““It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ― Mother Teresa
7 Low-Cost Community Outreach Ideas to Show That Your Business Cares
No matter your business, I’d bet there’s a way you can get involved with your community. For some of the ideas, below, I’ve given an example of industry specific suggestions… but, if you can get creative, you will see that you can do more of these than you might initially think! You’ll notice, too, that these ideas are strictly outreach-oriented – meaning, don’t expect a direct financial gain. However, you can expect an indirect financial gain AND the trust and respect of your community 🙂
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Host a mini-festival with other local businesses that are in your industry.
For example, if you are in the health industry you could host a mini-health festival – a great way to network, too! For this, you would be the Event Sponsor (i.e. Business Name on all marketing materials) and possibly the Host, depending on where the event is held. -
Organize a 5k run/walk with your local running store. Select a local nonprofit (preferably one that makes sense to your business) to be the beneficiary of the proceeds!
For example, if you are in the food industry you could “charge” runners canned foods to enter the race and then have your local food bank be the beneficiary. -
Have a booth at a local children’s event.
Most elementary schools have Family Night Festivals once per year. Also, it’s common for City’s and County’s to host their own family-oriented events. Check with your local health department to start. Why children’s event? Because it’s easy to make children enjoy coming to your booth! Any activity should do the trick. And it doesn’t even need to be related to your business (if it can be, that’d be best, but not necessary!). Children will bring their families to your booth to do the activity, while their parents read your signage (don’t forget signs, banners, and fliers!) for more information about your business. Ideas for activities: hoola hoop-ing (and everyone gets a prize!), finger painting (make sure it’s washable!), temporary tattoos, make your own bird feeders (pine-cone + peanut butter + bird seed + a string to hang it!), ring toss (again, prizes all around!), etc. -
Ask a local nonprofit (preferably one that makes sense to your business) what their volunteer needs are and rally the community to get involved.
For example, if you are in the environmental industry, you could organize a trash clean-up for your local Nature Center. -
Organize a community tour that fits your business.
For example, if you are in the art industry you could organize a tour of your areas best view-points. Invite local photographers (students, professional, amateur) to take photos. (This one could be made into a regular event – in that case, check out your local community calendar or Meetup.com to help you organize & promote the events). -
Have a booth at local running (or other sporting) events – you could also sponsor an aid station and hand out water to the athletes mid-race.
Not only will the race directors thank you for volunteering (and possible include you as a sponsor), but the runners will be thrilled to see you when you are there to hand them their refreshment! That being said, make sure your station (or your clothing) says who you are so that they remember! -
Be a member on a Board of Directors for a local nonprofit (this could be the most expensive option, depending on the organization).
At the very least, if you cannot find (or get into) a local nonprofit’s Board of Directors, I would suggest becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce. There are many committees within Chambers that could be perfect for you and your business to have a presence in.Now get out there and enjoy being a member of your community!
