
Guest blog written by Tess Torjussen
Calling all local businesses… do you want to support your local community this year but not sure where to start? We’ve put together 5 ideas that can make a huge difference and benefit your business too!
New Year, New Goals
As a local business owner or employee, community means much more than an income stream. Often, you know them on first-name terms, and their well-being is something you genuinely care about. Investing in a local charity like Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire (HSRBSC) is a great way to give back while driving more awareness of your brand and business.
How can fundraising help your business?
The values and ethics of a company have a tangible impact on customer behaviour. According to the CAF report, 56% of people would be more inclined to buy a product or service from a business that donates to charitable causes*. Consider that charitable giving can help motivate staff, create a focus on well-being initiatives, provide positive PR opportunities and get your brand seen by more people in more places. Then 2024 is the year to start building charitable giving to your plans.

Who is HSRBSC?
HSRBSC has been supporting families in the local area for over 40 years. We may have even helped your employees, colleagues or customers in the past without you even knowing. We provide much-needed help for parents who are facing a range of challenges, such as:
- bereavement,
- isolation,
- relationship difficulties, or
- poor physical or mental health.
Our aim is to ensure every local parent has the support needed to give their children the best possible start in life, irrespective of the circumstances their family is facing. For more information on the work we do, take a look HERE.
Since our government funding was cut in 2018, we have relied entirely on raising our own income through grants, fundraising, and sponsorship.
I’m a local business owner – how can I help?
Whether you have employees or are a sole trader, there are many ways you could help. Here are 5 ideas you might not have considered before:
1. Create a Charity of the Year
This is a great way to focus your business’s efforts and provides a consistent message for your PR communication for the year ahead. HSRBSC will share your business logo on its website and social media channels and update you on how your fundraising is helping. Read about the Fox & Duck in Buntingford who made Home-Start their charity of the year in 2023 HERE.

2. Payroll Giving
If you have employees, you could give them the option to donate to HSRBSC before tax deductions, which costs them less and benefits us more. The process is straightforward and streamlined, and you can read more about it HERE.
3. Become a sponsor or corporate partner
This could take the form of regular donations or a one-off sponsorship, or perhaps you could help by participating in an event. In return, HSRBSC will share your company’s logo across social media and literature (where applicable). Read about Johnson Matthey, who partnered with us to provide a training space for our new volunteers HERE.
4. Have a well-being event
Businesses of all sizes are realising the benefits of promoting their employees’ physical and mental health. A well-being event can be a fantastic way to bring everyone together and raise some money. Linking your well-being event to a local charity like HSRBSC can be incredibly motivating for everyone taking part, especially if you match the funds raised by your staff.
5. Provide donations in kind
Perhaps you would instead help by offering your skills or products. Depending on the type of business you own, you can still make a difference. You could provide legal advice, marketing support, office equipment or photography, to name just a few.
For more ideas of ways you can help or more details on the 5 ideas above, then look at our ‘What can my company do to help?’ page HERE.
Thankfully, gone are the days of having to sit in bathtubs of baked beans to raise money. You can make a huge difference without even stepping away from your desk, and your business will benefit, too.
Why not call our team and chat through some ways your business can help your community?
Sources: *2023 CAF Corporate Giving Report
