Clear policy, internal training, and strong controls are hallmarks of good corporate citizenship governance.

It may seem easy to write a check to a charitable organization. But it’s another thing entirely to write that check after following a standardized due diligence process, doing all the right things, in the right order, with risk management as a driver.

Additionally, clear guidelines promoted on an employer’s website with an understandable application process helps to manage community expectations, ensure more relevant applications for funding, and provide community organizations with a sense for timing. It also helps employees understand the process so they can be good ambassadors with community organizations.