As corporate social impact continues to evolve under the weight of political shifts, economic uncertainty, and rising stakeholder expectations, our 6th Annual CSR Insights Report, in partnership with ACCP, offers a timely snapshot of a field in flux. This survey data comes from CSR teams across 135 companies, representing approximately $1 billion in community investment.

Below, we’ll note some of the key insights highlighted in the report. But beyond the headlines, there’s a deeper narrative unfolding. This blog also unpacks the complex movements shaping the future of CSR. From the quiet transformation of grantmaking strategies to the subtle rebranding of DEI language, we explore developments in the corporate impact space and what it means for CSR professionals navigating 2025 and beyond.

High Level Insights from the Report

• Increased Need to Make the Business Case: CSR teams are under growing pressure to demonstrate how their work drives business value, not just social impact.

• Companies Are Shifting Priority Issue Areas: Firms are moving investments toward less politically sensitive areas like STEM and workforce development, while reducing focus on racial equity and gender equality.

• AI Is Reshaping Corporate Social Impact Work: 73% of CSR teams now use AI to boost productivity, storytelling, and data analysis, marking a major leap in tech adoption.

• Shifts in Budget Allocation Reflect Strategic Priorities: Budgets for employee engagement and foundations are increasing, signaling a focus on internal impact and formal grantmaking.

• Political Pressures Are Reshaping DEI Integration in CSR: Legal scrutiny and political climate are prompting companies to scale back public DEI efforts and change how they communicate about them.

• Expanding Responsibilities, Growing Recognition: Despite heavier workloads, CSR professionals are gaining visibility, influence, and career growth within their organizations.

Beyond the Headlines: The Forces Shaping CSR in 2025

 

1. CSR Is Driving Strategic Talent Development

While the shift away from racial equity and gender equality as top causes is notable, the powerful trend in the other direction is the increasing alignment of CSR with talent strategy. The rise in community investments in areas like K–12 education, and workforce development, which were the top two priority cause areas at 43% each, reinforces companies’ desire to support the talent pipeline. Similarly, STEM was a priority cause for 35% of companies, a 3% increase from last year. Businesses are clearly using CSR to future-proof their workforce.

 

2. The Language of Impact Is Changing Fast

The report shows a sharp decline in the use of terms like “DEI” (54% have decreased usage) and “ESG” (34% using the term less) in public communications. In the same vein, 71% of respondents said they are changing the language used to communicate about DEI efforts. This isn’t just semantics, but a deliberate pivot.

CSR teams are rebranding their efforts to navigate political scrutiny while preserving core values. The linguistic shift reflects broader programmatic trends for some businesses as well, with 14% of respondents having paused or ended DEI initiatives altogether and 18% having shifted the types of DEI-related programs they support. Companies are reframing and rethinking their social impact and DEI narratives to maintain stakeholder trust while adjusting to the environment.

 

3. Grantmaking Is Becoming More Thoughtful

While grant budgets have not increased this year, 25% of companies said they are moving away from small grants in favor of larger, more strategic ones. There’s also a clear move towards multi-year funding (14%), general operating support (14%), and capacity-building (13%), which are hallmarks of trust-based philanthropy. This signals a maturing approach to nonprofit partnerships, where depth and sustainability matter more than breadth and volume.

At the same time, companies are increasing their focus on supporting local communities, which would align with more of a place-based approach, as well as employee selected grants, which reinforces the value of the employee voice in community impact decisions.

4. AI Is No Longer Experimental, But Essential

Artificial intelligence has officially moved from the margins to the mainstream in CSR. According to the report, 73% of CSR teams now use AI tools, with the most common applications being storytelling (72%), productivity (64%), and data analysis (37%). These tools are helping teams communicate impact more effectively, streamline reporting, and scale their efforts.

CSR teams are expected to do more with less. AI is becoming a strategic enabler, allowing lean teams to meet rising expectations without proportional increases in headcount or budget. It’s also helping CSR professionals make the business case for their work by providing clearer data and more compelling narratives.

 

5. CSR Teams Are Gaining Responsibility

For the first time in three years, a majority of CSR professionals (53%) report having the resources, staff, budget, and expertise to meet the demands of their roles. This marks a meaningful shift from 2024, when only 38% felt adequately equipped. While gaps remain, especially in headcount and executive alignment, the data suggests that strategic investments and operational focus are beginning to close the resource gap.

At the same time, 72% of CSR teams say their scope of work has expanded, and 62% report increased visibility within their organizations. This dual trend of rising responsibility and growing recognition signals a turning point: CSR is no longer a support function but now a strategic pillar for business performance, employee engagement, and brand trust.

To get all the insights and data, download the full report here.

Mark your calendars! Blackbaud’s conference, bbcon 2025, is coming to Philadelphia from October 6th to the 8th. This year’s event promises to be the ultimate gathering for corporate impact professionals who are looking to fuel social good, exchange insights, and take their strategies to the next level. This is also the largest gathering that brings together the corporate and nonprofit sectors, making a dynamic stage for learning, networking, and collaborative impact.

By popular demand, the Corporate Impact track will be more product-focused than ever, offering practical, hands-on sessions that dive into YourCause solutions. From recent innovations to upcoming releases, you’ll gain actionable strategies to maximize your impact. But that’s not all! Thought leadership sessions will explore key trends and provide insights to help you navigate today’s CSR landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started with YourCause solutions, bbcon 2025 has something for you.

Reasons for Corporate Impact professionals to attend bbcon:

1. This year’s keynote speaker is none other than best-selling author and organizational psychologist Adam Grant. Known for his transformative ideas on work and organizational culture, Adam will deliver a keynote session you won’t want to miss. Get ready to leave inspired and equipped with fresh perspectives you can bring back to your workplace.

2. One of the best aspects of bbcon 2025 is the opportunity to expand your professional network. Connect with CSR and employee engagement experts from various industries and geographies. Whether it’s over coffee, in a breakout session, or during a networking event, bbcon fosters an environment where meaningful connections are made.

3. Want to get the most out of your YourCause solutions? Then bbcon is the place for you. With dedicated Exhibit Hall hours, you’ll have access to product experts who can answer your questions, share best practices, and guide you through the latest innovations.

