The blog:
ESG for Environmental, Social, and Governance

What’s ESG all about?

If you’re looking for funding for your USE-IT map or any other impactful project, here’s something you should know about: ESG. Short for Environmental, Social, and Governance, ESG is all about measuring what companies are doing for the planet, their communities, and their ethical practices. These days, big businesses are under pressure to do better—and the EU is rolling out some rules to make sure they walk the talk.

Here’s the deal: the EU is making ESG reporting mandatory for lots of companies. Starting in 2025, large companies based in the EU will need to show their work on ESG if they hit certain requirements. And by 2027, this will apply to smaller companies, too. This is all about getting businesses to be more responsible, and the EU is serious about it.

So, how does that help you? This ESG push could be a way for your USE-IT project to connect with local businesses that need partners to boost their community impact. Here’s what you need to know:

How can ESG help to fund your project?

  1. New partnerships and funding opportunities
    Companies are actively looking for ways to improve their ESG scores, because the scores may influence their position on a stock market. This push made by legislation means the companies will be more open to supporting projects that show they care about social impact, environmental issues, and community engagement. Your non-profit could be just what they’re looking for to make a real difference.
  2. Helping companies get involved in the community
    People (aka consumers) care a lot about what companies are doing for society. Around 60% of consumers expect the brands they support to have a position on social issues. For companies, that means aligning with causes that matter to people—like the projects you’re working on. If your non-profit focuses for example on sustainability (and we know USE-IT is all about sustainable tourism) now is a great time to reach out to local businesses and show them how working with you could boost their reputation and make a positive impact.

Offer your expertise
Many businesses have no idea where to start when it comes to ESG. This is where you can shine! If your team has experience with social, or community-focused projects, you can position your non-profit as a trusted partner to help them navigate these new ESG requirements. You can offer advice, help them implement impactful programs, and build long-term partnerships that can benefit both sides. It’s a chance to gain more funding and expand your reach while helping companies meet their ESG goals.

Final thoughts

ESG is more than just a trend—it’s changing how businesses operate and creating new opportunities for non-profits. For you, it could mean more than just funding; it’s a way to connect with local companies that care about making a difference. By tapping into ESG, you can not only support your projects financially but also help shape a future where businesses and non-profits work together for good. So why not start reaching out to businesses in your area? ESG might just be the key to bringing in more support for the causes you care about!

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