Recruiting volunteers through companies

Doing good for Amsterdam is becoming increasingly important for companies. Engaging in partnerships with socially responsible organizations can be the solution. The resources, people, capital, and knowledge that the business sector brings can be effectively utilized. But what is the impact that companies have on the organization and society? What do they gain from this? And how do you shape this collaboration? And where do you start?

The social enterprise Oma’s Soep has independently established several major partnerships with companies. Sophie Keijzer, social impact & business manager at Oma’s Soep, explains how these collaborations came about and how the companies have supported them.

Soup against loneliness

“Oma’s Soep is a rapidly growing social enterprise. Our dream is to combat loneliness throughout the Netherlands by organizing old-fashioned cozy cooking days and visiting the elderly at home. We fund this in part by selling the meals and soup we make to supermarkets and hotels. This is where the collaboration with companies comes into play.” Companies can make a significant contribution to an organization because they often simply have more resources, manpower, and capital. In this way, by working together, the societal issue can be solved faster than alone.”

Name recognition

Getting in touch with a company that shares the same values as your organization can be challenging. Small organizations are sometimes hard to find, and a company often doesn’t know where to start looking. “We have increased our brand awareness by taking original actions. For example, we placed a fridge on Dam Square representing lonely elderly people. This was widely shared on social media. You have to think innovatively, and this can also be done on a small budget. Think about how you can reach many people at once and don’t let your own beliefs hold you back.” As the brand awareness grows, companies are approaching Oma’s Soep. The organization has also found that it is beneficial for a company to quickly see how they can help the organization. Therefore, it is wise to create one slideshow/presentation/brochure with all possible ways a company can help. “There are so many organizations with different visions and approaches to choose from, and this can overwhelm companies.” On the websiteBusiness Involved Meeting demand and supply come together, and you can find a match more quickly through filters.

Start with Business Involved; sign up for the inspiration session on April 21st

Oma’s Soep is a great example, but how can your organization achieve something similar? Every beginning is difficult. How do you start a good collaboration with one or more companies? It all starts with getting to know each other. That’s why we are organizing a short inspiration session on April 21 about recruiting corporate volunteers via Business Involved, check it out.herefor more information or to sign up directly. Later this year, there will also be more substantive sessions on collaborating with companies in the long term.