What’s the best way to ask a company for community
Quote from Community Member on 9 December 2025, 3:34 pmDisclaimer: This post is a demonstration of our ‘Collaborative Conversations’ Forum. The information provided is based on examples of conversations our experts have had.
What’s the best way to approach a company to get funding for a local youth mental health initiative? They’ve got a Community Benefit Fund, but I don’t know how they decide.
Disclaimer: This post is a demonstration of our ‘Collaborative Conversations’ Forum. The information provided is based on examples of conversations our experts have had.
What’s the best way to approach a company to get funding for a local youth mental health initiative? They’ve got a Community Benefit Fund, but I don’t know how they decide.
Quote from Expert on 9 December 2025, 3:34 pmIt’s great that you’re thinking about alignment before applying. Here’s how to strengthen your ask:
- Link it to the company’s social impact area: Does the company’s presence affect youth mental health (e.g. workforce influx, family separation, stress on services)? If yes, you’re in scope.
- Show evidence: Local stats, testimonials, or service waiting lists can support your case.
- Offer shared value: Make the case for how your initiative benefits the broader community and enhances the company’s social licence to operate.
We’ve reviewed many Community Benefit Schemes (CBS) and Community Development Funds (CDFs), and the strongest proposals are community-led, evidence-backed, and framed around impact, not just goodwill.
Would you like a one-page template to help you shape your pitch?
It’s great that you’re thinking about alignment before applying. Here’s how to strengthen your ask:
- Link it to the company’s social impact area: Does the company’s presence affect youth mental health (e.g. workforce influx, family separation, stress on services)? If yes, you’re in scope.
- Show evidence: Local stats, testimonials, or service waiting lists can support your case.
- Offer shared value: Make the case for how your initiative benefits the broader community and enhances the company’s social licence to operate.
We’ve reviewed many Community Benefit Schemes (CBS) and Community Development Funds (CDFs), and the strongest proposals are community-led, evidence-backed, and framed around impact, not just goodwill.
Would you like a one-page template to help you shape your pitch?
Quote from Community Member on 9 December 2025, 3:35 pmYes please, and can you clarify what you mean by “social licence”?
Yes please, and can you clarify what you mean by “social licence”?
Quote from Expert on 9 December 2025, 3:35 pmSure! A social licence to operate isn’t a formal permit—it’s the ongoing acceptance and approval from the local community and stakeholders. If a company loses trust, they risk opposition, delays, or even project cancellation.
So, when you show that your initiative addresses a community impact that matters to local people, you’re not just asking for money—you’re helping them maintain their social licence.
Sure! A social licence to operate isn’t a formal permit—it’s the ongoing acceptance and approval from the local community and stakeholders. If a company loses trust, they risk opposition, delays, or even project cancellation.
So, when you show that your initiative addresses a community impact that matters to local people, you’re not just asking for money—you’re helping them maintain their social licence.