Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Business Journal and Other Publications Q4 2015 Business Journal | Page 38

At the
Intersection
of Business &
Community
By: Mandy Fabel, Wyoming Community Foundation
When we look at the crossroads of business and community,
there are some amazing phrases that come to mind: social
responsibility, collaboration, local impact – the list goes on. There
are also a few phrases that many local businesses dread such as
“silent auction” and “corporate table”.
Cheyenne is home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that
are all worthy of support in one way or another. The challenge
for businesses is deciding on a process, a budget, and a
communication plan for maximizing involvement. At the Wyoming
Community Foundation we work in nearly every community
across the Cowboy State. Our sweet spot is often at the
intersection of business and community. In our 25 years we’ve
learned a few things about that junction.
Build a Community Investment Strategy
You wouldn’t invest your money with a financial advisor who
did not have a sound investment strategy, and neither should
you write checks to organizations on the sole basis of receiving
a request. Spend some time with your executive staff and
determine a scope of charitable work that is in line with your
company’s mission. It doesn’t have to be a direct correlation, but
think of connections such as, “Afterschool programs allow our
employees to feel good about full-time work, we should support
these programs.” It also makes it easier to communicate the
impact you are having in the community when it is more focused
and measurable.
Ask for Unique Opportunities
Most nonprofits will approach you with a slick (or not-so-slick)

PG 38 l

Partnership