RSM US LLP, a leading audit, tax, and consulting firm, has formed a strategic partnership with Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte to foster an environment for community engagement among their employees. Michele Juliana, Principal in the Business Applications practice and Nonprofit and Education Industry Leader at RSM, and, an SVP Board Member, shares insights into the partnership, its benefits, and its positive influence on RSM’s culture.
A Partnership Begins: Michele Juliana and SVP:
“My role at RSM focuses on nonprofit clients, but I also wanted to understand the nonprofit landscape in Charlotte, learn what the issues are, and explore what we could be doing differently,” Michele Juliana explained. As a result of her role and personal interest, Michele attended a Foundation For The Carolinas event where she met Kristin Winkle Beck, SVP’s Executive Director. “Learning about SVP’s mission and approach, I was immediately drawn to the organization’s focus on connecting individuals and businesses with local nonprofits.”
Inspired by the concept, Michele proposed the idea of a corporate partnership with RSM. Recognizing the potential benefits of increased community engagement and skills-based volunteering, RSM enthusiastically embraced the opportunity. “The partnership aimed to provide RSM employees with opportunities to become more involved in the community, learn about local issues, and develop board leadership skills,” Michele explained.
RSM and SVP Charlotte have collaborated on several initiatives, including board training and skills-based volunteer opportunities. The company also hosts panel discussions on education, hunger, and healthcare, each featuring speakers from SVP’s partner nonprofits.
“The partnership has provided employees with opportunities for professional development, enhanced their understanding of community issues, and strengthened their connections with local nonprofits,” Michele said. “Additionally, the partnership has fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among RSM employees, as they work together to make a difference.”
Empowering Employees: RSM’s Community Engagement Initiatives:
Specifically, RSM employees and partners have become involved with SVP partner organizations such as Feeding Charlotte, GardHouse, Families Forward Charlotte, and HeartMath Tutoring. Several have joined their boards, became SEED20 coaches, and joined SVP Investee Teams and Spark Team projects. SVP has even impacted some of RSM’s longstanding initiatives that predate the corporate partnership.
The “Power of Love” program, which started in 2010, encourages RSM employees to volunteer their time, resources, and donations to support one local nonprofit each September through November. Last year’s honoree, Feeding Charlotte, received $15,000 in donations and over 200 volunteer hours. This year’s honoree, Families Forward Charlotte, is primed to match those numbers and possibly surpass them.
Michele has also seen tremendous growth and connection among staff who are actively engaged in these projects. “They’ve gotten involved on a much more hands-on level. By receiving training and skills development around board involvement, they’ve broadened their own internal networks and honed new skills. They’ve also become more connected to the community and more engaged with each other.” Michele also shared that working with SVP has helped her get to know employees she wouldn’t get to work with otherwise. She went on to emphasize that “the people that have taken advantage of these opportunities love it. They’ve been really enthusiastic.”
Encouraging Other Companies: Why Become a Corporate Partner with SVP:
Michele believes that other companies should consider becoming corporate partners with SVP. “It’s a great match for companies looking to expand their connections within the nonprofit community, engage in newer, upcoming, innovative nonprofits, and provide employees with opportunities to learn how to be great partners with nonprofits,” she said.
Through her experience as a corporate partner, Michele has learned the importance of ongoing engagement and personal connection. “You have to inspire employees to become personally invested in the causes they support and to provide them with meaningful opportunities to make a difference.”
The partnership between RSM and SVP Charlotte is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. Their ongoing relationship has strengthened RSM’s corporate culture by providing meaningful service opportunities for its employees while supporting the critical work of Charlotte’s most innovative nonprofits.
Are you or your company interested in sharing your expertise to support nonprofits? If so, please contact Kristin.