4. And of course, we will have a dedicated track of breakout sessions curated for corporate impact professionals! Spanning product-focused and thought-leadership sessions, you’re sure to walk away with new ideas and inspiration to infuse into your CSR programs.

Product-Focused Sessions

In response to attendee feedback, this year’s track will focus 70% of its content on product innovation and hands-on learning. These sessions are packed with practical tips, real-world client examples, and interactive workshops to help you maximize the impact of YourCause solutions.

• CSRconnect: Empowering Employee Volunteering

  Explore how CSRconnect simplifies volunteering for administrators and employees alike. Learn from product experts and customers like Independence Blue Cross who’ve used the platform to drive meaningful engagement.

• CSRconnect: Innovations in Employee Giving

  Discover new features designed to streamline the giving process and hear how organizations like Arch and Ryan are achieving results with CSRconnect.

• CSRconnect: Features Guaranteed to Boost Your Engagement

  Take a deep dive into powerful tools like Engagement Elements, Splash Modals, and Surveys that enhance employee connection and program success, plus learn how nVent and Alight are getting the most out of their CSRconnect solutions.

• GrantsConnect: Investing in Community through Partnership

  Unlock the potential of GrantsConnect with features like workflow automation and AI-powered tools. See how clients are using the platform to streamline grantmaking and drive community impact.

• Reporting with YourCause: Empowering Your Corporate Impact Story with AI and Reporting

  Learn how to make your data actionable using Impact Edge, our new reporting tool powered by generative AI. Get a first-hand look at how organizations like Lubrizol and Danaher are reporting on their impact with YourCause.

• Local Touch, Global Reach: A Deep Dive into YourCause Global Capabilities

  Dive into YourCause’s Global by Design approach and hear how organizations like Wells Fargo and Northern Trust are making a worldwide impact through locally relevant programs.

Thought-Leadership Sessions

The remaining 30% of the track focuses on thought leadership, featuring panels and presentations from industry experts. These sessions will challenge you to think critically and creatively about the future of CSR.

• ENGAGE: Using Data to Navigate the Current Engagement & Corporate Social Impact Landscape

  Explore data and research from YourCause, ACCP, and CECP to understand key trends in CSR and employee engagement.

• PARTNER: Driving Impact through Innovative and Collaborative Partnerships

  Learn how innovative partnerships are expanding capabilities in volunteering, giving, and grantmaking programs.

• IMPACT: Responding with Empathy – Building Holistic Disaster Response Strategies

  Gain insights into creating disaster response strategies that go beyond immediate relief to include preparedness, mitigation, and recovery.

• INNOVATE: Changing the Game – Transforming CSR from Action to Impact

  Discover how CSR leaders are using cutting-edge tools and strategies to turn ideas into measurable, meaningful impact.

Ready to take your CSR programs to the next level? Register now for bbcon 2025 and join us in Philadelphia this October for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and lead the future of corporate impact!

We’re back with another installment of our Beyond the Basics blog series where we dive into features from the YourCause solutions that help level-up customer programs through unique and powerful functionality. Today’s spotlight – employee giving!

Curious about other features we offer that help you go Beyond the Basics? Check out previous posts from this series, spotlights on Volunteering, Customer Support, Disaster Relief, Engagement Elements, and Segmentation.

 

Many Ways to Give

Through YourCause’s CSRconnect solution, you can create an employee giving program that is reflective of your programmatic goals while still supporting employee choice. Our global vetted nonprofit database (with 1.65M+ charities available for giving) means you can engage employees around the world and enable them to donate to the causes they are most passionate about. Flexible functionality like Splash Modals, Engagement Elements, and Giving Campaigns also lets you highlight focused giving opportunities, like seasonal campaigns or key charity partners.

In our latest CSR Industry Report, we saw that combined giving and volunteering engagement jumped 4% last year! Download it now to dive into more engagement trends and benchmarking data.

YourCause puts our CSR admins in the driver’s seat. As a client, you’ll have access to a wide range of configurations and settings that equip you to make changes to programs quickly and independently. This includes the ability to spin up specialized matching gift programs, and even run concurrent match programs, a feature that our customers love to leverage for focused giving moments like disaster relief fundraising.

Read about Portland General Electric’s 10:1 Match for Wildfire Protection

In addition to traditional giving methods like credit card, payroll, and matching gift programs, we support a wide range of incentives that amplify participation. This includes the ability to give employees funds that they can gift to the nonprofit of their choice. One popular way to deploy these includes as a new hire welcome gift, which can get employees engaged in your CSR efforts right from the start, or even as a celebratory work anniversary gesture!

Explore More Employee Giving Capabilities

Transparency and Trust, for Everyone

Beyond robust giving modalities, we pride ourselves in an end-to-end giving process that is transparent for all stakeholders involved.

Employee Donors: Employees benefit from clear information on whether fees have been assessed on their donation or if your company has covered fees, the tracking of donation status, and the ability to easily access their giving history.

CSR Admins: Flexibility in fee coverage allows your organization to cover donation fees, and, coming soon, our new Processing Portal will give you unparalleled insights into your charitable disbursements, providing clarity and control where other vendors fall short.

Nonprofit Beneficiaries: Our free nonprofit portal gives your charity partners clear insights into donor details, information on upcoming disbursements, and will soon provide direct integrations into their donor management systems.

Product Management Insights with Terry Goldin

Terry has been with Blackbaud for a year and is based out of Saint Paul, MN. Volunteerism and corporate social responsibility are passions that she’s cultivated for years, notably through her active involvement as a parent mentor, and treasurer, for local travel soccer teams. Causes that are near to her heart are human rights and animal welfare.

 

YourCause is working hard to transform corporate giving. What are some of the big projects your team is working on?

Customer feedback and market research has sent strong signals that there is a need for faster donation processing timelines across the CSR and nonprofit industries, especially in times of disaster or around critical programmatic moments throughout the year.

We are excited to deliver several pieces of product innovation this year that will speed up donation delivery to nonprofits. By early 2026, our goal is to reduce processing timelines for the majority of non-payroll, U.S. domestic donations by 90-95%, getting donations to charities in just 2-5 days.

 

The nonprofit experience is so important. How are you accounting for that in these innovations?

