Guide to Help SMEs Choose a Charity Partner Launched
Chambers Ireland has today (20/04/15) launched a new guide for SMEs highlighting the benefits of engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the steps to take when choosing a charity partner. The guide was developed in partnership with Dóchas and The Wheel.
Speaking today, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said, “The idea that CSR is just for big business is a myth, in fact, CSR is actually more suited to SMEs given their flexibility and tendencies towards innovation and entrepreneurship. SMEs are at the heart of their communities which makes partnering with a charity a perfect fit. This short guide shows the real business benefits to SMEs of embracing CSR, of which there are many, and also the simple steps to take when choosing a charity partner.”
Hans Zomer, Chief Executive of Dóchas, continued “More and more companies realise that rather than being a cost, corporate social responsibility is an opportunity for business. Partnering with not-for-profit organisations can help unlock a company’s potential to be sustainable from both an ethical and a financial perspective. This guide makes it easier for companies to understand and identify their charity partners, by suggesting ways to identify successful and well-run charities.”
Commenting on the launch, Deirdre Garvey, CEO of The Wheel said: “No business operates in isolation; all SMEs interact with employees, customers, suppliers and the wider community. CSR is about managing these relationships to produce an overall positive impact on society. By matching their skills and resources to a need in the community, SMEs can make a real and lasting impact.”
The guide is available to download here.
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For further information contact Amy Woods, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4319, 086 6081605 or email amy.woods@www.chambers.ie
Notes to Editors
About the Guide
This guide was developed to highlight the benefits to SMEs of engaging in CSR, with a particular focus on partnering with a charity. Choosing a suitable partner can be a daunting task and we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible with our step by step guide.
About Chambers Ireland
Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s largest business organisation with a network of Chambers of Commerce in every major town and region in the country. Chamber members all around Ireland continually strive for better regional economic development, better infrastructure and more development in their communities. These goals work in tandem with the principles of CSR and promoting CSR among businesses of all sizes is a key focus of the Chamber Network.
About Dóchas
Dóchas is the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations, an umbrella group of international development, humanitarian and global justice not-for-profit organisations who share a commitment to tackle poverty and inequality in the world. Through Dóchas, Irish NGOs come together to share and exchange their experiences, and to use those experiences to end all forms of poverty and injustice.
About The Wheel
The Wheel is a support and representative body connecting community and voluntary organisations and charities across Ireland. Established in 1999, The Wheel has evolved to become a resource centre and forum for the community and voluntary sector. Their mission is to increase the community and voluntary sector’s capacity and capability to play its part in achieving a fair and just society in Ireland.