National Philanthropy Day was celebrated this past week to recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses for their contributions to the community. Though philanthropy is most often associated with individuals, giving in a business context is gaining momentum as a way for large and small businesses to be more involved in their communities, as well as an effective strategic business initiative.
Corporate philanthropy, often referred to as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has far-reaching benefits, not only to its direct recipients, but to the company, its employees, and the community as a whole. Below are a few statistics referencing the power of CSR:
- 77% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase from companies that are committed to making the world a better place.
- 92% of employees say they are more likely to stay with a company that supports charitable causes and community engagement.
- Companies with strong CSR programs experience up to 20% higher employee productivity and 40% stronger brand reputation compared to competitors.
- In the US alone, corporate philanthropy contributes over $20 billion annually to nonprofits and community initiatives.
- By investing in CSR, companies don’t just create stronger communities; they create stronger organizations.
Over the past four years, Avant has proudly dedicated time, talent, and resources to a variety of local Jacksonville organizations that focus on supporting families, advancing education, and strengthening our community.
As Veterans Day and National Philanthropy Day were recognized in the same week this year, we thought it appropriate to highlight our involvement with First Coast Habitat for Humanity’s (formerly HabiJax) Hero Build initiative – a program created to provide affordable housing for veterans and their families in Jacksonville.
We were honored to be able to donate three months of time of one of our superintendents to help with the construction of some of the houses. After they were completed, more than 20 Avant team members – along with their families – volunteered on a Saturday to landscape the homes, preparing them for their new owners. We were also joined by Liberty Landscaping, a company well known for its generosity and commitment to local causes. They donated and delivered all of the plants and mulch, helping transform the houses into welcoming homes for the veterans’ families who would soon move in. Their gift made it possible to finish the project with beauty and care.
For Avant, this was the perfect opportunity to combine our passion for helping families, our construction expertise, and our deep appreciation for the veterans on our own team.
As the co-owner of Avant and the Director of Community Engagement, I see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to shape a company culture that reflects our values and gives back to the community we call home. At Avant, corporate responsibility isn’t just an initiative – it’s part of our mission to positively impact our community.
