What businesses are eligible to be featured?

Any business that gives back to the community regularly can be a part of our Impactful Local Business database. Make it Matter defines eligible businesses as businesses that support charitable causes through events/donations/volunteering (monthly, quarterly, etc.). Any businesses legally required to reinvest in their communities, will have disclaimers to help consumers understand the charitable landscapes in each industry. We do not feature businesses directly connected to religious organizations/nonprofits.

What are examples of ways that businesses in the database make an impact?

Make it Matter is willing to consider many different forms of community engagement. Some common examples are donating goods/services/money, winning awards from nonprofits, using locally sourced or handmade products, offering discounts for frontline workers, catering their business to a group who is generally not represented in their industry, and getting sustainable business certifications.

Why should businesses give back to the community?

Conscious consumers as a market are continuing to grow and they want to support local businesses that make an impact in their communities. Differentiating your business as a genuine contributor is an important way to stand out from your competitors and attract conscious consumers. In addition, volunteering with your company and working for an impactful company helps prevent burnout and build commitment to one’s employer.

What if I don’t see a business in my community that gives back?

We want to hear about it! Use this survey to share more information with the Make it Matter team so we can have the most comprehensive database as possible. Whether they donated a gift card for your nonprofit event or allowed you to feature your local businesses’ products in their shop, we want to know! We will follow up if the business you submitted does not meet our criteria for an impactful business.

What does it mean the * symbolize in the directory?

We want to highlight the businesses that are going ABOVE and BEYOND to support their community by having social impact core to their overall mission as a business. This applies specifically to B-Corporations, businesses run by nonprofits, or businesses that align very closely with a nonprofit or programming for an underserved population.

I am a business that wants to give back more, where do I start?

Amazing! There are so many nonprofits in need of your support! Reach out to local nonprofits to understand their needs and how you can help! Consider sponsoring an event or volunteering some goods or services. Not sure where to start or want to incorporate giving back on a more consitent basis? Check out our Outsourced Community Engagement tab to work with Make it Matter to get started!