Why Corporate Social Responsibility Matters: The Power of Partnering with buildOn

In today’s business landscape, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are no longer optional—they’re essential. Companies are increasingly recognizing that their long-term success is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the communities they serve and the world at large. This shift toward what experts call “social profit orientation” is revolutionizing how businesses approach their societal impact.

At buildOn, this aligns closely with our core purpose–to unite communities through service and education to ignite a more equitable future. Our partnerships with forward-thinking companies demonstrate that when businesses invest in education and community service, everyone benefits—the company, its employees, and society as a whole.

Recent research from St. John’s University and shared by The Chronicle of Philanthropy features buildOn and underscores the business benefits of a strong CSR strategy. Companies that embed social impact into their core mission often see improved employee satisfaction, enhanced brand reputation, and even long-term financial benefits. As an academic institution, St. John’s has experienced these benefits firsthand through their partnership with buildOn, as they have sent multiple groups of students and staff on Trek to build schools with us. 

How Corporations Can Support Positive Change with buildOn

With buildOn, companies can go beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to truly integrate social good into their business models. For corporations looking to make a deeper impact, partnering with buildOn offers several meaningful ways to drive change.

For example, Hilary Smith, NBCUniversal’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and buildOn Board Member recently shared in Fast Company that “It’s obvious that volunteering one’s time and expertise to help others benefits those on the receiving end.” In the article she also referenced a study that found “employees who participate in workplace volunteer programs are more likely than nonparticipants to express satisfaction with their jobs” and that “one of the best examples of the positive impact that volunteering has on volunteers is the program at buildOn.”

One of these impactful and popular programs is school building, where corporations sponsor the construction of one or more schools in an economically-developing country, providing communities with vital access to education. This can be done either through our Trek program, where employees physically travel to countries to help build schools, or simply by sponsoring the construction financially. This kind of partnership not only transforms lives but also allows companies to make a measurable difference in global literacy and education.

In the United States, we offer corporate teams the opportunity to learn from and serve alongside buildOn students who participate in our Service Learning Program where they gain leadership skills,, understand the importance of community engagement, and develop a love of service. By backing these efforts, companies invest in the next generation of leaders and changemakers in their own backyards.

On serving with buildOn students: “It makes you think about what you can do differently. It will change you and how you think about leadership. It’s amazing.” –Dominic Barton / Managing Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company

We also provide unique opportunities for employee engagement through our immersive service programs. These experiences allow corporate partners to involve their staff directly in our mission. Employees work alongside buildOn students for multiple days or just an afternoon, getting to know one another and improving their communities together. In doing so, they’ll build deeper connections with their colleagues as they come together to serve in solidarity.

These are only a few of the many ways corporations can partner with buildOn to make a difference. Some others include sponsoring buildOn events and starting cause partnerships. Whatever your company’s size and priorities, there’s something you can do.  

United for Social Good

By collaborating with buildOn in these ways, companies can transcend traditional corporate social responsibility efforts. Instead, they can truly embed social impact into their organizational DNA, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

If your company is interested in exploring partnership opportunities with buildOn, please visit our corporate partnerships page to learn more. To get started, contact Vice President of Development Aled Hollingworth at aled.hollingworth@buildon.org.