12 Charity Gift Ideas to Support the Social Cause
Explore six charity gift ideas that reflect a socially conscious choice to unlock the power of giving to impact your community and workplace positively.
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Charity gifts, an active element of corporate social responsibility, are an inventive way to keep employees and the client base engaged and connected through accountability. A charity gift typically refers to a donation made on behalf of someone as a gift to support a charitable cause or organization. More than 60% of millennials stated they would prefer to donate their rewards to good causes than retain them for personal use, in research by KPMG.
As the workplace landscape shifts, organizations have started practicing social responsibility to be more conscious of their impact on society. Instead of receiving a physical item, the recipient of the charity gift is informed that a contribution has been made in their name to a specific charity or cause.
According to America's Charities Snapshot, approximately 71% of employees surveyed prefer to work for a company that supports giving and volunteering for charitable causes. The same study showed that 70% would be more loyal to a company that takes such initiatives.
Why charity gifts and corporate giving matters: Stats to justify
Charity gifts and corporate giving matter because they foster goodwill, enhance brand reputation, and contribute to meaningful social change. Additionally, businesses that engage in charitable giving see an increase in customer trust and long-term brand loyalty.
→ According to the EY & Harvard Business School sponsored report, 89% believe that an
Organization with a shared purpose will experience higher levels of employee satisfaction and 80% said that it also helps increase customer loyalty.
→ Moreover, the same study has shown that 85% of individuals are likely to recommend a company with a solid purpose to others.
→ According to America’s Charities Snapshot Employer Research, employee participation increases when a charitable choice is given.
10 charity gift ideas to support the social cause:
Gifting charity reflects a thoughtful and socially conscious choice to make a difference in the community. The gifts can be:
- Monetary donations
- Specific programs or projects
- Sponsorship or adoption
- Virtual gifts
Moreover, donors can customize their contributions based on their preferences and the causes they wish to support. Here are the 10 charity gift ideas that contribute to the growth of any individual.
- Skill development classes
Gifting access to skill development classes will allow one to self-development. Provide the recipients with an opportunity to enhance their expertise and capabilities.
Generally, these online courses can be focused on specialized skills. Moreover, it offers a flexible and accessible means for individuals to refine their professional acumen and stay competitive and adaptable in today's ever-changing professional landscape.
Benefits
- Acquire and refine valuable competencies,
- Improve professional knowledge
- Foster adaptability in an ever-evolving job market.
- Boost personal growth.
- Add charity cards to your E-gift cards
If you're already sending e-gift cards, why not add the choice of donating to charity instead? These digital vouchers provide a versatile and personalized way to express appreciation or celebrate special occasions while allowing recipients to select items according to their preferences.
Benefits:
- Eliminate logistical challenges associated with traditional gifts.
- The giver and recipient are positively impacted with improved brand loyalty and customer engagement.
- Recipients can either enjoy their gift card or donate to a cause they care about.
- Experience cards
Experience cards can be excellent charity gifts online. It presents recipients with a curated selection of engaging online activities. These activities may range from virtual games to immersive tours.
Moreover, these digital cards offer a unique and personalized way to provide memorable experiences, making them ideal for expressing appreciation or celebrating special occasions.
Benefits
- It is a customizable approach to gift-giving. Offer recipients a curated selection of engaging online activities and events.
- Increase the recipient's enjoyment by allowing them to choose experiences tailored to their preferences.
4. Online learning courses
You can also invest in continuous learning by presenting recipients with online courses. Provide them with a flexible and accessible avenue to explore diverse subjects and expand their knowledge base.
Generally, these courses offer a structured and professional learning environment. Moreover, these courses can empower individuals to acquire new skills and stay abreast of industry trends.
With online learning, recipients can tailor their educational journey to align with their professional and personal development goals.
Benefits
- Enable participants to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their own space.
- These courses offer scheduling flexibility, allowing the learners to balance educational pursuits with existing commitments.
- Provide enhanced accessibility with online learning materials.
5. E-books or audiobook subscriptions
Gift e-books or audiobook subscriptions to the recipients to enrich their reading experience. Such a subscription will offer them a convenient and accessible way to delve into the wisdom they crave to further their professional journey.
Generally, these digital subscriptions provide a versatile platform for individuals to enjoy any kind of literature at their own pace, whether reading or listening.
Benefits
- Introduce a culture of continuous learning and intellectual enrichment.
- E-books or audiobook subscriptions provide a convenient and portable way for individuals to access literary content.
- This method contributes to environmental sustainability.
6. Wellness subscription
Promote well-being and self-care by gifting your recipient a wellness subscription. This subscription may range from online fitness classes and meditation sessions to valuable health resources.
Therefore, this thoughtful gesture supports a healthy lifestyle and underscores a commitment to the recipient's wellness.
A wellness subscription offers a personalized and flexible approach to maintaining physical and mental health in the digital age.
Benefits
- Offer access to a curated selection of online fitness classes, meditation sessions, and valuable health resources.
- Introduce wellness initiatives to cultivate a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
- Donate a meal program
Support hunger relief by donating meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Many organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and Feeding America, allow donations in honor of someone, ensuring a meaningful impact. Contributions can fund school lunches, community food banks, or emergency meal distributions, providing essential nourishment to those in need.
Benefits:
- Alleviates hunger and malnutrition in underprivileged communities.
- Supports local food banks and relief programs.
- Encourages a culture of giving and social responsibility.
- Makes a direct, measurable impact on people’s lives.
8. Clean Water Donation
Millions of people still lack access to clean drinking water, leading to severe health issues. Donations to organizations like charity: water and Water.org help build sustainable water sources, install filtration systems, and improve sanitation facilities in underserved regions. Gifting a clean water donation ensures access to safe drinking water and improved hygiene.
