How CSR and Charity Work Together

Alice Wright, GoodPAYE

When people talk about CSR and charity, they often picture a company writing a big cheque and smiling for the camera. But effective corporate social responsibility charity partnerships go much deeper. Done well, CSR and charity work together seamlessly to make a lasting positive difference. They help communities, inspire teams and strengthen brand reputation along the way.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and what does it mean for charities?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is how a company takes responsibility for its social and environmental impact. A strong corporate social responsibility charity strategy means operating ethically, supporting local causes and creating positive change.

For charities, CSR opens doors.

When businesses invest in CSR and the charity aspect that entails, they bring not only money but skills, connections and influence.

So charities gain long-term funding, visibility and the kind of corporate support that helps them reach new audiences.

How can charities benefit from CSR?

Charities have a lot to gain from CSR fundraising initiatives. When businesses and good causes align, it’s less like a “donate and walk away” scenario, and more like “roll up your sleeves, grab a coffee and let’s change some lives together”.

Here are some of the key benefits with stats to prove it.

Funding

Businesses provide vital financial support through grants, sponsorships and matched giving. That’s not a one-time cheque but strategic support that helps charities plan ahead.

For example: UK corporate donations topped £1.9 billion in recent analysis, supporting charities with essential programmes.

Volunteering

CSR encourages employees to give their time, expertise and energy to local causes.

Businesses promise to ‘write the cheque’, but not only that. They’ll also turn up in a pair of old jeans with paint brushes in hand.

Real stat: UK employee volunteering participation through CSR programmes surged by over 300% in 2023 compared with the prior year.

For a charity, this means access to fresh faces, skills (maybe in marketing, digital, finance) and energy. It also means that the business isn’t just a donor, but a partner in doing the work. And that can be deeply motivating.

Awareness

When a charity aligns with a reputable company, it gets greater reach and credibility.

For example: a study noted that charities engaging with business partners “often result in increased funding, additional volunteers and added know-how”.

Effectively the charity gets hold of the business’s megaphone to drive more followers on social, more press, more engagement. And particularly for small charities, that boost in visibility can unlock new donors, new supporters, even new collaborators.

Sustainability

One-off donations are brilliant, but a long-term CSR and charity partnership is the full multi-course banquet.

Strategic partnerships between businesses and UK charities are increasingly built for the long haul, not just “charity of the month”.

For charities, this means predictable support, the chance to scale programmes, invest in infrastructure or new staffing, and not constantly worrying, “will we hit our target this quarter?” It means less “feast or famine” and more “steady growth and impact”.

When CSR and charity work hand in hand with a “we’re in this together” ethos, it’s a collaboration that changes lives.

By combining business resources (money, skills, brand reach) with charity expertise (mission focus, beneficiary access, passion), you get a win-win-win: for the business, the charity and the community.

The 4 main types of CSR

Every company has its own way of doing good, but most CSR initiatives fall into four main categories.

These building blocks are: environmental, ethical, philanthropic and economic.

Together, they shape how businesses can make a positive difference in the world while still thriving commercially.

1. Environmental Responsibility

This one’s about keeping the planet on speaking terms with us by reducing waste, cutting emissions and embracing sustainability in everything from office lighting to logistics.

Take IKEA, for instance. They’ve pledged to become fully circular by 2030, using only renewable or recycled materials across their products (IKEA Sustainability Report 2024).

Meanwhile, the Co-op has made all its own-brand packaging recyclable, preventing thousands of tonnes of plastic from ending up in landfill.

When CSR and charity meet in this space, the results are inspiring – from tree-planting initiatives with local charities to eco-volunteering days that swap spreadsheets for spades.

2. Ethical Responsibility

Ethical responsibility is all about doing right by people, not just profits. It means fair trade, inclusive workplaces and supply chains free from exploitation.

A great example is Tony’s Chocolonely, which exists purely to prove that chocolate can be both delicious and free from child labour. Or Waitrose, which built its reputation on fair pay and animal welfare through its Farmers’ Pledge and transparent sourcing policies.

For charities, these ethical businesses make ideal partners. Shared values build trust and that trust turns into long-term collaboration that boosts both credibility and impact.

3. Philanthropic Responsibility

This is what most people picture when they think of CSR and charity – donations, sponsorships and big novelty cheques.

