Employees and consumers want to be involved in corporate philanthropy and call on businesses to consider a new approach that is more stakeholder driven, a survey conducted by Benevity finds. 

A survey of public sentiment on corporate philanthropy, the Engagement in Corporate Giving study found that four in five consumers (84 percent) and employees (86 percent) believed they should have a say in how a business allocates its charitable funds. In addition, 82 percent of consumers and 85 percent of employees said they feel they frequently have no say or involvement in the organizations supported by the companies they purchase goods from or work for. According to the survey, 32 percent of consumers and 39 percent of employees were interested in where companies allocate charitable funds, and 73 percent of consumers said they would be likely to use or shop with a business that seeks their input on the charitable causes it supports. 

“Corporate philanthropy is the longest-standing way that businesses have given back, but there is a re-imagining happening in the wake of stakeholder capitalism,” said Benevity chief impact officer Sona Khosla. “Brands who choose to engage stakeholders—notably employees and customers—in their corporate philanthropy strategies have a clear opportunity to create a more trusted relationship, helping to attract and engage today’s purpose-driven talent and customers.” 

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