Benefits:
- Reduces the spread of waterborne diseases and improves public health.
- Supports sustainable infrastructure for clean water access.
- Enhances quality of life by reducing the time spent collecting water.
- Promotes environmental conservation through water sustainability projects.
9. Medical aid donations
Many communities worldwide suffer from a lack of basic healthcare, medicine, and medical supplies. Donations to organizations like Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief, or The Red Cross provide critical healthcare services, vaccines, surgical procedures, and life-saving medication to underprivileged areas.
Benefits:
- Provides essential healthcare services to those in need.
- Supports emergency medical aid in disaster-affected regions.
- Help prevent and treat life-threatening diseases.
- Strengthens global healthcare systems through funding and resources.
10. Animal Rescue and Conservation Sponsorship
Many wildlife species and domestic animals face threats due to habitat destruction, poaching, or neglect. Sponsoring a conservation initiative or donating to an animal rescue organization, such as The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or ASPCA, helps protect and rehabilitate animals in need.
Benefits:
- Supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of endangered or abandoned animals.
- Aids conservation efforts for wildlife and marine ecosystems.
- Funds anti-poaching initiatives and sanctuary maintenance.
- Raises awareness about animal welfare and sustainability.
- Sports equipment for underprivileged youth
Sports play a critical role in children’s physical and mental development, but many lack access to proper gear. Organizations like Right to Play and Good Sports provide sports equipment such as soccer balls, basketballs, and uniforms to children in low-income communities, encouraging active lifestyles and teamwork.
Benefits:
- Encourages physical activity and healthy development.
- Promotes teamwork, discipline, and confidence in young athletes.
- Provides equal opportunities for children to participate in sports.
- Supports community engagement and social inclusion.
12. Donations for attendees in webinar
With virtual events on the rise, attendees are more selective than ever. Make your webinar stand out by linking attendance to a meaningful cause—donate to charity for every participant and let them know their presence makes a real impact.
For example: “For every attendee, we’ll donate $3 to Charity X—help us reach our goal of $1,500!”
Benefits:
- People are more likely to join when their participation supports a good cause.
- Positions your company as socially responsible and community-driven.
- Creates a sense of purpose beyond the event, encouraging interaction and goodwill.
- Clients and prospects appreciate businesses that give back, building long-term trust.
Why should businesses adopt charitable gifting
Enhanced brand image
Charity gifts reinforce a positive brand image, showcasing the corporate commitment to social responsibility. Dedication to making a meaningful impact fosters a favorable perception among customers and stakeholders.
Increased engagement with society
Corporate charity initiatives create a strong connection with the community, showcasing a company's commitment beyond profit. By actively engaging with societal needs, corporations position themselves as responsible and empathetic entities within the larger social fabric.
Microsoft's "Give with Bing" initiative showcases a model for corporate engagement with society. The initiative aims to encourage search engine users to earn points, which can be donated to various charities. The implementation included everyday searches, users accumulating points, and fostering a sense of community involvement.
As a result, the initiative demonstrates how corporations can leverage their platforms to facilitate user contributions to charitable causes. Such an approach resulted in community participation and strengthened the connection between the corporation and its users.
Reconnection with the cause of serving the community
Charity gifts are a tangible expression of a company's dedication to the community. It aligns business goals with societal well-being. This purposeful connection resonates with customers and employees to create a sense of shared values and purpose beyond commercial transactions.
The primary goal of the "5by20" initiative is to empower women economically. So, they provide them with the necessary resources and support to become successful entrepreneurs.
Coca-Cola's "5by20" initiative operates globally, reaching women entrepreneurs in various countries and communities. It gives women the tools and skills to establish and grow their businesses, contributing to their economic independence.
Driving engagement and loyalty
Charitable causes enhance customer engagement. Consumers increasingly value businesses contributing positively to society. According to Forbes, 70% of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies committed to improving the world. Customers feel a sense of pride and affiliation when their purchases support a company actively involved in community service.
Building relationships with customers and employees
Digitize the CSR movement with Plum
The best charity gifts are a powerful tool in the corporate world as they successfully tie social responsibility with employee engagement and customer loyalty. The practice of offering charity gifts has a profound impact on building relationships, enhancing brand image, and building a sense of community.
Incorporate charity gifts into your corporate culture with Plum. We offer diverse charity gift options and provide your employees and clients with a seamless and customizable experience.
Join the movement of socially responsible businesses. Elevate your brand by making a meaningful impact on the community via:
- Curating over 30,000+ gift options to cater to your employees' unique preferences,
- A global gifting platform with international brands,
- Deliver personalized rewards and generate targeted communication to facilitate value and appreciation.
FAQ's
1. What are charity gifts, and how do they work?
Charity gifts are donations made on behalf of someone to support a social cause or nonprofit organization. Instead of receiving a physical gift, the recipient is informed that a contribution has been made in their name, supporting initiatives such as education, healthcare, hunger relief, or environmental sustainability.
2. Are charity gifts tax-deductible?
Yes, in many countries, donations made to registered nonprofit organizations are tax-deductible. However, tax laws vary by region, so businesses should consult with financial experts or review local tax regulations to ensure compliance.
3. Can charity gifts be personalized for recipients?
Yes! Many charity organizations provide personalized certificates or acknowledgments for donations made in someone's name. This adds a meaningful touch, making the recipient feel appreciated while contributing to a worthy cause.
4. How can businesses incorporate charitable giving into corporate rewards programs?
Companies can integrate charitable giving into their corporate rewards programs by offering employees and clients the option to donate their reward points, providing charity gift cards, or running donation-matching campaigns.
