From reaching sales quotas to promoting a healthy workplace culture, business leaders are responsible for overseeing a vast number of outcomes. With so much to think about, it’s easy to forget the often overlooked pillar of successful business that is support of community organizations. Though backing organizations may not seem like a business principle at first, it can have many far-reaching benefits for your company.

What Companies Can Achieve by Working With Community Organizations

1. Improve Brand Reputation

When members of the public see your company supporting a good cause, they’ll associate your brand with positive contributions to the community. Plus, community organizations can generate good press for your business and expand your outreach to an entirely new audience. Supporting local education, environmental causes, and food shelters are some options companies choose for giving back.

2. Give Employees a Purpose

While extrinsic rewards like financial bonuses can incentivize strong performance, most employees are also motivated by intrinsic factors. Providing a greater sense of purpose for your workforce can go a long way in boosting morale. For example, inviting employees to raise money for a charitable cause and offering to match donations will show you’re committed to helping them succeed in their philanthropic endeavors too.

3. Link to Your Company Values

To stand out, today’s organizations must find ways to showcase their commitment to company values through action. Pairing with a community organization is a way to “walk the walk,” showing everyone from competitors to prospective talent that your values are more than a few phrases on a website—they’re the foundation on which your business operates. Try to choose a cause linked to your values; for instance, if “expanding knowledge” is a company value, partner with alumni associations or local schools.

4. Support Your Community

Giving back to your community or network not only creates a good impression, but also supports a healthy economy. Keeping business local will help ensure your community has the resources they need to succeed, which benefits everyone. This is especially true for organizations that give underprivileged people access to education and job skills.

5. Enjoy Engaging Events  

Working with community groups often presents the opportunity for your company to host or attend fun events. These small breaks from routine will give your employees an opportunity to collaborate outside the office, which fosters teamwork inside the workplace too. You can also draw members from the local community to further raise funds. Consider options such as golf outings, community concerts, or auctions.

If you’re an alum of St. Louis School and your Honolulu company is seeking opportunities to partner with a community organization, look to the St. Louis Alumni Association. The organization provides support for current students as well as fellow alumni in need. With a history dating back more than 100 years, the association promotes and participates in activities that support both the school and the broader Hawaii community. Explore some of the association’s exclusive membership benefits by visiting their website or by calling (808) 949-6633.