How to change the business landscape and the conversation around corporate social responsibility

In today’s corporate environment, particularly in Austin, it takes more than providing jobs and quality products or services to be considered a good company. That is why many corporations pioneering innovation are also at the forefront of some of the most consequential decisions for our region and nation. 

At ECPR Texas, we work for clients including Google, Amplify Credit Union, Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Texas Mutual Insurance and St. David’s HealthCare that are giving back in unique ways: 

  • Google supports a statewide coalition called Computer Science for Texas to fund computer science classes for students.
  • Amplify Credit Union became the first traditional financial institution in the country to eradicate all fees from their business model in an effort to make banking more equitable
  • Workforce Solutions Capital Area launched the “Hire Local” initiative that will provide 1,000 scholarships for post-high school graduates exploring career plans or others who wish to upskill their current careers.
  • Texas Mutual Insurance has committed millions of dollars in grant funding to nonprofits across the state whose missions support generational learning and workforce development and safety training.
  • St. David’s HealthCare, a unique partnership between hospital management company HCA Healthcare and two local nonprofits—St. David’s Foundation and Georgetown Health Foundation—invests proceeds from hospital operations to fund the foundations, which, in turn, invest those dollars back into the community.

It’s important to note, you don’t have to be a big corporation to make a larger-than-Texas impact.

Here are five tips and points to remember when engaging your business in corporate social responsibility: 

1. Identify your company’s community core values first

The best way to align your business to a cause is to determine your guiding community values. We recommended selecting values that fit within your industry and company culture. For example, if you’re a commercial real estate company, consider championing the topic of affordability in your region or if you are a restaurant, focus on food scarcity.    

2. Align with a nonprofit organization already doing the work 

You don’t need to start it in order to fund it. There are 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. and over 135,000 in Texas. Research which nonprofits best fit with your mission and community values and explore how to make the most meaningful impact.

3. Can’t find an organization that fits? Start a coalition. 

There are many cases where either the cause is niche to a certain industry or location or

so personal that no one has taken that first step toward change. Funding and starting a coalition is a great way to bring awareness to a situation, generate support and be the leading thought partner for the cause. Lucky for you, coalition building is an ECPR Texas specialty.  

4. Be intentional and consistent  

No matter which direction you choose in maximizing your community footprint, the most important part is to be intentional and consistent with that path. If the heart of your company is not fully invested in the cause, it could potentially generate ill-will within the community and a loss of credibility.  

5. Share your good news and inspire others

The public loves good news. There is no shame in sharing news of your corporate philanthropy. Leveraging social media content that is paired with a solid digital strategy and timely press releases will not only generate headlines, but position you as a leader who inspires others to also create a meaningful impact. 

When it comes to helping your company maximize its corporate social responsibility, ECPR Texas knows how to help. We pride ourselves in knowing the central Texas region and the state of Texas. As natural connectors, our firm takes professional and personal pride in immersing ourselves and our clients in a variety of causes and conversations that move the needle of change forward for our region, state and country. 

 

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