Don’t Be Shy About Charity Work: Why It’s Good for Your Community and Your Business

Some agencies are brilliant at working with local charities. Others? Not so much. And that’s a shame, because if you’re not getting involved with charities in your area, you’re missing out on two huge wins:

1. You get to do something genuinely positive for your community.

2. You unlock one of the most powerful (and overlooked) PR opportunities out there.

   
   

Let’s be clear from the start: the number one reason to work with local charities is because it’s the right thing to do. Giving back, helping people, being a decent citizen. Simple.

But — and here’s where some people start to shuffle awkwardly in their seats — it’s also good for business.

Why charity work is good business sense

Research shows consumers prefer to give their money to businesses who show they care. If you’re visibly involved in your community, you instantly stand out as more trustworthy and more “human” than the agency down the road who’s never lifted a paintbrush outside their own office.

I’ve seen agents raise thousands through bake sales, marathon runs and charity bike rides. All brilliant. But there’s another level of impact you can make — and that’s by giving your time.

Imagine your team spending a day repainting the offices of a local charity, helping with a litter pick, or lending hands at a community event. It’s practical, visible, and it shows you’re willing to roll your sleeves up. That carries weight in a community.

“But isn’t it a bit self-serving to talk about it?”

This is where many agencies go wrong. They quietly do brilliant work with charities but never mention it. Why? Because they don’t want to be seen as cashing in on their good deeds.

Here’s the problem with that:

• You’re throwing away a golden PR opportunity.

• You’re also missing a chance to promote the charity itself.

As long as you’re not turning it into a sales pitch, sharing your involvement on social media, your website, or even in the local press is a win-win. The charity gets exposure, you get seen as the kind of business people want to work with. And if you’re still unsure, just ask the charity if they’re happy for you to promote the project. I’d bet good money they’ll say yes.

How to turn charity work into great content

Here’s a simple recipe:

• Agree a project with a local charity.

• Document it: film your team at work, take photos, capture behind-the-scenes moments.

• Interview the charity so they can explain their mission in their own words.

• Share it everywhere — your socials, email newsletters, even send a press release to the local paper.

That way, you’re not just telling people you care, you’re showing it. And you’ll probably inspire another business to do the same.

Final thought

Don’t be shy about altruism. The good you do in your community matters. But the visibility of that good work matters too. When you share it, you amplify the charity’s cause, strengthen your reputation, and set an example others can follow.

So, call up a local charity this week. Offer your team’s time. And when you do, don’t hide it in the shadows — shout it from the rooftops. Do good. Be seen to do good. Everyone wins.