We get it, everyone’s talking about corporate social responsibility (CSR), but it’s more than just a buzzword.
These days, doing good is part of doing business. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, running a company, or supporting your community through a financial institution, CSR helps show the world what you stand for. And it’s not just about looking good, it’s about building something that lasts.
The right CSR programs don’t just make people feel good. They help organizations grow. From employee retention to donor loyalty and even better investment opportunities, the numbers tell a clear story: people want to support companies and causes that give back.
63% of consumers prefer brands with values
Let’s be real, CSR isn’t just a feel-good add-on anymore. It’s baked into the way successful organizations operate. Being purpose-driven is what helps companies stand out, grow faster, and keep their people around longer. It’s not just about what you say you value. It’s about what you do to show it.
We’ve seen that when a company leads with purpose, employees are more engaged, customers stick around, and communities feel like they’re part of something meaningful. Purpose becomes the thing that connects all the dots, it drives better decisions, helps teams stay focused, and builds trust with the people who matter most.
And the numbers back this up. CSR-focused organizations often see stronger performance because they’re not chasing every trend, they’re grounded in their mission. When people trust your values, they’re more likely to support your work, give their time, or make that donation.
In our experience working with mission-focused organizations, the most successful ones don’t just talk about impact, they build it into their everyday business practices. They use it to guide strategy, shape campaigns, and rally their teams. Purpose isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the reason they’re thriving.
95% of employees expect companies to benefit all
When people think of CSR, they often imagine helping the planet or donating to a cause. And yes, that’s part of it, but real CSR runs deeper. It’s about creating value for everyone your organization touches. That means employees, customers, communities, and yes, shareholders too.
The strongest CSR programs we’ve seen are the ones designed to benefit all stakeholders, not just the people at the top. And the data backs that up. For example, 95% of employees believe companies should benefit all stakeholders, not just shareholders. That’s a powerful reminder that impact matters across the board, not just on the financial statements.
When a company takes time to really listen, whether it’s through giving programs, volunteer days, or values-based campaigns, it builds something stronger than profit. It builds trust. And that trust leads to better relationships, more loyalty, and a brand people are proud to stand behind.
93% want purpose, 55% would take lower pay for it
We’ve worked with teams of all sizes, startups, nonprofits, credit unions, and one thing is always true: when people feel like their work means something, they stick around longer and give more of themselves. That’s where CSR really shines.
Today’s employees want more than just a paycheck. They want to feel part of something that matters. In fact, 93% of employees believe companies must lead with purpose. And 55% say they’d even take a lower salary to work at a socially responsible company. That tells us this isn’t just a trend, it’s a shift in how people choose where to work and how they show up.
CSR programs that offer matching gifts, volunteer opportunities, or paid time off for community service make a real difference in team morale. For example, 65% of Fortune 500 companies now offer matching gift programs, and 40% provide volunteer grant programs. These aren’t just perks, they’re part of what makes people feel proud to be on your team.
73% factor CSR into risk and value assessments
Investors aren’t just looking at profit margins anymore. More and more, they’re asking: “What does this company stand for?” And it makes sense, because a company’s values say a lot about its long-term outlook.
Around 73% of investors now say that a company’s efforts to improve the environment and society influence their investment decisions. That’s a major shift. It shows us that strong CSR practices don’t just attract customers or keep employees happy, they’re tied to how people evaluate risk and potential.
We’ve seen financial institutions and nonprofits use CSR to tell a clearer story to their stakeholders, one that shows care, strategy, and forward-thinking. Investors notice when an organization is aligned with community impact, social responsibility, and sustainability. They see it as a sign of stability and long-term growth.
And it’s not just about looking good on paper. A solid CSR report helps investors understand exactly how you operate, from your labor practices and sustainability efforts to your giving programs and partnerships. When that level of transparency is paired with real outcomes, it builds trust fast.
77% buy from responsible companies, 90% trust them more
Consumers have changed. They’re not just shopping based on price or convenience anymore, they want to support companies that reflect their values. In fact, 77% of consumers say they’re more likely to purchase from a company that’s committed to social or environmental causes. That’s not a small number, it’s a shift in how people decide who gets their loyalty.
