Is your team highly engaged and active? Do you run a social impact program or organize numerous volunteer events throughout the year? If so, it might be the perfect time to introduce your inaugural social impact report.
Uncertain about its value? Explore some advantages in our blog: 5 Reasons to Create a Social Impact Report.
Social Impact Report: Are You Ready?
Let’s explore some criteria that may clarify your company’s social impact report readiness. Keep in mind that we recommend your company only meets a handful of these criteria.
Philanthropic Initiatives
If your company has been actively involved in philanthropy, donating to charitable causes, and supporting community initiatives, it’s an indication that you have a tangible social impact program to report.
Employee Volunteer Programs & Opportunities
If your company encourages and supports employee volunteer programs, contributing to community service and social causes, this involvement can be highlighted in a social impact report. Even just a one-day company event is worth highlighting.
Social Impact Metrics
If your company has established measurable metrics to track the outcomes of your philanthropic and social responsibility initiatives, it provides a solid foundation for creating a meaningful social impact report.
Donation Tracking
Community Engagement
If you’ve been actively measuring the engagement and positive impact your company has had on local communities through your initiatives, these metrics can be included in your social impact reporting.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
If your donation and volunteer efforts are aligned with globally recognized sustainability goals, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it adds depth and relevance to your social impact narrative.
Executive Support for Social Impact Initiatives
If top management actively supports and encourages donation and volunteering efforts, it signals a company-wide commitment to social responsibility, and provides a compelling story for your social impact report.
Employee Participation
If a significant number of employees actively participate in volunteering programs or contribute to donation drives, it reflects a strong internal culture of social responsibility that can be showcased in your report.
Nonprofit Feedback
If organizations benefiting from your donations or volunteer efforts provide positive feedback or testimonials, incorporating these perspectives can add authenticity and depth to your social impact report.
In most cases, your company may only meet a handful of these criteria, but that is okay! Highlighting the initiatives that you do have in place makes for a meaningful impact report.
By focusing on your company’s donation and volunteering activities, along with the tracking of relevant metrics, you can build a comprehensive social impact report that effectively communicates your commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Looking to launch your first social impact report? We want to help you out! That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive toolkit, complete with a design template and resources to assist you in creating your inaugural (or subsequent) social impact report. Get your toolkit here.
