Corporate Social Responsibility as defined by Wikepedia:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), also known as corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, responsible business, sustainable responsible business (SRB), or corporate social performance,[1] is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. Ideally, CSR policy would function as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby business would monitor and ensure their adherence to law, ethical standards, and international norms. Business would embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. Furthermore, business would proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of legality. Essentially, CSR is the deliberate inclusion of public interest into corporate decision-making, and the honoring of a triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit.

As Wikipedia says, “the practice of CSR is subject to much debate and criticism. Proponents argue that there is a strong business case for CSR, in that corporations benefit in multiple ways by operating with a perspective broader and longer than their own immediate, short-term profits. Critics argue that CSR distracts from the fundamental economic role of businesses; others argue that it is nothing more than superficial window-dressing; others argue that it is an attempt to pre-empt the role of governments as a watchdog over powerful multinational corporations.”

It would seem that CSR is only intended for the multi million dollar corporations. Those making enough money to be able to afford to give back to the community and thus boost their PR and prevent the governments of their operating countries, from having to implement laws in ensuring they operate not to the detriment of the society and environment in which they operate. Weather or not this is so, I believe the Freelance Creative professional has an opportunity to exercise CSR with the use of Non Profit Organizations. Just like the large corporations, we can reap the benefits of CSR even though it is on a smaller scale.

We at GemGfx have adopted a policy of offering our high quality design services to Religious Organizations, Youth Clubs, Environmental Groups and other Non-Profit organizations with the intent of giving back to our community and using the process to get an unlimited amount of exposure and marketing.

The Benefits of CSR for the Freelancer:

Unlimited Public Relations:

By offering your creative services to non profit orgainzations, you have the opportunity to have your work put on display and recognized by many other organizations who support the non-profits. Most non profit organizations operate on sponsorship from large corporate entities or other business owners. When you as a freelancer, designs a flyer or an ad or a promotional website, your work will be put on display before these very individuals of these high profile corporations and you never know the question might be asked. “Who did the artwork for this production?”. You will have the opportunity to gain advertising that you ordinarily would have had to pay a fortune for.

Basically the more non-profit work you do, means the more advertising you get. A point should be made here, that the freelancer is responsible to put the same effort into the non profit job as he would the paying project. We at GemGfx make a point to exercise the same level of quality control, design expertise, and the highest level of professionalism on the jobs we do for non profits. We at GemGfx understands, that our work represents us, where ever it appears and must always be of the best quality. You cannot do a poor job just because your are not being payed in cash. The payment from the non profit project will return in contacts, and referrals.

Building Your Portfolio

I read in a post on Freelance Folder that doing work for non profits is an excellent way to build your portfolio. This is especially important for designers now starting out and have a shortage of clients. For the established freelancer, it is still an opportunity to further advance your skill set by giving yourself a new challenge. The non profit organizations offer a greater deal of freedom in the creative process as apposed to a paying client. The non profits welcome the gesture so they allow the freelancer to create. This the reason again for maintaining your professionalism and quality. If it is to become part of your portfolio, it must be consistent with the rest of the work that is already there.

There is no shortage of non profits, so there is no shortage of work and your portfolio will grow to a decent size in no time.

Building Your Brand and Reputation

Depending on the level of service, and quality of work you deliver, the non profit organizations you work for can become excellent referrals to whom you can call upon when you need a recommendation. Again the non profits are usually well connect and respected, and a recommendation from one of them, is more valuable at times than one from a well known company.

After a while, your brand of work and name will become recognized as one of integrity and quality and will be sought after by others who wish to do business with such an individual. If you fail to give the best possible effort on the job this could work in the reverse, and your name will not be as good in the community.

Dangers of Working for Non Profits

There is only one major danger that is worth mentioning, and that is, to ensure that the organization you are working for is in fact a non-profit organization and not a corporation masquerading as such. You will be faced with the situation where , dishonest companies would present themselves, or an event they are promoting under the non profit banner. When in fact they are going to be making a profit on the event or company and simply do not want to pay for the service. So it would be wise to do some checking of the organizations credentials before proceeding with a project.

In conclusion, we at GemGfx have embraced the CSR concept and are offering our services FREE and at discounted rates to all valid non profit organizations. Feel free to drop us a line if you are such an organization and are in need of quality Graphic Design Services.

Till Next Time Everard J. McBain Jr.

CEO GemGfx.com