By Joanna Hill, Trustee of Isbourne Foundation and ITSA Digital Trust
As someone who serves as a trustee for two small to medium-sized charities, I’ve seen the incredible work being done both in local communities and overseas. What continues to surprise me is just how difficult and time-consuming it can be to gain meaningful support from the corporate sector.
Most charities operate on tight budgets, with small teams and limited resources. Yet they consistently deliver impact far beyond what their size might suggest. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to see more businesses reaching out to local charities; not just with donations, but with their time, skills, and a genuine willingness to collaborate?
There’s a real opportunity here. Local partnerships can be powerful, not only for the charities and the communities they serve, but for the businesses involved as well. Working with grassroots organisations can strengthen internal culture, boost morale, and help create a deeper sense of shared purpose.
CSR and Social Value are no longer a ‘nice to have’ they’re a must-have. Whether you’re a supplier, a buyer, or somewhere in between, it’s now more important than ever to prove your ethics and values. Demonstrating meaningful social impact isn’t just about reputation; it’s increasingly a requirement in procurement, partnerships, and public perception.
So, if you’re part of a business, whether large or small, take a moment to look around your community. Find a charity whose mission resonates with your values. Reach out. Have a conversation. You might be surprised by just how much you can achieve together.
And if you’re struggling to know where to start then check out – The ITSA Digital Trust, this is a great example of how a charity channels its limited resources to effectively engage the corporate sector (no mean feat!) As a computer-recycling charity that has helped over 6 million people access digital education while supporting at least five Sustainable Development Goals – it’s more than deserving of corporate backing. Their ‘Business Club’, offers a true win-win opportunity! To find out more contact@itsadigitaltrust.org
You might also look at The Isbourne Foundation, a wellbeing charity that provides meaningful, experiential activities to support staff wellbeing. It offers courses, workshops, and classes designed to build resilience, encourage open conversations about mental health, and promote self-care. By engaging staff in activities such as mindfulness sessions, resilience workshops, and charity fundraising events, organisations can help employees develop practical wellbeing skills while contributing to a cause that makes a real difference. This collaboration not only enhances individual wellbeing but also strengthens workplace culture, demonstrating a genuine commitment to supporting mental, physical, and emotional health at every level. To find out more, contact education@isbourne.org
