Every business can be a benefit to its community. For larger companies, there are many ways to provide community support. Smaller organizations, however, may need to get creative. Not only is giving back important for the greater good, 75% of Americans say it’s no longer acceptable for companies to just make money—they also must positively impact society. Even if the impact feels small, showing support for those who support you is important. Here are promo product ideas to help your organization boost the local community.
Lift up local businesses
Partner with another business whose mission, vision and values align with yours, and you’ll open endless possibilities. For example, a grocery store and a kitchenware retailer could team up and offer discount codes with each purchase. If a customer buys a bag of flour at the grocery store, they can get a discount on a spatula or apron at the other business.
Like-minded businesses can partner up to sell products at the other’s location. If you’re a small business that sells healthy snacks, a nearby gym might carry your products at its snack station. In return, you hand out one of their branded water bottles or cooling towels alongside a free day pass with every purchase over a certain amount.
Support schools
Become a booster for local schools and organize a back-to-school drive. Invite employees or community members to pitch by donating money or supplies. Ask other businesses or organizations to become donation drop-off sites. If collecting monetary donations, add community giveaways to the mix. Maybe for $10, donors get a value mug. For $25, they get a stainless steel tumbler.
Provide employees with bonus time off to use to volunteer for school-related events. They could run contests or games during a field day, present about their jobs during a career fair or work the concession stand during a sporting event. If working concessions, your business could supply a fun giveaway, like a pom-pom or mustache on a stick, to enhance the game-day experience.
Show community members you care
Get involved in a community event, like a farmers market, summer festival or parade. As an event sponsor, you can likely set up a booth or table to promote your brand. Add to the spirit of the event using community giveaways that will draw in kids (and the young at heart), like bubbles or yo-yos.
Connect with a local sports league. Whether little league baseball, rec league basketball or an individual tournament, you’ll be supporting a good cause and increasing your brand visibility. Consider outfitting a team you sponsor with jerseys. And spread the joy by giving out swag to everyone who attends a game. Branded sunglasses are a great option!
Back the nonprofits making a difference
Throwing support behind a local nonprofit can take many forms. A large company may do so by breaking up into multiple teams, while a small company may need to partner with other businesses to increase what’s possible. Reach out to a chosen nonprofit to see how to help. Outdoor activities, like raking or weeding, are often much appreciated. Establish a feeling of unity by outfitting your team in bucket hats and work shirts.
Give additional perks, like extra time off, a casual dress day or a pizza party, to encourage employees to donate to a local cause that is meaningful to them. Or offer employees baseball caps or T-shirts to purchase, with all proceeds going to a nonprofit. You can even expand it out into the community, selling products to anyone who is interested and increasing your impact.
Together everyone achieves more
Large or small, every business can make a difference in its local community. By finding creative ways to back other businesses, schools, nonprofits and community members, you can raise your brand profile and provide a boost to others around you. Add in these bright promo product ideas and you might be the toast of the town.