Partnering Of Businesses And Non-profits During Weak Economic Times

During bleak economic times, organizations (much like individuals) are motivated to offer support however they can. Many businesses offer volunteer programs when employees enter the community-at-large, providing donations of time and expertise. Mentoring programs of various stripes are popular, but usually more effective are financial contributions.

This brand of charitable giving can benefit both provider and recipient. Several prestigious law firms, for instance, bestow large sums of monies derived from awarded settlements, in some instances a percentage of fees. Legal aid agencies in several states have received significant aid from such sources since the recent prolonged nationwide recession began in 2007. Without such corporate-sourced contributions, public defenders and other low-cost legal defense (for poverty-stricken persons charged with crimes or facing litigation) may be placed in a perilous place. Certain attorneys offer their services on a pro-bono basis for those unable to pay and yet needing legal assistance.

Corporations can assist in other ways as well. Businesses of many sizes will sponsor events ranging from foot races to walks; charity polar bear events, when people of all ages plunge their bathing suit clad bodies into icy waters during winter; or community festivals or book fairs, when money is raised for a multitude of charitable causes or to aid specific individuals.

Sometimes disasters have drawn support from businesses large and small, and additional partnering with nonprofits help victims of natural disasters, such as when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated primarily Louisiana in 2005. Even overseas or international disasters have merited attention and triggered the partnering of altruistic businesses and nonprofits. A tsunami in 2006 that drowned hundreds of thousands in Asian Pacific regions is a notable example.

In bleak economic times, consciences and compulsions to help are often activated closer to home. If the current deep recession should free fall into a bonafide depression, akin to the Great Depression of the 1930s, partnering between businesses and nonprofits may become crucial to U.S. communities, even to the extent of maintenance of essential infrastructure.