Public Relations

Community Relations and Philanthropy

For many companies fostering good relations with key audiences includes building strong relationships with their regional community.  Companies implement programs supportive of the community ranging from supporting local organizations and institutions (e.g., arts organizations, community activities, parks) to conducting educational workshops (e.g., for teachers, parents) to donating product for community events and charitable fundraisers.  The goal is generally to develop a positive relationship with members of the community (i.e., be known as a good neighbor).  Effective community relations can help a company weather bad publicity or a crisis situation that can unexpectedly arise due to a problem with a product, unethical behavior by management, or even by false rumors.  Some companies also make an effort to contribute to charitable organizations, often organizations that have some relationship to the company’s mission or to a key principal of the company.