If you’re a business owner, you probably get a call a week requesting a donation to a worthy charitable organization.

I know I did when I owned a local public relations firm. And like me, you probably found it hard to say no to most of them and became weary with all the calls and requests.

Indeed, American corporations are big givers to charitable organizations. In 2023, they donated $36.55 billion to non-profits, according to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

In addition, the National Federation of Independent Business reports that more than 75 percent of small businesses volunteer their time to civic organizations and 63 percent report providing in-kind donations to local community groups. That could be donating auction items for fundraisers, providing meeting places or giving excess inventory to non-profits.

Interestingly, employees like working for companies that value philanthropy.

More than 71 percent of employees say it’s important to work for a company where the culture is supportive of giving and volunteering, reports America’s Charities Workplace Giving. And companies that engage their employees in philanthropic efforts see 57 percent lower turnover, according to Benevity’s Employee Giving Guide.

“Giving back has been part of our core values for a long time,” says WJ Rossi, partner at Koss Olinger of Gainesville. Their firm has a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. Through that fund, the firm donates a portion of its profits to local community non-profits.

“Employees can request grants for charities near and dear to their hearts. They can request one grant per year, but we also match a contribution they make,” says Rossi. “The owners, at our discretion, also give to non-profits we see making an impact on the community.”

At Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), “stewardship” is key to the company’s values. “Founder Charles (Chuck) Perry established a culture of giving back to the communities where we live and work,” says President and CEO Brian Leslie.

In addition, CPPI contributes its construction services and has fully funded three Habitat for Humanity houses in Gainesville.

Whichever way you decide to deal with charitable donations in your business, con-sider being strategic in your giving. Here are a few tips on how to do this easily and In an organized and thoughtful way.

1. Look at your organizations’ mission and vision as a guide to selecting which organizations align with your values and goals.

2. Select an area of focus for your donations.

3. Create a schedule for reviewing requests. Maybe you will find that the end of the year is a good time to review requests and make a major donation.

4. Rather than giving a small amount to numerous groups, consider one or two large donations that will make a major impact.

5. Involve employees in the process. This is a great way to improve employee morale and make them feel heard and empowered.

6. Consider partnering with a non-profit to develop a giving plan and an employee volunteer plan. You can then combine a financial contribution with employee’s volunteering for a worthy cause.

7. Look for ways to market your organization through your charitable giving. Align your company with a charity that has good name recognition and a good reputation.

Community foundations are an excellent way to harness charitable giving. In Florida community foundations hold more than $2.95 billion in assets and give $310 million each year to support nonprofits in Florida communities, reports the Florida Philanthropic Network.

In 2024, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida awarded $5 million in grants, received more than $9 million in charitable contributions, and increased assets under management to $35 million.

For advice on setting up a donor-advised fund, contact your local community foundation, The Community Foundation of North Central Florida.

“We work with hundreds of local businesses who want to maximize their impact with charitable giving,” says Barzella Papa, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. “Give us a call and we’re happy to discuss ways you can contribute to the health and well-being of all in our community.”

Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of philanthropy columns sponsored by Community Foundation of North Central Florida.