But modern philanthropic CSR goes further. It builds lasting partnerships that tackle real-world problems, not just fund them. Tesco’s partnership with Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and Diabetes UK, for example, has raised over £34 million since 2018 . Meanwhile, The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge raised a record £44.7 million in matched donations in 2024 – showing that generosity, when well organised, scales beautifully.

Philanthropic CSR helps charities expand and innovate for the future instead of constantly firefighting the present.

4. Economic Responsibility

Finally, there’s economic responsibility, which is the quiet powerhouse of CSR. This involves making profit in a way that benefits society, not just shareholders.

Companies like Unilever are leading the charge, embedding sustainability and social goals right into their business model. Their Sustainable Living Brands now grow 69% faster than the rest of their portfolio.

For charities, this type of partnership can mean access to long-term funding, innovation projects and shared community investment. Proof that good business and good deeds aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re mutually beneficial.

Each of these four types of CSR activity contributes to a more sustainable world. Whether it’s fighting climate change, promoting equality, funding research or rethinking capitalism itself – CSR and charity together can turn good intentions into lasting impact.

The 7 pillars of CSR

If the four types of CSR are the foundations, then the seven pillars are what keep it standing tall.

The Royal Voluntary Service defines these seven pillars of corporate social responsibility as a framework for aligning values with action. They turn “we care” into “here’s what we’re actually doing about it.”

Let’s take a closer look at each pillar and how it helps CSR and charity work hand in hand.

Pillar 1. Environmental Sustainability

This pillar is all about protecting the planet. From tackling carbon footprints to reducing single-use plastics, it’s where businesses prove that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword on a poster in the break room.

For example, Sky’s “Sky Zero” campaign aims to become net zero carbon by 2030, investing in renewable energy and nature-based solutions.

Meanwhile, brands like Patagonia donate 1% of sales to environmental causes and encourage repair over replacement.

For charities, this type of CSR can lead to funding for conservation projects, shared sustainability goals and collaborations that make both organisations more planet-friendly.

Pillar 2. Human Right

This pillar focuses on fair treatment for all. It ensures that workers, suppliers and communities are respected and protected.

The Body Shop, for instance, has campaigned for human rights and fair trade since the 1980s, sourcing ingredients ethically and empowering local producers. It’s a model that’s both socially conscious and profitable.

Charities benefit when businesses champion this cause, raising awareness of global injustices and improving working conditions across supply chains. After all, protecting human rights is one of the purest ways CSR and charity initiatives can drive change.

Pillar 3. Community Involvement

Community involvement gets businesses supporting the towns and cities they operate in, through volunteering, sponsorship or direct action.

Greggs is a great example. The Greggs Foundation funds breakfast clubs in UK primary schools, providing over 7.5 million free meals a year to children who might otherwise go hungry. That’s CSR and charity baked into everyday business.

When companies give back to their local communities, charities gain visibility and resources that help them deliver frontline support where it’s needed most.

Pillar 4. Employee Relations

How a company treats its people is just as important as how it treats the planet. Employee relations cover wellbeing, diversity, fair pay and opportunities for growth.

For example, John Lewis Partnership gives employees (or “partners”) a share of profits, a say in company decisions and access to wellbeing support, which is a model that’s been admired for over a century.

Charities benefit when companies with strong employee engagement programmes channel that energy into volunteering and fundraising. Happy, motivated staff are far more likely to roll up their sleeves for a good cause (and maybe bring cake to the bake sale).

Pillar 5. Ethical Governance

This pillar is about doing the right thing even when no one’s watching – building trust through transparency, accountability and good leadership.

Co-op Group, for example, operates with member ownership and democratic decision-making, regularly reporting on its ethical and sustainability progress. It’s not glamorous, but it’s what keeps CSR credible rather than performative.

When charities work with ethically governed companies, they can rely on transparency, fair contracts and clear communication.

Pillar 6. Philanthropy

Philanthropy is the heart of many CSR programmes – giving back, fundraising, partnership-building.

For example, Aviva’s Community Fund has donated over £11 million to local causes since 2015, focusing on climate action and financial wellbeing. It’s a great example of sustained, strategic giving that benefits both the business and the community.

When CSR and charity unite under this pillar, the results can be transformational.

Pillar 7. Economic Responsibility

Finally, economic responsibility ties it all together by building a profitable, sustainable business model that supports wider social and environmental goals.

