23 Apr 3 Things You Are Already Doing That Qualify as CSR and The News Wants to Know About 

By: Jenna Soules 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a fancy phrase to add to your reports or a symbolic gesture of goodwill. Committing to CSR can transform a company’s identity in the eyes of its shareholders. When organizations speak out about doing good, they can encourage others to join them, earn new credibility with their audience, and raise profits through getting additional publicity and brand recognition. Your business is most likely already engaging in CSR activities without even realizing it and should be receiving the attention it deserves for these efforts to give back to your community. These are three things you might already be doing that can catch the eye of news reporters when they look for local story ideas to share. 

Giving Charitable Donations and Partnering with Nonprofits 

Donations to worthy causes and partnerships with nonprofit organizations are key parts of CSR that your company may not be drawing the proper attention to. Whether it’s donating a portion of profits to a worthy cause during certain months or sponsoring a local charity event, these actions speak to a commitment to giving and getting involved. A common misconception about newsworthy charity is that the donations need to be exorbitant amounts of money to qualify as CSR. Every little amount that you donate counts; there is no qualifying minimum for charity. These opportunities could also be entirely free of charge for your organization, like volunteering with your employees or hosting food/household item drives that can include items brought in by the community. 

Ethically Sourcing Products and Services 

Ethical sourcing and showing support for local businesses are great ways for companies to demonstrate CSR. By ensuring that your supply chain meets ethical standards and prioritizing local suppliers, you’re not only benefiting the environment and local economy but also building trust with consumers. People want to support businesses that align with their values, and by promoting your ethical sourcing practices, you can attract customers who share your business values and believe in your mission to do good.  

Demonstrating Exceptional Service and Inclusion 

Beyond interactions with other businesses and organizations, demonstrating exceptional ethics, service, and inclusion within your own company is another powerful form of CSR. Treating employees, customers, and stakeholders with respect and fairness not only fosters a positive work culture but also strengthens your brand’s reputation. Some great examples of this type of CSR could include: 

• Making a difference in a customer’s life through your services. 
• Showing support for employees through gestures of appreciation. 
• Tailoring services or products to underserved communities. 
• Highlighting ethical your staff’s ethical practices of leadership, dedication, or integrity. 

These efforts are stories that need to be shared with your community to showcase your work and set an example of how businesses should show appreciation for their shareholders.  

How to Connect CSR Efforts to the News: 

One of the most effective ways to gain attention for your CSR efforts is to connect them to current news, observances, or events. This method of finding timely angles helps to capture existing media interest rather than creating it purely based on the compelling characters in your story. Instead of starting a conversation, join in with your organization’s unique approach and add to the narrative. Has your organization helped a mother recently in ways that could be a potential story to share for Mother’s Day? Does your organization donate to charities that support mental health for Mental Health Awareness Month? These tie-ins make a world of difference in catching reporters’ attention by handing them stories they are already looking for.  

Making an Impact Through Your Organization 

Corporate Social Responsibility isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about the everyday actions that demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact. Whether it’s through donations, ethical sourcing, or exceptional efforts for inclusion, companies have countless opportunities to share their engagement in CSR activities. By highlighting these efforts and connecting them to the news, businesses can not only enhance their brand reputation but also inspire others to follow suit. So, next time you’re wondering how your business can make a difference, remember that even the smallest actions have a big impact, and the news wants to know about it!