Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is a term that has become increasingly popular over recent years. It is a form of business self-regulation that involves contributing resources — time, money, or effort — to benefit society. It demonstrates a conscientious approach to business as well as a willingness to make a positive social impact that’s not focused on commercial gain.

However, although acts of corporate social responsibility do not appear to immediately benefit a business, they have often been proven to work in a company’s favour. One figure attests that up to 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from socially responsible companies, while 2017 research evidenced that 87% of consumers will purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue they cared about.

For businesses wanting to acquire new customers while making a contribution to society without impacting on profits, CSR seems a no-brainer. There’s also the added benefit of attracting positive media interest and improving the brand image longer term, but where would you start?

Education is an area that is chronically underfunded, and any contribution — be it in the shape of time, money, or effort — can make a real difference. Schools are a pillar of local communities, and the education of children is a subject that is close to many people’s hearts. This makes them a perfect partner for those businesses looking into corporate social responsibility.

In this blog, we highlight just a few of the great ways businesses can get involved with schools to make a real difference and achieve their CSR objectives.

Sponsor an Event

Schools host events throughout the year and they are well attended by parents as well as students. Why not sponsor an event that tackles a social or environmental issue and put your company’s name in front of an entire audience while also contributing a sum of money to a good cause.

Purchase Equipment

With limited funding available for schools, the equipment being used by children is starting to age. Whether it’s computers and keyboards or sports equipment and stationery, any new resources you purchase and donate to a school will be warmly welcomed, and make a difference.

Visit a School

As a leader in your field, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience that is invaluable for young people. Offering your time to visit a school, talk to pupils, and share your expertise can make a real difference to their futures, and even potentially inspire some of them to follow in your footsteps.

Make a Donation

If your company is in a financial position to do so, donating a sum of money to a school is a hassle-free way to contribute. It also gives the school agency over where the money can be spent to have the most significant impact.

Volunteer Services for a School Event

School events are difficult to organise and relatively expensive to run. If sponsoring an event doesn’t seem like the right choice, why not volunteer your products or services to help make an event run smoothly? Whether you can supply tables and chairs or provide catering, your contribution will mean a great deal to the school.

Host a Fundraising Event for a School

During most acts of corporate social responsibility, the focus is on a business making a direct contribution to the community. However, there are alternative methods. For example, you could hold a fundraiser on the school’s behalf, with all donations being gifted directly to them.

Offer Work Experience Placements

Work experience is a rite of passage for most secondary school pupils that gives them a taste of working life. By offering work experience placements, at your company, you have the opportunity to train, teach, and guide the people who could later become your workforce, while the teenagers gain valuable knowledge, skills, and experience. These placements help to upskill the next generation of employees and improve the sentiment toward your business in the local area.

Make a Real Difference

Acts of corporate social responsibility make a real difference, especially to schools, and they are rewarded in kind by consumers. If your business is assessing its CSR goals and planning its next project, consider helping the schools in your local area.

If you want to know more about achieving your corporate social responsibility aims by working with schools, we’d love to offer our assistance, so get in touch with our team today.