We’ve seen this firsthand with organizations we work with. Whether it’s a local nonprofit running a community fundraiser or a credit union rolling out a Round Up giving campaign, people respond to action. When your brand clearly shows what it stands for, and backs it up with real impact, your supporters don’t just give once. They stick around.
And it’s not just about the cause. It’s about trust. 90% of consumers say they’re more likely to trust socially responsible businesses. That trust is what leads to repeat donations, long-term memberships, and strong word-of-mouth. It’s also what separates lasting brands from ones that fade out.
CSR is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s a business necessity. And your audience is paying attention.
Emerging CSR trends: What companies are prioritizing in 2025
CSR isn’t standing still. In fact, we’ve noticed some clear shifts in how companies and nonprofits are approaching their programs. It’s not just about writing a check or checking a box anymore, it’s about weaving social responsibility into the fabric of everyday business.
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the move toward integration. CSR isn’t being treated as a separate effort, it’s becoming part of core business strategy. That means impact goals are showing up in marketing, hiring, operations, and even how teams are measured for success.
We’ve also seen a rise in sustainability reports. These documents give organizations a way to show, not just tell, how they’re tracking toward environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. It’s become a common way to build trust with donors, partners, and investors.
Another area that’s growing fast? Labor practices and equity-focused initiatives. More organizations are looking inward to make sure they’re supporting their own people, through fair wages, safe environments, inclusive policies, and leadership diversity. These internal commitments often carry just as much weight as external ones.
And of course, technology is playing a bigger role. CSR tools like automation, real-time reporting, and integrated donation features are helping small teams make a big impact. We’ve helped our partners implement tools that save time, cut costs, and still deliver meaningful results.
The future of CSR is smart, strategic, and deeply personal. And the organizations embracing these trends are the ones growing trust, and growing stronger.
Real-world CSR initiatives and their results
Sometimes the best way to understand CSR is to see it in action. We’ve worked with organizations that prove you don’t need a massive budget to make a big difference, you just need clarity, consistency, and a real commitment to your community.
Take Gilead Sciences, for example. They donate about $400 million each year to nonprofit causes. That’s not just generosity, it’s a strategy. It shows their values in motion and builds trust with both the public and their partners.
Or look at Johnson & Johnson. They match team member donations at a 2:1 rate, up to $20,000 per year. That sends a strong message to employees: we support what you care about. And that kind of alignment keeps teams loyal and motivated.
Even smaller, mission-driven brands are making a mark. Warby Parker has distributed over 10 million pairs of glasses through their “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program. And Lemonade’s Giveback initiative has already donated over $1.8 million to charities chosen by its customers.
Closer to home, we’ve helped dozens of nonprofits roll out recurring giving programs and campaign pages that connect with donors through impact posts, text-to-give tools, and more. When supporters can see the result of their gift, right away, they come back. That’s what real engagement looks like.
CSR works best when it’s built into daily operations, not tacked on once a year. These companies and nonprofits didn’t just launch a program, they made it part of their identity.
How to build effective CSR programs
Here’s the truth: most teams don’t need more ideas, they need a plan. We’ve seen so many organizations sit on great intentions simply because they weren’t sure where to start. The good news? CSR doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be clear, consistent, and built for the long haul.
Start by defining what matters most to your team and your community. Is it local impact? Employee involvement? Environmental action? When your goals are specific, your programs will feel more focused, and more doable.
Next, think about how to bring that mission to life. That might mean setting up a recurring giving campaign, offering volunteer days, or launching a matching gift program. The format doesn’t have to be flashy. It just needs to work for your people.
And here’s the part that often gets missed: talk about your impact. Share updates. Celebrate wins. Let your employees, donors, and partners see the real results of their time and support. When people feel connected to the outcome, they’re more likely to keep showing up.
The strongest CSR programs aren’t built overnight, but with the right tools and intention, they do become part of the way you work. And that’s when the real magic happens.
What you stand for
CSR used to be something extra. Now, it’s expected. Whether you're running a nonprofit, a credit union, or a fast-growing brand, your community wants to know what you stand for, and what you’re doing about it.
We’ve seen how the right CSR programs can drive loyalty, attract investment, and help teams feel more connected to their mission. The statistics are clear: when companies lead with purpose, everyone benefits, employees, customers, communities, and yes, even the bottom line.