We are working to ensure this new speed for our disbursements won’t disrupt nonprofits’ donation reconciliation processes and unintentionally create an administrative burden. This includes creating flexible disbursement options for them, such as disbursing directly to their Blackbaud Integrated Payments (BBIP) account without incurring BBIP fees, and seamless integrations into Blackbaud donor management solutions like Raiser’s Edge NXT and Blackbaud CRM.

We’ve consistently sought out nonprofit input into our product development for all of these exciting processing enhancements. We are working hard to ensure that the improvements we make for employees and CSR program admins are also translated into improvements for your nonprofit partners!

 

How will these innovations impact employee donors and program admins?

In addition to speeding up donations to nonprofits by 90-95%, we are building a customer-facing charitable Processing Portal. Think about this like the portal you access from your own personal bank. Our goal is to create a modern financial-technology experience for our customers that increases visibility into the charitable processing timeline. This will help them uncover opportunities to speed up action on their side, helping to reduce the time it takes to fund donations.

We are also building out several new payment modalities for employees, including recurring credit and debit card giving, which will unlock recurring participation. Additional payment modalities like Venmo, PayPal, and Google Pay will also modernize our giving experience and engage all generations of employee donors.

Reflecting on the 13^th edition of our YourCause CSR Industry Review, we can see that the landscape of corporate social impact is evolving, but the commitment to purpose-driven work remains strong. This annual report, drawing on data from 309 companies and more than 7 million employees worldwide, offers a rich snapshot of how organizations are engaging their people in giving, volunteering, and grantmaking. In this blog, we cover some key takeaways from the report that every CSR and employee engagement leader should be aware of.

This infographic offers a snapshot of our 13^th annual YourCause CSR Industry Review with key metrics and some notable trends across grantmaking, disaster relief, geographical data, and enterprise size data.

 

1. Engagement Is Holding Steady, But the Donor Gap May Be Widening

While overall participation in giving and volunteering programs remained stable in 2024, the report reveals a growing disparity between large and small donors. The median employee donation declined slightly, even as the average stayed flat. This suggests that while major donors are maintaining their contributions, smaller donors may be pulling back slightly. This trend underscores the importance of designing programs that support and re-engage everyday donors.

 

2. Combined Programs Drive Higher Engagement

Companies offering both giving and volunteering programs saw significantly higher engagement (16.8%) than those offering only one (5.1% for giving-only, 7.3% for volunteering-only). This reinforces the value of integrated CSR strategies that give employees multiple ways to participate and connect with causes they care about.

 

3. Small Companies, Big Impact

Organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees led the way in volunteer engagement, boasting a 63.8% participation rate. Companies of this size also had the highest average and median volunteer hours per participant. The data suggests that smaller firms may have more agile cultures that allow for deeper community involvement—and that larger enterprises can learn from their example.

 

4. Payroll Giving Is the Most Engaging Donation Method

Payroll giving had the highest participation rate (6.7%) among all donation methods, outpacing credit card, offline, and incentive-based giving. It also saw the highest average and median number of transactions per donor, highlighting the power of convenience and automation in driving sustained giving behavior.

 

5. Global Participation Is Growing—Especially in Volunteering

International employees saw a notable increase in combined engagement, rising more than three percentage points from the previous year. Volunteering engagement among non-U.S. employees also ticked up, with Asia leading in participation and Africa showing the highest average donation amounts (driven significantly by a few very large gifts).

 

6. Employee Resource Groups Boost Participation

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) continue to play a critical role in driving engagement. Companies that leveraged the Groups functionality through our CSRconnect platform saw significantly higher combined engagement rates at 18.6% compared to 15.7% for those without ERGs on the platform. Volunteering engagement was also notably higher at 13.4% versus 8.3%. These groups provide a structured way for employees to connect around shared interests and values, and they serve as powerful channels for promoting CSR initiatives, organizing events, and amplifying impact across the organization.

 

7. New Metrics: Median Data Adds Clarity for Benchmarking

For the first time, the report includes both average and median values for key metrics. This shift helps CSR leaders better understand typical employee behavior and avoid being misled by outliers. For example, while the average annual donation per donor was $744, the median was just $120, highlighting the importance of looking beyond averages when evaluating program performance.

 

8. Strategic Use of CSR Platform Features Increase Engagement

Companies that used Engagement Elements, which are interactive content tiles on the CSRconnect homepage, saw higher giving engagement (8.9%) than those that didn’t (7.3%). Similarly, incentive programs like Dollars for Doers and Cause Cards continue to be effective tools for recognizing employee contributions and encouraging participation.

 

9. Timely Disaster Relief Efforts Drive Impact

In response to hurricanes Helene and Milton, our clients’ employees donated nearly $20 million to relief efforts between September 24th and December 31^st, with $4.2 million coming through Engagement Elements. This highlights the importance of having a rapid-response strategy and the infrastructure to mobilize support when crises strike.

At YourCause, we have established a Disaster Response Taskforce that aims to support clients with responding to disasters in a timely manner. In 2024, approximately $1.7 million went to charities that were highlighted by our Disaster Response Taskforce’s resources for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

 

10. Shifts in Industry Trends: Finance, Manufacturing, and Retail

The finance and insurance sector led in volunteer engagement (22.2%) in 2024, with a seven percentage points increase. Meanwhile, manufacturing and retail were the only industries to see increases in both employee donations and company matches. These industries are proving that CSR can be a powerful lever for culture and community impact with their continual investment and program growth.

 

11. Grantmaking Is on the Rise

The average grant amount increased by 13%, and the median sum of grants per client rose by 38%. Nearly all grant dollars (99.1%) were awarded as cash, with just under 1% of the value of grants coming from in-kind donations. This growth reflects a maturing approach to corporate philanthropy, with companies potentially aligning with longer-term and larger sum strategic grantmaking programs.

Whether you’re building a new program or refining an existing one, here are some words from our report’s introduction letter to inspire your continued journey in creating meaningful, measurable impact.

“We encourage you to take the time to explore this year’s report, reflect on its relevance to your programs, and consider how these trends align with your organization’s goals. By sharing knowledge and supporting one another, we can amplify the transformative power of our corporate social impact initiatives.

