As a small-business owner, you care about the community where your FedEx Authorized ShipCenter^® (FASC) is located and want to help it thrive. We get it: FedEx is dedicated to helping the communities where we operate around the world too.

Through FedEx Cares, our community engagement program, we focus on in-kind shipping, helping FedEx team members volunteer their time and expertise for good causes, and charitable giving across the globe. Alexandra Martin, a marketing advisor for FedEx Cares, says her job is a dream come true. “I get to help shape and change people’s lives every day, so each day is a good one,” she says. Her colleague Carol Guenther, who manages charitable giving in several U.S. markets, agrees: “I always say this is the part of the job that feeds my soul.”

We asked these pros at giving back for tips on how your FASC can do good in your community while helping your store be successful.

1. Find your sweet spot

Think about ways your capabilities and your community’s needs might intersect. “For FedEx Cares charitable investments and community engagement, the sweet spot is where our business expertise, a societal need, and business opportunity align,” Alexandra says. For an FASC, that might mean offering free or reduced-price shipping, printing, or other service you provide for local charities or nonprofits you want to support.

2. Keep it local

“Start with what’s important locally at your particular center and in your community,” Carol says. For example, in the Miami area, FedEx Cares does a lot with school supply and toy drives for children because there’s a great need for that there. And because Florida has a high population of older adults, a lot of FedEx Cares work there is focused on helping senior citizens. What are some of the biggest needs in your community?

3. Use your store as a hub for giving

As a retail location, your store’s space could be a great drop-off spot for donation drives for toys, school supplies, food, and other needs for people who could use a helping hand. Or let an organization you support host a fundraiser in your space. Either of these efforts has the added benefit of bringing in prospective customers and showing them you care about their community and are a good business to support. 

4. Involve your team

A big part of FedEx Cares is employee volunteerism. Consider inviting your team to volunteer at a local food bank or charity fundraiser as a way to give back to the community and a great team-building exercise, especially if it’s a cause they suggest. And encourage your employees to individually volunteer for the causes and organizations that are important to them. This can also help with employee morale and retention.

5. Get the word out

Social media is a great way to spread the word about how you’re helping your community while creating buzz around your store. Local news outlets love these kinds of stories and will often gladly promote your efforts, Carol says.

Learn more about FedEx Cares, and get inspired to give back to the community that supports your business.