Social impact leaders use CSR platforms to gain an advantage

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) leaders are increasingly turning to platforms to help them manage their programs more efficiently, drive up participation, and increase their impact. CSR platforms like Percent Pledge provide a range of features that when used correctly help CSR leaders with everything from goal setting and strategy development to program implementation and impact measurement.

Here are some of the ways that CSR leaders are using CSR platforms to their advantage:

1. Centralizing data and insights: 
   CSR platforms help CSR leaders centralize all of their data and insights in one place. This gives a holistic view of a program and its impact, and helps them to identify areas where they can improve. Plus with all reporting in one place proving the value of a program to other company leaders is simple.
   
   
2. Streamlining operations:
   CSR platforms automate tedious tasks such matching donations through expense reporting software, building reports in excel, and collecting data manually, plus with Percent Pledge csr leaders don’t need to plan and execute volunteer events themselves, tasks that are incredibly time consuming. That results in more time to focus on more strategic initiatives.
   
   
3. Collaborating cross functionally with ease:
   CSR platforms can help CSR leaders to collaborate more effectively with internal and external stakeholders. This can include employees, customers, suppliers, and community partners.
   
   
4. Impact reporting built-in:
   CSR platforms can help CSR leaders to measure and report on the impact of their programs more effectively. This can help them to demonstrate the value of their CSR efforts to stakeholders and to identify areas where they need to improve.
   
   
5. Providing employees with choice:
   Finding and vetting thousands of charities is an almost impossible task but in order to provide employees with ample choice across all the causes they support within a giving program csr leaders must do just that. Platforms make it easy by pre-vetting charities (over 1.5 million in the case of Percent Pledge) to give employees confidence and choice whey making donations.
   
   
6. Volunteering anytime, anywhere
   Many platform feature databases of volunteer events, and with Percent Pledge exclusive volunteer events available only to our users. These events are pre-vetted and ready for employees to register and give back costing csr leaders no time. Of course there is a place for custom planned volunteer events in every social impact program, but having events ready for employees whenever they want to participate is a surefire way to increase participation.
   
   
7. Simplifying compliance
   Many CSR programs unknowingly violate regulations exposing a company to unnecessary risk. CSR platforms ensure your program is operating within the regulations and that the proper documentation is readily available for tax deductions. 

A few tips for getting started:

Identify your needs: What are your biggest challenges as a CSR leader? What features are most important to you in a CSR platform?

Research different platforms: There are a number of different CSR platforms available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Compare different platforms to find one that is right for your needs.

Get buy-in from leadership: It is important to get buy-in from senior leadership before implementing a CSR platform. This will help to ensure that the platform is used effectively and that it is aligned with the company's overall CSR strategy.

Roll out the platform thoughtfully: Once you have chosen a CSR platform, come up with a rollout plan that is sure to get your employees attention and get build excitement. In the experience of Percent Pledge social impact managers this often means launching with a giving benefit, such as a matching donation campaign, and sending employees 3+ communications to ensure they are informed.

Use the platform to its full potential: Once the platform is up and running, make sure to use it to its full potential. This includes using it to centralize data and insights, streamline workflows, facilitate collaboration, and measure impact.

By following these tips, you can get started with a CSR platform and start to reap the benefits.