In the Season of Giving: The Impact of End-of-Year Corporate Philanthropy
There's something truly enchanting about the holiday season— twinkling lights, serene snowfalls, and the joy of gift-giving. Families gather for warm Thanksgiving meals and cozy Christmas mornings, creating picturesque scenes that define the season. This time of year uniquely brings families together.
Unfortunately, for over 11.5 million children in the United States living in poverty in 2023 (datacenter.aecf.org), these idyllic holiday moments are far from reality. Many of these children won't experience the warmth of a holiday feast or the excitement of unwrapping a Christmas gift. As widespread economic challenges persist for American families, community support has never been more critical.
As the year draws to a close, businesses globally are reflecting on their accomplishments and obstacles. Amidst considerations of profit, employee retention, and net promoter scores, an increasingly vital metric emerges: corporate social responsibility impact.
End-of-year corporate giving has become a significant tradition for many companies, offering an opportunity to give back to the community, make a positive impact, and strengthen corporate social responsibility initiatives.
As your company reflects on 2023, ponder a few questions. What has my business done to give back this year? How has my organization made a positive impact on the community? Is there a way we can assist those less fortunate during this holiday season and beyond?
Corporate giving during the holidays goes further than office gift exchanges. It embodies a wave of generosity within the spirit of giving, permeating the business world and allowing companies to reinvest in the communities that support them.
There are numerous reasons to invest in corporate giving during this time of year, including:
Building a Positive Corporate Image:
Companies enhance their public image by engaging in philanthropy, especially during the festive season, establishing themselves as socially responsible entities.
Employee Engagement and Morale:
Corporate giving impacts internal stakeholders, boosting employee morale and fostering a sense of pride and purpose. Employees appreciate working for socially responsible companies.
Tax Benefits:
Charitable donations often come with tax incentives. By strategically contributing at year-end, companies can maximize tax advantages while supporting causes aligned with their values.
Now, you might be wondering, "How can my business give back this holiday season?"
Participating in end-of-year corporate giving involves more than writing a check. Businesses can engage with their community through in-kind donations, volunteering, matching employee donations, and showcasing work that employees have done to lift up their community.
Now is an excellent time to schedule a Bike Build & Give event with Wish for Wheels. By making a donation to Wish for Wheels in December, companies can secure tax benefits for 2023, while simultaneously scheduling a bike build for January or February of 2024 to bring light and happiness to children during dark times of the year.
For a child who may have never received a brand-new gift, a new bike is more than an immediate thrill—it's a gift that keeps on giving. In addition to being a mode of transportation to school and activities, learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage that teaches perseverance, balance, and the exhilaration of overcoming challenges.
For those of us who have unwrapped a two-wheeled surprise as a child, the memory likely remains etched in our minds. The sight of a gleaming bike, adorned with a bow, waiting to be ridden, is a timeless image that evokes a sense of magic. It's a memory that spans generations, connecting us to the joy of our own childhoods.
This holiday season, please consider participating in corporate giving by partnering with Wish For Wheels. Together, let's create a 2024 filled with magic, hope, and excitement for deserving children all over Colorado and beyond. Please contact us to learn more here.
