Category: News

While the tradition of year-end generosity among UK businesses is commendable, a critical issue often arises as companies hurriedly allocate surplus budgets to charities in a bid to meet philanthropic commitments before the fiscal year concludes.

For many businesses, unspent charity budgets are often absorbed back into the P&L, and therefore lost. The perceived solution is to hurriedly find random charities to fulfil the philanthropy aims of the original purpose driven budget.

The problem lies in the scattered nature of these donations, as the urgency to utilise funds can result in a lack of strategic deployment.

The Challenge of Scattered Year End Donations:

Lack of Focus: The urgency to utilise surplus budgets before the fiscal year-end can lead to hasty decisions, causing companies to donate to a diverse range of causes without a clear focus or strategic alignment.

Limited Impact: Scattered donations may result in minimal impact on any single cause, as the funds are spread thin across various charities. This dilution diminishes the potential for creating substantial, long-lasting change.

Missed Opportunities: Charities receiving last-minute, scattered donations may struggle to plan and implement effective programs, missing out on the chance to optimize the impact of the funds received.

If you are a charity budget holder with surplus yet to be allotted, and would like to find a controlled solution, then help is at hand.

Investors In Community www.investorsincommunity.org is able to hold your donation in a charity wallet, that you can allot to your chosen good causes over the months or even years that follow your current year end.

By uploading your budget to your business profile wallet, it has in legal terms been donated to the Investors In Community Giving (IICG) CIO registered charity. The representation of the money sits in your business’s wallet, and you are able to then instruct the passing of this money to your chosen charities and good causes, whenever you want, in whatever denominations you choose.

The benefits are clear:

1. You can select those causes that fit your evolving strategic aims, as opposed to reactively throwing the budget at a variety of charities as a means to commit to your CSR budget spend

2. This can be done over your year end, as you have effectively donated to IICG charity, but you still control the funds for later deployment
3. Better outcomes are then evidenced, by the thought-out donating, and a more defined Impact Statement can be had as a result
4. All donations are tracked and measured, giving a full audit trail for your records

Use the IIC business wallet all year round, to control, measure, audit, and report all your community and charity giving.

This will save time and money in a single efficient process of managing, deploying, verifying and auditing your business’s generosity.

For more details, contact info@investorsincommunity.org

Giving back to the community is essential for morale, awareness, and growth for several reasons:

1. Fosters a Sense of Purpose and Morale: When individuals or organizations engage in activities that benefit the community, it instills a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that their actions have a positive impact on others boosts morale and encourages continued engagement.
2. Builds Stronger Community Bonds: By giving back, individuals and businesses become more connected with the community they serve. This helps to build trust and stronger relationships, leading to a more cohesive and supportive community overall.
3. Increases Awareness of Social Issues: Engaging in community-focused initiatives exposes individuals and organizations to various social issues and challenges faced by others. This heightened awareness can lead to greater empathy and understanding, encouraging further efforts to address those issues.
4. Promotes Social Responsibility: Giving back cultivates a sense of social responsibility. It reminds individuals and organizations of their role as members of a larger society and encourages them to contribute positively to its well-being.
5. Enhances Reputation and Brand Image: Businesses that actively participate in community initiatives are often viewed more favorably by consumers. A strong commitment to social causes can enhance a company’s reputation and brand image, leading to increased customer loyalty and support.
6. Creates a Positive Cycle of Giving: When individuals or organizations give back to the community, it often inspires others to do the same. This positive cycle of giving can lead to a more compassionate and supportive society.
7. Encourages Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging in community service and giving back can provide individuals with valuable learning experiences. It allows them to develop new skills, expand their network, and gain a broader perspective on life and the world.
8. Addresses Local Needs and Gaps: By actively participating in community initiatives, individuals and organizations can identify and address specific needs and gaps that may be overlooked by larger institutions. This targeted approach can have a more direct and meaningful impact.
9. Strengthens Civic Engagement: Giving back encourages people to be more involved in their communities, whether through volunteering, activism, or participating in local events. This increased civic engagement contributes to the overall health and vibrancy of the community.
10. Contributes to Sustainable Development: Community-focused initiatives often aim to create sustainable solutions to various challenges. By actively working towards long-term solutions, individuals and organizations contribute to the sustainable development of the community and society as a whole.

In summary, giving back to the community is not only a way to help others but also a means of personal and professional growth. It strengthens community bonds, raises awareness of important issues, and fosters a more compassionate and responsible society. By actively participating in community initiatives, individuals and organizations can make a positive difference and contribute to a brighter future for everyone. That is where Investors in Community comes in.

If  you are interested in learning more or how IIC can help you achieve these goals, please contact a member of our team today: info@investorsincommunity.org

The UK’s upcoming Sustainable Disclosure Requirements (SDR) are a set of measures and modifications that would institutionalize and unify SECR, TCFD, and ESOS reporting into an overall, annual set of sustainability reporting requirements.

SDR will include:

• Full TCFD reporting, including Scope 3 emissions
• Additional non-climate sustainability and ESG reporting disclosure to include charity and community work (volunteering, donations & gifting)
• A detailed transition plan outlining the submitter’s path to net zero emissions

While SDR has yet to be finalized and officially implemented, we expect it will emerge as the definitive UK sustainability reporting standard. SDR may also introduce a UK Green Taxonomy, similar to EU sustainability legislation.

The UK SDR is designed to centralise the UK’s new enhanced climate, sustainability, and ESG reporting, disclosure, and communications requirements expected to be finalized and take effect: 2023

1. Volunteerism: Encourage employees to volunteer their time and skills to local charities or events. This can include organizing a team volunteering day or allowing employees to use company time to participate in community events.
2. Sponsorship: Consider sponsoring local events or charities that align with your business values or goals. This can provide positive exposure for your business and demonstrate your commitment to the community.
3. Donations: Make monetary or in-kind donations to local organizations or charities that align with your business values or goals. This can include donating a portion of sales to a specific cause or setting up a donation drive for a local charity.
4. Collaboration: Look for opportunities to collaborate with other businesses or organizations in your community. This can include co-hosting events or partnering on a community project.
5. Education and Training: Offer education and training opportunities to members of your community, such as workshops or mentorship programs. This can help to build relationships and establish your business as a valuable resource in the community.

How it helps your marketing: Supporting your community can have a positive impact on your marketing efforts. By demonstrating your commitment to the community and aligning your business with local causes, you can build a positive reputation and create strong brand associations. This can lead to increased customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and a competitive edge in the market. Additionally, supporting local causes can provide opportunities for media coverage and social media exposure, further amplifying your message and impact.

Social regeneration refers to the process of revitalizing and improving social systems and structures in a community or society. It involves addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, social exclusion, and other challenges that can lead to the deterioration of a community’s well-being and quality of life.

Social regeneration initiatives can take many forms, such as investing in education and job training programs, improving public infrastructure and services, fostering community engagement and participation, and supporting local businesses and organizations. The goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Successful social regeneration requires collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society organizations, as well as the active involvement of community members themselves. It requires a long-term and sustained effort, as the root causes of social problems are often complex and deeply ingrained. However, the benefits of social regeneration can be significant, not only for individuals and communities but also for the wider society as a whole.

If you would like to find out more please visit: https://investorsincommunity.org/