VIRTUAL AND REMOTE PHILANTHROPY

FOR INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Making philanthropy part of your agency’s DNA

By offering a variety of virtual engagement options, agencies can

make philanthropy accessible to all employees,

regardless of their schedules or locations.

By John Lewis

In today’s evolving workplace, companies are increasingly seeking out ways to integrate philanthropy into their culture. Businesses that foster a strong culture of giving often see enhanced employee engagement, strengthened client relationships and a positive brand reputation. While traditional volunteering remains crucial, virtual and remote giving opportunities expand accessibility, making it easier than ever for employees to contribute meaningfully no matter where they work.

Expanding philanthropy beyond the office

Building a philanthropic program that resonates with employees and maximizes impact can seem like a huge undertaking, but flexible initiatives and strategic partnerships with organizations like the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) can help establish philanthropic programs with which employees want to engage.

With a shift toward hybrid and remote work, independent agencies must adapt their charitable initiatives to ensure that all employees, regardless of location, have opportunities to contribute. Some impactful remote giving opportunities include:

• Online donation drives. Agencies can organize virtual supply drives for schools, shelters and food banks. Platforms like Amazon Wish Lists and GoFundMe make it simple for employees to contribute from anywhere.
• Virtual fundraising challenges. Programs like IICF’s Step Up Challenge encourage employees to stay active while raising money for charitable causes. Employees track their steps or workouts, fostering friendly competition while making a difference.
• Skill-based volunteering. Employees can offer their expertise to nonprofits, providing services like financial literacy training, résumé building or mentorship, all conducted remotely via video conferencing.
• Letter-writing and care packages. Writing letters of encouragement to hospital patients, military personnel or seniors in care facilities is a small yet meaningful way to give back from anywhere.

By offering a variety of virtual engagement options, agencies can make philanthropy accessible to all employees, regardless of their schedules or locations.

Creating a structured giving program

For philanthropy to become an integral part of an agency’s culture, it must be structured and supported at all levels of the organization. Here are a few key elements of a successful philanthropic program:

1. Leadership and culture. Philanthropy thrives when it’s supported from the top down. Leaders should actively participate in volunteering initiatives, encourage team involvement and recognize employees who engage in charitable activities. Agencies can promote a culture of giving by incorporating philanthropy into their core values and business strategies.
2. Matching gifts and volunteer time off. Many companies successfully incentivize giving through matching donation programs, where the company matches employees’ charitable contributions and significantly increases their impact, up to double the amount or even more. Volunteer days or paid time off for employees to participate in community service have also proven effective in demonstrating a company’s commitment to social good and encourages team members to engage in meaningful volunteer work.
3. Employee-driven initiatives. Encouraging employees to suggest causes they are passionate about fosters greater engagement. Lockton Companies, for example, has seen success in empowering their teams to choose volunteer activities, leading to stronger participation and a more personal connection to giving efforts.
4. Recognizing and incentivizing participation. Agencies can boost participation by celebrating employee philanthropic contributions. Recognition programs highlight and reward employees for their commitment to charitable causes. Public acknowledgment through company newsletters, social media or internal meetings reinforces the value of giving back.

Leveraging industry partnerships

Organizations like the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) provide valuable resources and programs to help agencies enhance their philanthropic efforts. Initiatives like the Step Up Challenge, clothing drives, disaster relief and grant programs allow agencies to participate without a heavy lift on their end. By aligning with IICF and similar industry partners, agencies can amplify their impact while benefiting from structured, reputable organizations and initiatives that simplify charitable giving.

The business case for giving back

Investing in philanthropy isn’t just good for the community, it’s good for business. Companies that prioritize corporate social responsibility often see:

• Higher employee retention and engagement. Employees who feel their workplace shares their values are more likely to stay committed and engaged.
• Stronger client and community relationships. Giving back fosters and reinforces a trusting reputation among clients, partners and the broader community. A commitment to social good enhances an agency’s reputation, making it more attractive to potential clients and employees.

Independent agencies have a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference through thoughtful philanthropic programs. Whether through virtual volunteering, donation matching or in-person service days, creating a culture of giving benefits employees, businesses and communities alike.

By leveraging industry partners like the IICF and adopting best practices from industry leaders, agencies can cultivate a workplace where charitable giving isn’t just an occasional event, but a fundamental part of the agency’s identity.

The author

John Lewis is senior vice president, Lockton Companies, the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage. John joined Lockton Companies 30 years ago and specializes in national and international risk management accounts. He serves on the board of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s (IICF) Heartland Chapter. John can be reached at jlewis@lockton.com.