How the Marine Conservation Society Leveraged Work for Good to Boost Fundraising and Build SME Partnerships
Written by: Kate Hillier
In the world of fundraising, innovation and connection can play a key role in making a difference. For the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), embracing creative approaches to fundraising has unlocked incredible opportunities. Through using the Work for Good platform, they’ve not only secured an unrestricted revenue stream but also cultivated meaningful partnerships with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
In this case study, we’ll explore how the Marine Conservation Society has maximised their success, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the tangible impact this has made on their mission. Their story demonstrates the power of collaboration and highlights how a little creativity can go a long way in the charity sector.
When you discovered Work for Good, what challenges were you looking to solve?
When I joined MCS, we had been signed up to Work for Good for a year. The platform management sat with our Community and Individual Fundraising Team.
We were using it to better manage small companies, sole traders, and crafts people.
Those who sat somewhere between individual and corporate fundraising, giving the teams more time to focus on strategic partnerships, and steward our community fundraisers.
How has Work for Good helped you in your charity's fundraising efforts?
Using Work for Good allows us to work with smaller companies that we’d otherwise have to decline support from.
The time it takes to put together an agreement could cost more than some smaller companies can provide.
Especially when you weigh up the value of time spent on larger partnerships, it just didn’t make sense to work this way
How has creating (digital) partnerships with SMEs impacted your charity for good?
In the 5 years since we signed up to Work for Good we have raised almost £20k from SMEs – most of these are very small businesses or independent traders.
The value of working with small enterprises can’t be underestimated.
This has contributed towards equipping volunteers on beach cleans, providing learning sessions in schools, fighting for legislation against single use plastics, and so much more.
What are your three top tips for making the most out of creating unrestricted funding through Work for Good?
- Set a minimum annual donation for in-house agreements and stick with it! Work for Good isn’t just for micro sized businesses.
- Highlight the benefits to your prospects:
- flexibility of campaigns (donate for a day, a week, or a year)
- becoming part of a movement – small enterprises can make a big impact together
- more of their donation goes to where it’s needed thanks to the cost saved of making up bespoke agreements
3. Use the platform! Create campaigns to attract SMEs, use your events calendar, prospect list, and your socials, especially your personal LinkedIn. Eg Donate for Earth Day, Sustainable brands for Plastic Free July. And keep communicating with previous supporters to encourage repeat donations.
Would you recommend Work for Good to other charities wanting to raise funds through sales donations? If so, why?
If you’re finding yourself beyond capacity to look after lots of small relationships, then Work for Good is a must! It can take some time to grow, but stick with it!
Could you tell us a bit about your overall experience using Work for Good?
Givey has been very supportive since taking over the platform, providing assets and online training. The dashboard is very straightforward, it’s easy to find the information I need.
MCS’s journey with Work for Good illustrates the incredible potential of connecting with purpose-driven businesses who aligns with your cause. Through the platform, they’ve unlocked a new funding stream and deepened their connection with businesses both in their local area and beyond.
If you’re a charity looking to diversify your fundraising or a business eager to make a difference, let their success be your inspiration. Together, we can create a world where every sale supports something greater.
Learn more about how Work for Good can help you achieve and strengthen your environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact.
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