Startups are including philanthropy in their DNA

By Bruce DeBoskey
The DeBoskey Group

Many entrepreneurs think of philanthropy as something to consider way off in the future when their businesses are mature and profitable. There is a better approach. Philanthropy works best when it is included in a company's business plan from the very start — when it is part of a company's actual DNA, growing and prospering over the years as the company itself grows and prospers.

Each month, more than 500,000 people create new businesses in the United States. Some founders dream that their ventures will become high-tech giants like Google or Facebook, while others pursue more modest goals. At the very least, they all hope to make a living. At the very best, they hope to strike it rich.

By inserting philanthropy into the very DNA of a startup, entrepreneurs make community engagement an organic part of the organization. This simple step enhances recruitment, productivity, sales and ultimately the bottom line. At the same time, it builds stronger and healthier communities in which to live and work.

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