Finally, I want to thank you for your dedication to this important work. As we navigate new challenges and opportunities, let us approach our efforts with PEACE—Perseverance, Evolution, Adaptation, Captivation, and Empathy. Together, we can continue driving change that transforms communities and strengthens our organizations.”

— Andrew J. Troup, Head of Giving and Engagement, Blackbaud.

Download the YourCause 2025 Industry Review

In today’s purpose-driven world, generosity is more than a virtue. As companies navigate a competitive talent landscape and rising expectations from employees, customers, and investors, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: empowering employees to give and volunteer is good for community impact, but it’s also good for business.

 

Why Employee Engagement in CSR Matters

More than anything, for businesses to operate well, they need a workforce of talent that are engaged and collaborative. When companies engage employees in giving and volunteering, they deepen the connections between colleagues, and with communities. According to recent research, 7 in 10 employees now expect opportunities for social impact at work. And it’s not just about feeling good—84% of employees report higher job satisfaction when their leaders speak up about critical societal issues.

These expectations are shaping career decisions: 72% of employees are more likely to apply to companies they perceive as socially responsible, and 71% say that a company’s societal impact is a strong expectation, or a deal breaker, when considering a job. Similarly, over half of employees surveyed would consider leaving if their employer’s values didn’t align with their own.

 

The ROI of Doing Good

The numbers speak for themselves. Organizations that empower employee generosity see tangible returns. For instance, companies with strong employee engagement programs experience a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity. Employees who participate in volunteer programs are also more likely to feel they have opportunities for professional growth (70% vs. 39%) and to develop new skills at work (72% vs. 42%).

At the same time, these programs also foster loyalty: 66% of employees report a greater sense of commitment to their employer as a result of participating in CSR initiatives. In fact, CSR has been shown to reduce staff turnover by 50%, and workplace volunteers are twice as likely to recommend their company to job seekers.

The benefits extend beyond the workforce. A company’s commitment to generosity sends a powerful signal to external stakeholders. When asked whether companies have a responsibility to address societal concerns, 9 out of 10 investors said “yes”, compared to 7 in 10 employees and 6 in 10 consumers. This alignment of internal culture and external perception can drive business growth. Companies that have implemented CSR programs have seen revenue increases of up to 20% and market value gains of 4–6%.

 

Building a Culture of Generosity

Creating a culture of generosity requires more than a few volunteer days or donation drives. It demands alignment between business strategy, values, and community engagement. Leaders must model civic involvement, and companies should embed giving and volunteering into the fabric of their operations.

This could include:

• Providing paid time off for volunteering

• Supporting skills-based volunteerism

• Offering matching gifts for employee donations

• Educating employees on community needs and nonprofit work

• Encouraging grassroots initiatives through employee resource groups

 

Continue to Empower Employee Generosity

With the increasing demand and reliance on donors and volunteers for nonprofits, employee generosity can be a lifeline, especially for smaller charities that are even more vulnerable. For more innovative strategies and practical tips to level up your giving and volunteering initiatives, download our whitepaper on Encouraging Employee Generosity.

Whether you’re a global enterprise or a small business, the path forward is clear: empower your people to give back in ways that reflect their passions and values. In doing so, we can not only strengthen your community but also build a more resilient, engaged, and purpose-driven workforce.

Corporate volunteering programs are an essential part of modern workplaces, offering employees opportunities to contribute their time, skills, and energy to support community causes. These initiatives can take many forms, such as paid volunteer time off company-sponsored service events, or collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations. Businesses that embrace these programs not only foster a culture of generosity but also strengthen their commitment to social responsibility while enriching the employee experience.

 

Benefits of Employee Volunteering

Corporate volunteering programs go beyond benefiting the community—they also positively impact employees and organizations in meaningful ways. Here are some of the benefits of employee volunteering programs:

1. Boosts Employee Engagement and Morale

When employees participate in volunteering efforts, they often gain a sense of fulfillment and purpose that translates into greater job satisfaction. Knowing their work contributes to a larger societal goal motivates employees and cultivates a deeper connection to their organization. In fact, a recent large-scale systematic review of workplace wellbeing offerings showed that only volunteering had a measurable positive effect on employees.

2. Strengthens Team Bonding

Volunteering as a group provides opportunities for employees to collaborate in settings outside the workplace. These shared experiences foster trust and improve communication among team members, building stronger relationships that carry over to day-to-day professional interactions. In a survey of employees who participated in workplace volunteer programs, nearly half (49%) indicated that it helped them build connection with their colleagues.

3. Improves Company Reputation

Companies that prioritize volunteerism are frequently seen as more responsible and community-focused by the public. A visible commitment to social responsibility can elevate a company’s image, attract socially-minded customers, and strengthen partnerships with like-minded organizations.

4. Attracts and Retains Talent

Today’s workforce increasingly seeks employers that value making a difference in society. Millennials and Gen Z employees, in particular, gravitate toward organizations that align with their desire to have a positive impact. This is evident as 72% of employees are more likely to apply for a job at an organization that they believe to be socially responsible and 71% say societal impact factors were a strong expectation or deal breaker when considering a job.

5. Develops Leadership and Soft Skills

Volunteer activities provide employees with the chance to sharpen critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They may also take on leadership roles within volunteer projects, gaining experience in managing teams and initiatives. These skills are not only rewarding personally but also highly valuable in the workplace. Employee volunteers in a study were more likely to feel that they have opportunities to grow professionally, at 70% compared to 39% for employees that don’t volunteer, as well as develop new skills at work at 72% compared to 42% for non-volunteers.

 

Tips for Measuring the Impact of Employee Volunteering

To ensure the effectiveness of corporate volunteering programs, organizations need strategies to assess their outcomes. Consider the following steps:

• Track Volunteer Hours and Participation Rates: Keeping detailed records of volunteer involvement helps establish benchmarks and identify trends over time.
• Collect Employee Feedback and Testimonials: Insights from employees provide valuable perspectives on the program’s impact and areas for improvement.
• Measure Community Impact Through Partner Organizations: Collaborating with nonprofit partners can help evaluate how volunteer efforts are making a difference for the causes they support.
• Align Volunteer Efforts with CSR Goals: Ensure that your program’s activities align with broader corporate social responsibility objectives to maximize results.
• Use CSR Reporting Tools: Leverage technology to visualize data and communicate outcomes effectively.

