Northeast Ohio businesses see value in community involvement

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Corporate community demonstrates continued support in downturn

Cleveland, Ohio—Survey findings released today by Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) and the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) show that the corporate community in Northeast Ohio has a strong commitment to employee volunteerism and philanthropy and far exceeds national standards with regards to certain metrics involving volunteerism and giving.

Northeast Ohio businesses place a large importance on community involvement, with nearly all (97 percent) respondents maintaining or increasing employee volunteerism during the recession. Survey results also indicate that more than four out of five companies (88 percent) encourage employees to serve on boards as they value the leadership, teamwork, communication and critical thinking and problem solving skills gained by their employees while serving on a nonprofit board.

Ninety-three percent of respondents indicated that they encourage and support employees to volunteer. This compares very favorably to the results of The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Corporate Giving Survey in 2010, which showed just over half (54 percent) of businesses encouraged employees to volunteer more.

The Northeast Ohio corporate community is on par with companies across the country with regard to financial contributions. Nearly four out of five (77 percent) companies in Greater Cleveland maintained or increased financial support for community involvement during the recession, while 73 percent of businesses in The Chronicle’s survey said they expected their cash and product giving to remain the same as in previous years.

GCP President and CEO Joe Roman said that the findings confirm the business community’s strong commitment to volunteerism. “The survey results indicate that our business sector continues to vigorously support civic and community involvement, especially impressive even in times of economic stress,” said Roman. “Thousands of employees are able to generously give of their time and resources with the support and encouragement of their employers.”

Brian Broadbent, president and CEO of Business Volunteers Unlimited, noted the value of community service to nonprofits in our area. “From BVU’s vantage point at the intersection of businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers, we have witnessed tremendous determination and innovation as organizations and individuals struggled to weather the challenging economy. The nonprofits have been buoyed by the corporate community’s generosity and willingness to serve where needed.

“We appreciate the commitment of our Northeast Ohio businesses as they help nonprofits at all times but especially when it mattered most. Business professionals using their expertise as board members or volunteer consultants, as well as direct service volunteers, are vital to nonprofits and our community. The impact and importance of this community involvement cannot be overstated.”

Margot Copeland, executive vice president and chair, KeyBank Foundation, said: “Cleveland is recognized for its unique commitment to philanthropy. I am proud that Key is among the businesses in our region that support BVU and volunteerism. Hundreds of our employees have served on area boards, and thousands participate in direct service volunteer activities. All of us reap the benefits of their involvement."

“Commitment to community is one of our core values that we share at Oswald Companies,” says Chairman and CEO Marc Byrnes. “Our employee-owners serve as trustees or board members on over 40 nonprofit organizations. This is a win-win for Oswald and our employees as our company benefits from the experience and connection to the community, and our employees have the opportunity to give back and serve others while gaining valuable professional skills.”

Key Survey Findings

  • 97% maintained or increased employee volunteerism
  • 85% encourage employees to serve on boards
  • Skills gained from nonprofit board service:  89% -- leadership; 87% -- working with others; 74% -- communication; 72% -- critical thinking and problem solving; 68% -- creativity and innovation; 66% -- decision making.

This survey was distributed electronically by BVU and the GCP to 404 Northeast Ohio businesses in the fall of 2010, with 85 completed responses (ranging from companies from less than 50 employees to more than 10,000) for a response rate of 21 percent.

About BVU
BVU links businesses and nonprofits to foster excellence in the nonprofit sector. BVU engages businesses, employers and members of the community-at-large in productive and rewarding leadership and volunteer activities. By leveraging their involvement, BVU strengthens the leadership and expands the capacity of hundreds of nonprofits, while enabling businesses and employers to build strategic, powerful and enduring relationships with the community. Additionally, BVU provides leading-edge board and management consulting services to strengthen nonprofit organizations. www.businessvolunteers.org

About the Greater Cleveland Partnership
As an association of business members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create jobs and leverage investment to improve the economic vitality of the region. www.gcpartnership.com


 

Back to News