by Lauren Nowicki
Philanthropy, in all of its forms, centers on the simple act of giving, whether in material goods, expertise or time. When charitable giving is viewed as a self-regulatory business model, it becomes synonymous with corporate social responsibility, or strategic philanthropy that is wrapped up in public relations and advertising. This is where philanthropy becomes muddied – moral intentions and political dimensions can be questioned, tainting the original motivations for engaging in an activity. It becomes an easy downslide, vacillating between whether giving matters and if so, how? However, viewed from a corporate culture position, a converse perspective arises. This strengths-based approach is comprised of a revitalization of values, encompassing empathy, awareness, tolerance, resourcefulness and responsibility. An internalization of the corporate brand is born.
As with most companies, Dacon had approached giving from a singular donation perspective. Establishing a meaningful viewpoint on charity began with reviewing corporate basics in productivity and effectiveness. The codifying of culture into a philanthropic entity necessitated examining values, abandoning habitual standards, and increasing financial discipline. For some, this new path was not easy. However, it would be antithetical to associate productivity with spending on luxurious items such as executive gifts, plaques, and engraved shovels. Additionally, we could not ensure the constructive use of donations with larger, substantially endowed nonprofits. The solution became identifying unsung organizations whose mission was not necessarily apparent to the general population, yet significantly impactful on a grassroots level.
The assemblage of these thoughts resulted in Designed with Dignity, an entity centered on the belief that local organizations empower change and that positive change can transform the trajectory of a person’s life. This philanthropy encourages and highlights organizations that create a measurable difference by financing their unmet needs. Preference is given to those domiciled near client construction, thereby amalgamating the client into the community’s fabric. Joint funds amongst the project principals result in community programs that punctuate landmark events such as ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings. A critical tenet is optimizing fund use regardless of the donation size. This new approach drew unanticipated learnings.
Small Can be Big. Really Big.
Some of the farthest-reaching programs cost the least. One such inspiration came by happenstance when an employee, seated next to a visually impaired concert attendee, learnt of the physical issues limiting them from visiting venues. The Talking Information Center (TIC), a radio reading service, bridges this challenge by bringing news and the arts to homebound populations. Arrangements were made for TIC to broadcast Hingham’s Atlantic Symphony season to 15,000 listeners. The total cost was only $2,100.
Temporary Funding, Permanent Change
Often, charitable giving is associated with supplying temporary relief to an immediate problem. Yet when guided by a nonprofit’s astute financial management, relief can perpetuate into long-term, stable gain. During the post-pandemic period, rent moratoriums that enabled under-employed families to stay in apartments ended. Shelters such as Emmaus in Haverhill faced a tsunami of applicants confronted with eviction. At Emmaus’s discretion, a fund was created to bridge moving costs for 60 employed families out of the shelter into their own homes, thereby opening space for the under-employed. In doing so it illuminated how a singular donation can result in permanent structural change for deserving populations.
Consistency is Key – For Them and You
A unique effect of external giving is that it circles back as internal productivity. Nowhere is this more apparent than in event participation. As employees internalize their impact in shaping the corporate brand, participation in trade events increases, punctuated by talent development and a purposeful sense of responsibility. Dacon experienced this in their first entry to the IIDA Fashion Show when employees metamorphosized into seamstresses, models, and apparel designers. These talents and skills are now perpetuated into other off hours and work-related projects.
Large or small, any individual or business entity can give. However, a consistent charitable model eliminates disingenuous connotations that can arise from holiday-focused or sporadic giving. While alleviating societal challenges, donating becomes a productive engine for corporate and individual growth, inspiring talent, camaraderie, and gratitude. It is an investment well-made.
Lauren Nowicki is chief communications officer at Dacon Corporation.