 

Make Employee Volunteering Easy with YourCause’s CSR Software Solutions

At YourCause, we understand the importance of streamlined processes for managing corporate volunteer programs. Our CSRconnect platform is designed to simplify program administration, helping you track participation, measure results, and engage employees with ease. Whether your organization is new to volunteering initiatives or expanding existing efforts, our software equips you with the tools needed to create meaningful and measurable change.

Virtual volunteering saw a significant rise in popularity during the pandemic, allowing individuals to contribute to various causes from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, research from Americorps found that around one in five formal volunteers are either virtual or hybrid, and that, on average, these volunteers are engaging in more hours of service per year (95 hours) compared to those who volunteered solely in person (64 hours). This shift not only represents the increased flexibility for volunteers but also demonstrates that organizations can now connect the talent and skills of their employees with a wider network of nonprofits and causes.

 

How Does Virtual Volunteering Work?

Virtual volunteering operates similarly to in-person volunteering but utilizes digital platforms to connect volunteers with organizations. Volunteers can sign up for projects that match their skills and interests, complete tasks online, and communicate with organization representatives via email, video calls, or project management tools. This approach makes it easy for individuals to contribute regardless of their location and enables organizations to manage and track volunteer contributions efficiently.

 

15 Virtual Volunteer Opportunities for Remote Engagement

1. Online Tutoring and Mentorship

Assist students of all ages with their academics or offer career guidance to high school and college students through platforms like Learn To Be or UPchieve. Volunteers can provide tutoring in various subjects, including STEM, language arts, and college preparation.

2. Administrative Support for Nonprofits

Offer virtual administrative assistance, such as data entry, project management, and document organization, to help nonprofits run smoothly and efficiently.

3. Virtual Crisis and Emotional Support

Provide emotional support and assistance to individuals in crisis through text-based platforms like Crisis Text Line. Volunteers receive training and gain experience in mental health advocacy and active listening.

4. Online Peer Support Groups

Facilitate support groups for individuals dealing with specific challenges, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and offering mutual support.

5. Supporting the Visually Impaired

Assist visually impaired individuals by helping them complete tasks via live video feeds or creating accessible digital content, such as audio books.

6. Translation and Language Services

Translate essential documents or content to expand the reach and impact of humanitarian organizations through Translators Without Borders.

7. Content Creation for Nonprofits

Write articles, create graphics, or produce videos to help nonprofits spread their message and reach a wider audience.

8. Digital Marketing and Social Media Support

Help manage social media accounts, create social content, and develop marketing strategies for nonprofits to increase their visibility and engagement online.

9. Transcribing Historical Documents

Help make historical documents accessible by transcribing them like the Smithsonian Digital Volunteers. This work supports cultural and research institutions and ensures that valuable information is preserved for future generations.

10. Virtual Museum Tours

Lead online tours for museums, offering educational insights and engaging virtual visitors with the institution’s exhibits and collections.

11. Advocacy and Civic Engagement

Raise awareness and organize campaigns for social or political issues you are passionate about, using digital tools to mobilize and engage supporters.

12. Coding and Technology Support

Volunteer your coding and technical skills to build websites, create software, or provide technology support for social initiatives and nonprofit projects through platforms like Democracy Lab.

13. Environmental Citizen Science Projects

Participate in online projects that focus on environmental research, such as tracking wildlife, monitoring pollution, or contributing to conservation efforts.

14. Virtual Fundraising Events

Plan and execute online fundraising events to support various causes. This can include virtual auctions, charity runs, and crowdfunding campaigns.

15. Virtual Board Membership

Serve as a board member for a nonprofit organization, providing strategic guidance and oversight from a distance, ensuring the organization’s mission and goals are met. Learn more about what it means to serve on a nonprofit board.

 

Benefits of Virtual Volunteering

• Volunteers have the flexibility to contribute from anywhere, which offers both convenience in scheduling and increased accessibility.

• Virtual volunteer opportunities allow individuals to use and develop a wide range of skills, enhancing their personal and professional growth.

• Online volunteering makes it possible to support global causes and make a meaningful impact on a wider scale rather than being limited to local communities.

• Teams can leverage virtual volunteering to improve their collaboration and strengthen relationships, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.

• Organizations can easily track volunteer hours when there is an online record of activities, making the management and reporting process more efficient.

• Virtual volunteering can be cost-effective for both volunteers and companies, reducing the need for physical resources and space.

• Engaging in social impact is open to everyone through online volunteering. Whether employees have expertise in graphic design, coding, writing, or simply have a passion for helping others, there’s likely a virtual volunteering role that can matches their interests.

 

Should Volunteer Time Off Policies Allow Virtual Volunteering?

Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policies vary by company, but many organizations recognize the value of virtual volunteering and include it in their VTO programs. For companies, there is a strong business case for valuing virtual volunteering hours within VTO or volunteer for vacation schemes, given that employees are contributing their time and skills to important causes while also saving the time and resources it would take to travel to and attend volunteering events in-person. By leveraging VTO, organizations can empower employees to make a positive impact while balancing their work and personal commitments.

 

Learn More About YourCause’s Solutions for Improving Employee Engagement

YourCause provides innovative solutions to enhance employee engagement through virtual volunteering. Our CSRconnect platform helps companies facilitate and manage online volunteer opportunities, making it easy for remote teams to find meaningful projects that align with their skills and interests. Through our partnerships with Goodera and VolunteerMatch, we also offer curated volunteering opportunities, including pre-built virtual events.

Explore how YourCause can help you boost employee engagement and drive greater impact.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries across the globe, and its potential to drive corporate social impact is immense. As organizations strive to create meaningful change, AI can serve as a powerful tool to amplify human efforts and address complex social challenges. In exploring the incredible opportunities with AI, it is equally important to reflect on the ethical and responsible use of AI as well as the key considerations when leveraging AI for social good. Yet, one of the biggest challenges is determining where to begin, which is why I hope to offer a few practical tips for getting started with AI tools here too.

