costs could make a difference. 4 – Does the Lease Allow for Upgrades? Many companies that lease business equipment do offer options for upgrades, but it is important to ask. Doing this at the beginning will prevent having to renegotiate when you need different or better equipment. 5 – What Happens When the Equipment Breaks? It is a good idea to define what your responsibility is if equipment breaks. Leasers often take on this cost, along with maintenance and insurance, but this may not be in your agreement.
Business News Daily​ reports that many small business owners have chosen to lease over purchasing when it comes to necessary equipment. The ability to have payments spread out over the years, in some instances, is very attractive. There are times when technology is too quick to keep up with as a business owner. Advanced technology resulting in new equipment can sometimes be accessed easier with leasing agreements.
How the Next Generation is Reshaping Philanthropy As wealth transfers between generations, capital is falling into younger hands. And as Millenials and Gen X’ers acquire capital and resources, they view philanthropy differently from older generations. Gone are the days of disinterested capitalists who make their millions any way they can and then write a check or two in the interest of getting their name on a building. Young philanthropists blend their giving with investments and want to see the real-world impact of their donations. In the past, capitalists typically spent their prime years trying to maximize their profits. Then they turned to philanthropy later in life. This is not true for younger generations. Once Millennials acquire some wealth or capital, they immediately seek to invest in socially-progressive projects. Older philanthropists also tended to separate their money-making ventures from their charitable giving. They would focus most of their energy on their companies, from which they hoped to make as much money as possible. Then they would seek to make some donations, but in areas that had nothing to do with their businesses. That way, they could separate their philanthropy from their “real jobs.” Modern philanthropists don’t see their contributions in the same way. They envision a complete business profile in which profits and social contributions are inextricably linked. They are comfortable making money in an endeavor that is also meant to be socially optimal. But they are also happy to consider social factors in all their business endeavors. For them, profits and philanthropy are two sides of the same coin. Younger donors are also keen to take a hands-on approach. Gone are days of the cigar-smoking philanthropist who writes a check and then puts his feet up on his desk. Modern donors want to see the tangible, direct results of their charity. They want to be personally involved with the management of the charities they give to. For them, it is a serious part of their lives, and they desire the maximum possible involvement. All of these developments will result in significant evolution in the philanthropic landscape. Charities will have to change the way they operate to attract this new breed of younger donors. But by doing so, they can bring major charitable investments.
Corporate Philanthropy Is A Company's Secret Weapon Against Employee Burnout Employee burnout is a real problem, both for companies and employees themselves. Employees who are experiencing burnout are frustrated, may not perform their job duties as well, and are often incredibly stressed, tired, and unwell. Companies see a loss of productivity and profits from this, which is why they must do everything to combat it. Philanthropy might be the answer. Employees Want To Work For A Purpose Many employees don't just want to work for a paycheck. They want to feel as though their work means something and that they are making a difference in some way. ​Corporate philanthropy encourages employees​ to be more committed to a company. They are far more likely to respect their employer and be proud of what they do when that employer supports a worthy charitable cause and makes an effort to give back to the community. It Breaks Up The Monotony A regular day at work can quickly become monotonous, which eventually dampens enthusiasm. Even worse, a period of high stress that doesn't let up will ultimately lead to burnout if employees don't get a break. Participating in or spearheading a philanthropic venture is one way to break up this monotony and give employees something new and exciting to do at work. It gives them something else to look forward to and focus their attention on, which is especially useful because it is a positive, meaningful activity for them to do. It Improves Company Culture Company culture may be another reason employees are experiencing significant burnout. Combative, negative company culture is far more likely to lead to burnout and its associated problems for everyone involved. Investing in charitable causes, however, can go a long way towards turning that around. Employees who work together for charitable causes tend to become closer on a more personal level, which improves respect, teamwork, and many other critical components of a positive corporate culture. Corporate philanthropy offers a strong defense against employee burnout. It gives workers the feeling that their employer wants to make a positive change in the world, gives them something else to do besides their regular tasks, and overall improves a company's culture and its bottom line. Supporting charitable causes and volunteer efforts is a very effective strategy that companies can use to push back against burnout.