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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
