August 6, 2025
When does giving pay you back?
A straight-talking look at the real ROI of Social Value
The big question: why give?
Let’s not sugar-coat it: in business, the word “give” usually sets off mental alarms about cost, not value. But what if giving (time, money, gifts, support) paid you back? Not in karma points or good vibes (though you get those too), but in cold, hard business ROI.
We’re talking staff engagement, revenue growth, profit uplift and brand love. Let’s take a look at the real returns from Social Value giving and whether you’re doing it right… or just ticking boxes.
1. Giving comes in more flavours than you think
Social Value giving isn’t a one-size-fits-all gig. Think of it as a portfolio:
– Time: Volunteering, mentoring, skills-based support
– Gifts: Products, services, giveaways with purpose
– Money: Donations, matched funding, community grants
Each one builds a different bridge – to your people, your community and your customers. The win? When that bridge starts driving business growth.
(Alt text: An image split into three vertical columns. The left image is of a bearded man with glasses smiling and shaking hands with someone across a laptop. The middle image is of a man with red hair and wearing a knitted jumper looking down and smiling at his hand which is holding hay. The right side image is of a young woman explaining something with her hands gesturing – she is looking towards a laptop which is off camera, and an older man is in the background smiling. Across the bottom is a purple and blue gradient banner with the words “cash is just one way to give. Time and skills? That counts too.”.)
2. What’s in it for you? The ROI of doing good
Strong team engagement
People want to work somewhere that gives a damn. Businesses with a Social Value mindset see:
– Higher retention (especially Gen Z and Millennials)
– More productivity (people go the extra mile when they care)
– Better hiring results (because your brand values speak volumes)
Revenue that reflects your purpose
Yes, purpose sells.
– Consumers are 4x more likely to buy from brands with values
– B2B clients now expect Social Value data in procurement.
The real return on giving? Growth, loyalty and sales.
Profits with purpose…and proof!
Worried that giving costs too much? It doesn’t, if it works.
– Lower churn = less hiring costs
– Higher tender scores = more wins (Social Value scores now carry legal weight in UK bids)
– Loyal customers = longer-term value
A brand people believe in
Social Value transforms blasé brands into real ones. It gives your team stories to tell, your partners reasons to stay and your buyers reasons to care.
(Alt text :A close up view of a target with an arrow hitting the bullseye which is the Investors in Community symbol. Along the bottom is a black and orange gradient with the words “Purpose sells. And it boosts sales, too.”.)
3. The harsh truth: most businesses give…meh
Here’s the tough love. You donate. Volunteer. Sponsor the odd event. But then what? No tracking. No storytelling. No link to strategy.
It’s like planting seeds and never watering them.
So the ROI? Gone.
(Alt text: Two bucket-style plant pots, one pale purple, one mint green. Both have brown un-watered plants in them. Along the bottom is a purple and blue banner with the words “If you’re giving and forgetting, don’t expect results.”.)
4. Want to flip that? Here’s how.
Imagine this:
– Every hour your team gives is logged.
– Every pound donated is traced to real impact.
– Every act of goodwill becomes a story, a KPI, a tender advantage.
This is giving that works as hard as you do.
That’s where platforms like Investors in Community come in. ( Not a plug. Just facts.)
We help businesses prove, improve, and promote their Social Value so the giving actually gives back.
(Alt text: A close up image of a light switch. The off button is labelled “basic” and the on button is labelled “strategic”. A black and orange banner runs along the bottom with the words “Goodwill’s great. Measured goodwill? Even better.”.)
5. Audit. Accelerate. Win.
– What do you give now? Is it tracked? Tied to business outcomes?
– Set clear metrics: connect giving to staff engagement, tenders, retention.
– Go digital: streamline, track, report.
– Tell the story: Your team and your clients want to see it. Show them.
(Alt text: Two people with their backs to the camera looking at a computer screen displaying a digital dashboard with colourful charts and graphs. Along the bottom is a black and blue gradient banner with the words “Track it. Prove it. Shout about it. That’s how giving pays.”.)
Final Word
Giving, when it’s strategic and well-managed, becomes a growth engine. With the right approach, Social Value fuels loyalty, drives revenue and strengthens your reputation.
So… when does giving pay you back?
When you give with purpose, track with precision, and tell the story like a boss.
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When Does Giving Pay You Back? | Social Value ROI
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Giving back isn’t just good PR. Learn how Social Value delivers real ROI — from staff retention to customer loyalty and higher tender scores.
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