This type of CSR shows that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand. It proves that  when businesses thrive responsibly, they’re better positioned to support charities consistently.

Together, these seven pillars provide the scaffolding for authentic CSR programmes. They ensure that good intentions are backed by strong ethics and a clear, measurable strategy.

So, whether it’s saving trees, empowering people or funding vital causes, a business that embraces all seven pillars isn’t just being “socially responsible”,  it’s helping to build a fairer future for everyone.

The importance of CSR charity initiatives in the workplace

CSR charity initiatives do more than support good causes. They also boost morale, strengthen company culture and attract talent in droves.

Employees love working for companies that give back. And of course volunteering days are a lot more fun than spreadsheets.

A business that embraces CSR and charity work doesn’t just say it cares, it proves it. 

When employees see their company making a real difference, they feel more connected to the business values, inspired to give it their all and proud of where they work.

That’s the magic of CSR and charity – it’s a dynamic duo that creates purpose both inside and outside the office.

Top CSR charity ideas

Looking for inspiration to strengthen your CSR charity efforts? Whether you’re a small business or a global brand, these tried-and-tested ideas can help you make a real difference, while boosting engagement, culture and reputation along the way.

Volunteering programmes

Give your team the chance to get out of the office and do something meaningful, whilst on the clock. Paid volunteer days are one of the simplest and most rewarding initiatives.

For example, BT’s “Skills for Tomorrow” programme lets employees volunteer their digital skills to help people and small businesses improve online confidence and safety. It’s a win-win: employees feel proud and communities get genuine support.

Whether it’s repainting a community centre, mentoring young people or helping a foodbank, volunteering together builds teamwork, empathy and purpose, which is far better than any “trust-fall” exercise.

Payroll Giving

Payroll Giving is one of the most effortless ways to support good causes year-round. Employees simply donate directly from their salary before tax – meaning charities receive more and it costs staff less.

Businesses that offer Payroll Giving often see higher levels of satisfaction and morale –  especially when they do a great job promoting it internally or match donations. Here at GoodPAYE we do everything we can to make setup and reporting completely admin-free for employers.

Fundraising events

Few things boost team spirit like a shared goal. And fundraising events deliver exactly that – from bake sales and raffles to marathons and quiz nights – they’re super fun and very effective.

Tesco’s “Race for Life” partnership with Cancer Research UK is one of the UK’s best-known examples, raising over £940 million since 1994. Even small firms can get involved with local fun runs, charity football matches or seasonal giving drives.

Just remember: the best CSR fundraising events combine a sense of fun with purpose (and ideally, a bit of healthy competition).

Charity partnerships

Instead of spreading donations thinly, many businesses now focus on long-term partnerships with one or two charities that align with their values. This approach creates continuity and stronger storytelling.

Take M&S’s partnership with Oxfam, which encourages customers to donate unwanted clothes through the “Shwopping” scheme. Since launch, it’s diverted over 35 million garments from landfill and raised millions for Oxfam’s work.

Donation matching

Want to double your impact overnight? Match your employees’ charitable donations. It’s simple but very powerful, and shows you’re genuinely invested in their causes.

Companies like Barclays and HSBC have long-running matched giving schemes, with some doubling employee fundraising up to thousands of pounds each year. According to Benevity, companies with donation-matching programmes see 2.5x higher employee participation in giving campaigns.

It’s the ultimate morale booster: when your company matches staff generosity pound for pound, everyone feels part of something bigger.

Pro bono projects

Not every company can write huge cheques, but every company has something valuable to give. Pro bono CSR lets businesses share their professional expertise with charities that need it most.

For instance, PwC’s “Building Public Trust” programme provides financial management and data-analysis support to non-profits, helping them operate more efficiently and make better decisions.

From web design to legal advice, HR to marketing, your team’s day-to-day skills could transform a charity’s effectiveness whilst your employees get meaningful professional development in return.

Each of these fundraising ideas helps build stronger communities, happier employees and a more purposeful brand identity. The trick is choosing the ones that fit your culture and values best and doing them wholeheartedly.

Doing good really is good business

CSR and charity are two sides of the same coin, where business and kindness work together for good. A thoughtful corporate social responsibility charity strategy supports the community, energises employees and builds trust with customers.

People want to work for, buy from and support companies that stand for something. So if your organisation hasn’t embraced CSR and charitable giving yet, now’s the perfect time.

After all, doing good really is good for business.