We spoke to Geraldine Gatehouse, incentive, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainability expert, and a columnist for
Incentive magazine, to ask her what planners should consider when
developing a CSR program for a meeting. Here’s her checklist of things to consider.
1. Is this an activity that everyone will participate in, or is it optional?
2. What age groups are you looking at? Is this going to be a physical activity?
3. Is it better to donate money than time to this particular organization? “Sometimes, hosting people for a CSR activity can actually cost an organization a lot in terms of resources,” she explains.
4. What’s the budget?
5. Will you organize the CSR program yourself or will you enlist a DMC?
6. Is the nonprofit in good standing? “Check the financials and status of the nonprofit…you have to do your due diligence.”
7. How long will the activity be? Do you have time to take people off property or do you need to be on site?
8. Consider the weather if the activity takes you outdoors.
9. Do you want to invite the nonprofit to join you?
10. Are people coming to you or are you going to them?
11. If you are going to the nonprofit, what kind of facilities do they have? Do they know how to handle large volunteer groups? Are they large enough? “Have someone go in to the facility a week before or a day before to make sure everything’s all set up and everyone’s on track.”
12. Does liability insurance cover your activity?
13. Does your organization have a culture of giving back?
14. Look for nonprofits where your organization can donate their services, if applicable.
15. Look for a nonprofit that aligns with your company’s values and goals. “Your message will be much stronger and mean more.”
To read more of Gatehouse’s CSR columns on IncentiveMag.com, click here.