When a Not For Profit forges a successful relationship with a corporate entity – and is able to build strategies long-term thanks to investment - the ROI for the supporting organisation can be so much more than warm feelings in the boardroom.
WA’s NFPs share their thoughts on how it is mutually beneficial for corporate organisations to pick their NFP of choice – and stick with them, for the duration.
Measuring success, one can at a time
St Pat’s have partnered with Return-It as part of the Containers for Change recycling and refund scheme. When people recycle their containers at our Cockburn depot, they can choose to receive a refund of 10 cents per container or donate their refund to a charity of their choice, including St Pat’s.
“What’s unique about our partnership is that St Pat’s also receive a share of the overall profits from the depot, giving the potential for an income stream to support St Pat’s work,” says St Pat’s CEO, Michael Piu.
“It also allows members of the St Pat’s community, such as our residents, to receive a dividend for their containers whilst still supporting St Pat’s.”
There has been significant support from the team at Return-It, at both the state and national level. Staff from Return-It have engaged and learned more about the issues and causes of homelessness, and Mr Piu says he’s been particularly impressed by the initiative of the Cockburn depot workers.
“This has evolved into another unique social benefit of the partnership, as they’ve built relationships with regular depot-visitors and have on several occasions identified people who might be struggling or at risk of homelessness and encouraged them to seek our services or informed our outreach teams.”
It’s micro results like this which reveal more than hard data or a vibrant bottom line ever can.
“It may sound like a small thing, but by being pro-active and converting their understanding into action they have helped us connect with people who were rough sleeping and support them into safe accommodation,” says Mr Piu.
“They have, quite literally, changed people’s lives.
“We are aware that staff are proud of their association with St Pat’s and it’s added another layer of meaningfulness to their work at the Cockburn depot.
St Pat’s’ partnership with Return-It has proven what the organisation has long-suspected, which is that when NFPs and corporates partner with one another they can do more than help each other’s bottom line and improve work place culture. They can have a real and positive impact on their communities.
Choose an NFP that serves your community
For Foodbank WA, a well-recognised and trusted NFP brand in WA and Australia as a whole, the work to end food stress seems a thankless task with no end in sight.
For Foodbank WA’s CEO, Kate O’ Hara however, the knowledge that corporates partners with the organisation in which they operate is a source of pride.
“The support a corporate provides to Foodbank WA can be directly linked to the very real impact we make in food relief and nutrition education in that community,” she says.
“One of our major partners - BHP - has partnered with us for over 11 years supporting work across the State, including significant funding for our current Perth branch and head office through to our work in the Pilbara.
“They have supported our nutrition education programs tailored to school children, youth, and parents in communities across the Pilbara. They support us to provide breakfast products to Pilbara schools through our School Breakfast Program and in addition, BHP staff have volunteered their time in our warehouse and Community Kitchen.”
Last financial year 59 BHP staff volunteered 354 hours and BHP also offer a matched workplace giving program doubling their employees’ contribution.
Bankwest has also been a long-term supporter of Foodbank WA.
“Staff regularly volunteer their time to assist to pack hampers in our Perth operation centre for our Mobile Foodbank and bundles for our six shops,” says Ms O’Hara.
“They help in our Community Kitchen and warehouse and in FY2022, the Bankwest team of 136 staff volunteers completed 816 hours and made over 5,000 ready-to-eat meals.”
With such tangible, visible results thanks to corporate investment in the community in which they too operate, it’s hard to argue against the benefits of donating time and dollars to NFPs like Foodbank WA.
“Corporate partners share our story with their employees to help build a positive culture that gives back to the community,” says Ms O’Hara.
“Our volunteering programs are a great team building experience, while also making a difference. Win, win!”
