Shankar Rajendran On Corporate Philanthropy in Pittsburgh

Upon the mention of corporate philanthropy, many individuals may think about monetary contributions. Although this is a common way to give back, the true versatility of philanthropy goes much further. In fact, it includes dozens of different ways to contribute to the overall betterment of your community. This concept, however, is much easier to comprehend through real-life examples. To that end, consider some of the most popular alternatives for people to give back to Pittsburgh.

General Volunteering

Usually, volunteering is the easiest ways for corporate employees to help their communities. It is based on performing a service, which is often some type of low-skill labor, free of charge. Pittsburgh Cares, for instance, is a perfect example of an organization that frequently hosts volunteering events open to the public. The offering includes the following:

● Youth Zone Projects

● Human Service Food Pantry

● Computer Recycling

● Meals on Wheels Deliveries

● E-Waste Recycling Campaigns

● Downtown Beautification

Thus, the alternatives for people who would like to give back are seemingly endless. Additionally, most corporations have recently adopted practices where employees are granted paid leave for days of volunteering. Ernst and Young, per se, allows workers to take multiple days off and utilize them for local community events. Thus, although they are not financially involved, they promote corporate philanthropy by providing human capital.

Skill-Based Volunteering

A more specialized way of volunteering is to take advantage of one's preexisting skills. This involves certified professionals who are providing services to the public for free. A great example is Pittsburgh Pro Bono Center where attorneys work with communities and do pro bono legal services. Besides one-on-one interaction with individuals, this association also does a lot of different legal projects. Some examples include the criminal records expungement, custody conciliation, financial literacy, and landlord-tenant project.

Fortunately, corporations are not excluded from participation in the work that organizations like the Pittsburgh Pro Bono Center provide. In fact, some of the main donors involve large companies like PNC Bank, U.S. Steel, FedEx Ground, and CBS. So, it is possible for large firms to connect and find ways to offer free services occasionally.

Financial Contributions

Undoubtedly, the most popular way to give back to the community revolves around financial contributions. For those unfamiliar, this covers any act of monetary donation that aims to promote an improvement in people's quality of life. Although the aforementioned types of philanthropy are important, financial help often promotes the fastest growth. This is because the society can use the funds for many different purposes which include resources, paid labor, and more.

Just a few days ago, PPG Foundation announced a $555,000 donation to two organizations in Pittsburgh. They disclosed that the funds will be used to help these groups achieve their goals in the field of education and sustainability. Moreover, there is a plethora of examples where large corporations donate considerable sums of money to Pittsburgh's non-profit ventures.

Raising Awareness

Even though raising awareness falls within the category of skill-based volunteering, it deserves a category of its own. This is where experts like Shankar Rajendran, for instance, come in. Mr. Rajendran is a social media marketing specialist who works with business to improve brand awareness. Nevertheless, these transferable talents can be used to increase the popularity of charitable causes in Pittsburgh.

The actual way that people who raise awareness can contribute revolves around public campaigning. In translation, they can do everything from online emailing, newsletters, and even networking with donors. In a sense, they act as the middlemen for those who may be able to contribute financially and organizations that need such support.

The Never-Ending Battle

Ultimately, whether entities donate large sums of money like the PPG Foundation or provide services like Shankar Rajendran is irrelevant. What matters is the passion that drives charitable contributions. Just consider the amount of progress that occurred in Pittsburgh as a direct consequence of philanthropy. Luckily, there are many ways to engage with those in need and help them get access to the resources that they may require. After all, when there is a will, there is always a way!