10 ways businesses can support charities

Supporting charities is one of the most meaningful ways many businesses can create a positive impact beyond day-to-day operations. Whether you're looking to build a stronger CSR strategy, engage your team, or give back to the communities you work within, there are countless ways to make a difference - big or small. 

From creative fundraising ideas to long-term partnerships, here are 10 practical ways businesses can support charities throughout the year. 

1. Organise team fundraising challenges

Group challenges are a great way to raise money while building team spirit. These could include: 

• Sponsored walks or runs
• Step-count competitions
• Fitness goals tracked via apps such as Strava, MyFitnessPal or Fitbit. 

Not only do these activities promote wellbeing in the workplace, they also bring teams together around a shared goal. At Sellick Partnership, team challenges like these have helped us raise money for causes we care about, while strengthening team connections along the way. 

2. Launch a reverse advent calendar 

A reverse advent calendar flips the tradition of receiving into one of giving, you could even opt to do this around the festive period. Each day, employees donate an item - such as non-perishable food, toiletries or winter clothing - into a shared collection.

At the end of the period, these donations can be delivered to a local food bank, shelter, or community organisation. It’s a simple yet powerful way to support people in need, especially during colder months.

We regularly donate Easter eggs, which are given out to families on low income - this is a great way for all staff to get involved and can be done as part of their weekly shop. 

3. Host fundraising events: in-person or virtually 

Remote or hybrid teams can still get involved with charity efforts through virtual events. Try hosting:

• Online quizzes

• Virtual raffles

• Themed team socials or competitions

These events are easy to organise and can be a lot of fun. Ask for a small donation to join in, and offer a light-hearted prize to boost engagement.

4. Promote ethical shopping

Encourage employees to support causes while shopping online. Platforms like Easyfundraising allow users to donate a percentage of their purchases to a charity of their choice - at no extra cost. Your business could even agree on a nominated charity to support as a team. 

At Sellick Partnership, we have a CSR Committee that arranges charitable events throughout the year as well as the charities we are supporting. However, colleagues are free to share information about their personal fundraising initiatives where they may be raising money for a specific charity of their choosing. 

5. Match employee donations

Show your team that their individual efforts matter by matching donations raised through personal fundraising activities. Whether it's a sponsored run or an online appeal, if they share this with the company, you could offer to boost the total and reinforce your commitment to giving back,. 

6. Offer paid volunteer days

Give your employees time to give back. By offering half a day, or one full day of paid volunteering each year, your teams can support causes that matter to them - whether that's helping at a food bank or soup kitchen, assisting with charity events, or using their professional skills to provide support. It's a meaningful benefit that can also build stronger ties with your local community. 

7. Build long-term charity partnerships

One of the most effective ways to make a sustained impact is to form a long-term partnership with a charity that aligns with your company values. This kind of partnership can involve: 

• Ongoing fundraising
• Employee volunteering
• Donating services, expertise, or resources 

At Sellick Partnership, we've supported numerous charities - raising money for them but also giving our time during busy periods, enabling us to make a deeper impact over time. 

8. Donate equipment or resources 

When upgrading office furniture, tech equipment or supplies, consider donating the old items to local charities, schools, or social enterprises.

Some examples include:

• Laptops to digital inclusion schemes

• Stationery and books to youth organisations

• Furniture to shelters or start-up support hubs

It’s a practical, sustainable way to repurpose resources and help others in the process.

9. Share charity stories and awareness campaigns

Supporting charities isn’t just about raising money - it’s also about using your platform to amplify their message.

You can:

• Share stories on your social media channels

• Celebrate fundraising milestones in newsletters

• Highlight employee efforts on your company intranet or blog

This can help boost visibility for the cause and encourage wider participation, both internally and externally.

10. Align your efforts with your company values 

Your charitable activity will have more impact if it aligns with your brand and values. For example:

• A finance team could support financial education charities.

• A recruitment business might champion employability initiatives.

• A health-focused company may back mental health or wellness causes.

This alignment creates stronger engagement from employees and a clearer sense of purpose.

Why supporting charities matters

A proactive approach to charity work reflects positively on your brand and creates a more inclusive, motivated workplace culture. From small fundraising drives to long-term partnerships, businesses can play a vital role in supporting communities and driving social change. 

Even small actions, when done consistently, can make a big difference. 

Making a difference at Sellick Partnership 

At Sellick Partnership, giving back is an integral part of who we are. Whether it's team fundraising, supporting national charity campaigns, or working with community organisations, we're committed to creating a positive impact through our CSR and charity initiatives. 

Whether you're a business looking for support, a candidate looking for a role with a business that is keen on giving back, or are interested in internal vacancies at Sellick Partnership, get in touch with our team or read more about the causes we support.