 

The Evolution of AI

AI has come a long way since its inception. Understanding its evolution helps us appreciate its current capabilities and future potential. The early days of AI started in the 1940’s with Alan Turing’s electromechanical device developed to decipher encrypted messages. In 1956, John McCarthy organized the first AI workshop at Dartmouth and coined the term “Artificial Intelligence.” There has been a long journey of evolution for AI from its roots in narrow AI in the 1980s, focused on solving specific tasks using rule-based algorithms, to more general AI in the 2010s which aims at broader capability by leveraging big data and deep learning models. And finally, in 2023 we saw the birth of what many of us have experienced as a revolution in generative AI, with AI integrated into various industries, enhancing productivity and opening the opportunity to drive increased, meaningful social impact.

 

Ethical and Responsible AI

The ethical use of AI is paramount in ensuring that technology serves the greater good without compromising human values. That is why deploying responsible, effective, and trustworthy AI is so important. Here are some key principles to consider:

1. Transparency: AI systems should be transparent in their operations, allowing stakeholders to understand how decisions are made.

2. Privacy and Data Security: Protecting individual and organizational data is crucial. AI tools must adhere to stringent privacy standards to safeguard sensitive information.

3. Bias and Discrimination: AI systems should be designed to minimize bias and prevent discrimination, ensuring fair and equitable outcomes for all users.

4. Human Oversight: Maintaining human oversight and control over AI systems is essential to prevent unintended consequences and ensure ethical decision-making.

 

The Value of Using AI and The PEACE Framework

AI offers numerous opportunities to enhance social impact initiatives. From driving efficiencies for CSR teams that are typically limited in capacity, to providing tools that can dramatically enhance insights in overall impact. It can also be used to craft a compelling story of the needs on the ground and the incredible outcomes employee engagement and philanthropy programs are driving.

In addition, the PEACE framework (Perseverance, Evolution, Adaptation, Captivation, Empathy) which we highlighted in our post on CSR Trends in 2025: Grounded in PEACE can also be applied here when looking at the opportunity to harness AI in corporate social impact:

• Perseverance: Continuously strive to improve AI applications for social good.

• Evolution: Embrace technological advancements and adapt to new AI capabilities.

• Adaptation: Adjust strategies based on AI insights and stakeholder feedback.

• Captivation: Engage stakeholders with compelling AI-driven narratives.

• Empathy: Ensure AI initiatives are inclusive and address diverse needs.

 

AI for Social Good: Considerations and Opportunities

For CSR teams, as we look more specifically at the role that AI can play in driving our social impact initiatives forward, it is important to weigh some of the risks and opportunities as well as identify the structures and processes that are critical to have in place.

Key Considerations (Mitigating Risks):

1. Governance: Make sure you know your organization’s policies related to the ethical use of AI. Where possible, make sure your voice is represented in the review and implementation of policies that will be used to guide ethical AI use within your organization. In many cases, as CSR leaders, we have a unique perspective and ability to represent the communities we serve through our programs, which is critically important when evaluating what the launch of new AI tools and resources may look like and what impact new AI technologies may have on both employees as well as the communities we are engaged with.

2. Processes: Work with a cross-functional team to develop processes that can be used to monitor AI impact and address concerns if needed. For example, make sure a governance structure or committee has been established to review all potential uses of AI across your business. In turn make sure there are clear guidelines for how new AI tools and products are researched, reviewed, approved, and rolled out. Again, taking all perspectives and potential consequences (both intended and unintended) into account.

3. Empowerment: Look for ways to support the empowerment of both employees and community partners with AI education and resources. Not only do employees and our community partners need to gain knowledge and awareness around the various AI tools and technologies available to them, through education and training they can also gain vital confidence in their use of those tools.

4. Legal Compliance: Stay close with your legal team and advisors so that you are consistently informed about evolving legal guidelines related to AI. AI is a new and rapidly changing space, and with that rapid change and innovation comes both new use cases as well as new potential impacts. Laws around development, use, and roll out of AI are evolving constantly and it is important to stay informed so that you can provide guidance and insights from the CSR and community impact perspective.

 

Opportunities (Access & Inclusion):

1. Accessibility: When used effectively, AI can make services more accessible and inclusive to diverse populations, driving opportunities and access for all. For example, AI-powered assistive technologies can help individuals access information or communicate more effectively. Separately, AI can be used to tailor educational content to meet the needs of diverse learners, creating a more personalized approach to learning.

2. Efficiency: There is an opportunity to leverage AI to automate routine tasks which can free up time for strategic initiatives and work. That can include opportunities to streamline review processes, the ability to gather and analyze feedback, or other time intensive administrative responsibilities. It can also be used as a tool to analyze large datasets and identify key trends and insights that may inform decision making, resource allocation, and impact focus.

3. Storytelling: AI can be used as a powerful tool to create compelling narratives that highlight social impact which can drive awareness and engagement. Some AI tools can be used to generate compelling content, highlighting the stories and experiences of the communities we are impacting, and can in turn be used to amplify their voices, ensuring their stories are heard and valued.

4. Innovation: Drive innovation by leveraging AI for brainstorming and creative problem-solving as you look to evolve your programs. There are ways to use AI tools today to help design and develop new programs and initiatives, with an eye toward inclusion and accessibility. AI can also be used to generate new ideas to potentially address some of the most challenging, systemic issues we are looking to impact through our work.

Product Spotlight: for example, our own Blackbaud Copilot is the only Gen-AI tool built for CSR professionals which includes our propriety, private, and precise Al-chat feature that turns your impact data into compelling narratives. You can save time by being able to answer questions from your stakeholders in seconds instead of hours. In addition, Blackbaud Copilot includes cited sources and even suggestions for follow up questions that will empower you to tell the story of your company’s impact. The data is securely partitioned and protected within our data architecture and infrastructure, ensuring privacy for your data and prompts. And Blackbaud Copilot enables you to create content about your CSR & grant programs, including composing communications and presentation ideas.

 

Practical Tips for Getting Started with AI Tools

Embarking on the AI journey can be daunting, but with the right approach, organizations can harness its potential for social good. Here are some practical tips to get started:

1. Form Your Ground Rules: Establish clear guidelines for the ethical use of AI within your organization and team. Define the scope of AI applications and create guardrails to ensure safe and effective use.

2. Identify AI Tools: Research and select AI tools that align with your organization’s needs. Consider tools that enhance productivity, streamline operations, and facilitate impactful storytelling.

3. Create Your Adoption Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan for integrating AI into your social impact initiatives. Define use cases, set objectives, and outline steps for implementation.

4. Educate Your Team: Provide training and resources to help your team understand and utilize AI tools. Encourage experimentation and innovation while maintaining ethical standards.

5. Monitor and Revise: Continuously monitor the impact of AI initiatives and revise strategies as needed. Stay informed about evolving legal and ethical guidelines to ensure compliance.

AI has the potential to transform corporate social impact by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and enabling more effective engagement with stakeholders. By adopting ethical and responsible AI practices, organizations can harness this technology to create positive change and address some of the world’s most pressing social challenges. As we move forward, let us embrace AI as a tool for social good, ensuring that it amplifies human potential and drives meaningful impact.

To learn more about our purpose-built AI solutions, including the first ever AI-powered impact reporting and storytelling tool created specifically for CSR teams, click here.

The corporate social impact space is evolving, and companies must adapt to create deeper, more meaningful engagement. The workforce of today expects more than just traditional corporate giving—they want to be actively involved, personally connected, and empowered to make a difference. Giving Circles provide a transformative model, allowing employees to come together, and whether by pooling their own resources or leveraging company-provided funding, make a larger impact on causes they care about.

To create an environment where employees are truly engaged, companies must go beyond traditional models and embrace inclusive, social, and flexible approaches to CSR. As highlighted in this blog, the PEACE framework—Perseverance, Evolution, Adaptation, Captivation, and Empathy— offers a roadmap for designing CSR programs that align with modern engagement trends while ensuring sustained impact.

 

The Challenge: Overcoming Barriers to Engagement

Many corporate giving programs struggle to connect with employees in a meaningful way. Often, they feel transactional, rigid, or disconnected from what employees actually care about. Some common barriers include:

• Physical barriers – Employees may have limited opportunities to participate in CSR programs due to location-based restrictions or scheduling conflicts.

• Social barriers – Employees may feel excluded from CSR programs if they don’t see representation of their interests, values, or backgrounds.

• Psychological barriers – A lack of agency or decision-making power can make employees feel disengaged from corporate giving initiatives.

• Attitudinal barriers – If employees perceive CSR programs as top-down or lacking transparency, they may be less motivated to participate.

Companies that take an inclusive approach to CSR, creating opportunities for employees to actively participate, can break through these barriers. The key is to shift from a top-down corporate philanthropy model to an employee-driven, community-centric approach that fosters connection and ownership.

 

The Giving Circle Model: A Catalyst for Employee Engagement

Giving Circles reimagine employee engagement in CSR by shifting from passive giving to active participation. Employees become part of a collaborative, social, and deeply personal experience where they can see and feel the impact of their contributions. This participatory model fosters the concept of Captivation, one of the core tenets of the PEACE framework—an approach that turns engagement into something employees want to be part of, rather than something they feel obligated to do.

A well-structured Giving Circle accomplishes several critical goals:

• Creates Personal Investment – Employees have a voice in funding decisions, increasing their sense of ownership and commitment.

• Fosters Community & Connection – Giving becomes a shared experience, building relationships and strengthening workplace culture.

• Encourages Innovation & Adaptation – The model allows for flexibility, accommodating different participation levels and shifting community needs.

• Delivers Tangible Impact – Employees see the direct results of their collaboration, reinforcing their motivation to stay engaged.

 

A Scalable Model in Action

In 2024, a Fortune 500 company partnered with Grapevine to launch a company-wide Giving Circle initiative with three main goals:

1. Enhance Employee Engagement: Foster a sense of community and shared purpose while providing opportunities to learn and take an active role in philanthropic decision-making.

2. Amplify Social Impact: Collaboratively contribute to nonprofits that reflect employees’ passions and values.

3. Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Democratize giving and diversify where funds are directed through employee-led nomination and voting.

The initiative successfully launched eight Giving Circles, granting out funds to 24 nonprofits that were nominated and selected by employees.

The response was overwhelmingly positive—from rapid signups and event engagement to heartfelt feedback about the experience. Employees shared that participating in Giving Circles allowed them to connect with colleagues more deeply, better understand community issues, and feel more personally fulfilled through their work. Leaders were energized by their role in stewarding group conversations and guiding peers through the grantmaking process. The program demonstrated how quickly and powerfully Giving Circles can bring employee-driven impact to life.

 

The Role of Inclusion in Captivating Employees

The most effective and engaging Giving Circles are intentionally inclusive—designed to welcome participation from a diverse range of employees and reflect their values. Companies can take several steps to ensure accessibility and inclusivity:

Integrating Giving Circles with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

ERGs can play a crucial role in helping CSR initiatives resonate across diverse employee groups. When companies introduce Giving Circles to their ERGs, they ensure that philanthropy is reflective of employee experiences, perspectives, and interests. This fosters a more organic and engaging environment where employees feel seen and valued, and can direct their interest and actions toward accomplishing something positive in the community together.

Providing Multiple Ways to Engage

Not all employees can contribute financially, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to participation. Companies can provide the funding for employees to grant out to nonprofits without soliciting employees for donations. Regardless of where the funds come from, companies should offer a range of engagement options—voting on causes, attending discussions, volunteering expertise, or serving as advocates—so that everyone can be involved in a way that aligns with their strengths and availability.

 

Using Storytelling to Strengthen Connection

One of the most powerful ways to maintain engagement is by centering storytelling. Employees connect with narratives, not just numbers. By showcasing employee experiences in Giving Circles, companies can demonstrate how participation enhances personal fulfillment and workplace culture by enabling employees to share causes they care about with colleagues and potentially even directing significant company resources to the organizations that they support in their communities.

Highlighting nonprofit impact stories reinforces the tangible difference employees are making, deepening their connections to each other and commitment to giving back. Leveraging multimedia content like employee video testimonials, nonprofit impact stories, or social media highlights that showcase real experiences and outcomes can further energize participation and inspire others to join.

 

Measuring Success: Ensuring Long-Term Engagement

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Giving Circle program, companies should track key engagement metrics:

• Participation rates across employee demographics.

• Retention and recurring involvement in Giving Circle initiatives.

• Employee satisfaction, deepened connections to colleagues, and reported sense of purpose.

• Impact assessments that highlight the tangible community effects of Giving Circles.

For Giving Circles to truly succeed, companies should ensure they are engaging their employees and nonprofit partners in helping to structure and evaluate them. Gathering feedback from employees and nonprofit partners ensures that programs remain dynamic and aligned with both workforce interests and community needs. Refining these initiatives over time helps maintain engagement, foster trust, and maximize impact.

 

Advancing Employee-Driven Social Impact

The next evolution of corporate social impact isn’t about companies deciding where to give—it’s about empowering employees to be active participants in philanthropy. Giving Circles represent a modern, inclusive, and captivating approach to CSR, aligned with the principles of the PEACE framework.

By embracing perseverance, evolution, adaptation, captivation, and empathy, companies can transform workplace giving into a movement that employees want to be part of—one that builds a culture of belonging, connection, and purpose.

Now is the time for companies to rethink how they engage employees in social impact. Giving Circles are more than just a strategy—they’re a shift toward a more dynamic, inclusive, and fulfilling way of making a difference.

About Grapevine:
Grapevine is the leading platform for Giving Circles and the broader collaborative giving movement, empowering communities to connect, collaborate and give back together. Grapevine supports over 1,100 Giving Circles and 88,000 members who have directed more than $46 million to 6,600 grassroots nonprofits.

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, social impact has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of giving back to their communities and empowering their employees to make a difference. Enter CSRconnect, a transformative platform that can revolutionize the way organizations manage and engage employees across volunteering, giving, and resource groups.

 

The All-in-One Volunteering Solution

CSRconnect is a comprehensive solution designed to streamline and enhance every aspect of your corporate social responsibility initiatives. From personalized user experiences to robust event management capabilities, CSRconnect offers a suite of features that cater to the diverse volunteering needs of both companies and their employees. On top of that, organizations can track all the impact of their programs through the extensive reporting functionalities included.

Personalization: Your Volunteering Journey, Your Way

One of the key differentiators of CSRconnect is the emphasis on personalization. Employees can set their volunteering preferences, align themselves to over 160 skills from our library, and maintain a detailed history of their charitable activities. This personal touch not only makes the platform more engaging but also helps match volunteers with opportunities that align with their interests and skills.

Event Management: Seamless Planning and Execution

Planning a volunteer event can have the perception of requiring a lot of heavy lifting, but CSRconnect turns it into a breeze. The platform’s robust event management tools allow organizers to create, search, and manage volunteer events with ease. From adding detailed event information to incorporating custom sign-up questions and attachments, CSRconnect ensures that both organizers and volunteers have all the information they need at their fingertips.

Incentives: Encourage and Amplify Participation

Incentives can play a crucial role in encouraging participation in volunteer activities and amplifying their impact. By offering employees dedicated time off for volunteering through a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy, organizations encourage community involvement and enable employees to support causes they are passionate about. Whether you are looking to set up these programs or implement similar built-in incentives such as volunteer grants or Dollars for Doers, CSRconnect makes it as easy as possible to increase engagement and support nonprofits.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Advanced Search Capabilities

As an employee, finding the right events to volunteer with can be a little overwhelming. Here, CSRconnect’s advanced search filters come to the rescue, allowing users to pinpoint suitable opportunities based on various criteria such as location, date, cause areas, and required skills. This feature helps to save time in identifying qualified events and increases the likelihood of positive volunteer experiences.

Campaigns: Amplifying Impact Through Collective Action

CSRconnect goes beyond individual events by enabling organizations to build and manage larger volunteer campaigns. Companies can create a sense of collective purpose by creating branded volunteer campaigns that may benefit from specific limitations, disclaimers, or tracking such as a strategic volunteer day campaign that needs a group of events to go live for employees at the same time, or requires collective impact reporting.

Measuring Success: The Power of Analytics

Measuring the impact of your programs is crucial. The Impact Edge reporting that CSRconnect clients have access to is able to rise to this challenge, offering a range of reports and dashboards that provide detailed insights into their volunteering trends and outcomes. Get a holistic overview of your company’s impact across a chosen time range, or slice and dice the data for specific locations, departments, or types of volunteering events. This level of data visualization and analysis allows organizations to refine their engagement strategies, showcase their impact, and make informed decisions about future programs.

Building Communities: Group Functionality

We recognize that volunteering is often a social activity. Our Groups functionality in CSRconnect allows users to join or create communities based on shared characteristics, interests, or causes. This feature not only fosters a sense of belonging, but also makes it easier to organize and promote events within specific groups. Connecting employee resource groups with the charitable causes that are most important to their members is a great way to drive passionate engagement in volunteering.

Embracing Innovation: The Future is Mobile

As employees increasingly use and rely on smartphones, CSRconnect is keeping pace with upcoming mobile innovations. We are introducing mobile check-in functionality so organizers can generate QR codes for their event that participants can use check-in or even register on-site. By eliminating the need for taking attendance manually, this will make it even more convenient for volunteers to confirm participation in events and track their involvement.

Diversity in Volunteering: Something for Everyone

Offering diverse volunteering opportunities is important in creating a culture of generosity and engaging each group of employees in the way that works best for them. From one-off events to year-round programs and campaigns, the platform supports a wide range of engagement options. Employees that serve on the board of a nonprofit can even tie their volunteering engagement to board service. This flexibility ensures that companies can cater to the varied preferences and schedules of their employees, maximizing participation and impact.

Expanding Horizons: Curated Volunteering Integrations

Through our partnerships with Goodera and VolunteerMatch, we offer global curation of volunteer events. These integrations open up a world of volunteering possibilities including pre-built virtual events and skills-based volunteering opportunities. All of these options can be seamlessly populated into your company’s CSRconnect platform volunteering feed, making it easier than ever for employees to engage in global social impact initiatives.

 

Empowering Change-Makers

As employee giving and volunteering continue to gain prominence as integral employee engagement programs, platforms like CSRconnect are becoming indispensable tools for organizations looking to deliver meaningful impact. By combining user-friendly features, powerful management tools, and data-driven insights, CSRconnect is empowering companies and their employees to become true change-makers in their communities.

Book a live demo to learn how CSRconnect can power your company’s purpose today.