How to Build Lasting Relationships that Propel Your Business and Elevate Your Community

As business leaders, our role in the community extends beyond charitable acts—it’s a strategic initiative that strengthens both our businesses and the communities we serve. Building meaningful community partnerships is not just about doing good; it’s about doing it strategically to foster deeper relationships, enhance your brand, and make a lasting difference. But where do you start? How do you build authentic connections that benefit both your company and the wider community? Here’s a roadmap for creating partnerships that drive real change.

Start from Within: Engage Your Team for Lasting Impact

In grade school, we were all taught Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—an essential framework for understanding human motivations. What always stood out to me was how love and belonging were positioned just above self-worth and personal growth. At the time, it seemed counterintuitive. Today, after living through the COVID-19 pandemic, I understand Maslow’s theory more deeply than ever. Now, more than ever, we need connection, belonging, and shared purpose.

Encourage diverse leadership roles.

Some team members may thrive in hands-on volunteering, while others may prefer serving in advisory roles, such as joining nonprofit boards or contributing to strategic committees. Give your employees the flexibility to engage in ways that match their strengths and passions.

Empower your team to lead.

The most impactful partnerships begin with genuine passion and alignment. When employees are invested in a cause, they carry that enthusiasm into the community, driving a ripple effect that creates broader change. Encourage your team members to take ownership of the causes they care about—it’s not just about supporting a cause, but truly believing in it.

Leverage existing relationships.

Tap into causes and organizations your employees, clients, and network already support. Authentic partnerships are built on these existing connections, and they often have more staying power because they’re rooted in shared values.

Encourage diverse leadership roles.

At Evensky & Katz / Foldes, we take this to heart. One of our advisors serves as Board Chair for the Coral Gables Community Foundation, demonstrating our firm’s deep commitment to local philanthropy. In addition to providing financial guidance to individuals and families, we support initiatives that foster financial literacy, ensuring that our expertise creates lasting value in the communities we serve.

Align with Your Audience: Drive Collective Impact

Effective partnerships are grounded in shared missions. To foster true collaboration, it’s crucial that the work you do with your community partners is aligned with your company’s purpose.

Prioritize local impact. Focus on initiatives that make a tangible difference in the community where your business operates. Not only does this deepen your connection with the community, but it also strengthens your brand’s reputation as a trusted, engaged business.
Seek mission alignment. If your business specializes in financial planning for retirees or supporting women entrepreneurs, align with organizations that share this mission. It’s a win-win when both parties are working toward the same goal.
Become a true ally. Focus on partnering with organizations in industries where you have both insight and passion. At Evensky & Katz / Foldes, we support Legal Services of Greater Miami because we understand the unique needs of the legal community through the relationships we’ve built over the years. By choosing to get involved in causes that resonate with your knowledge and values, you make a real difference while strengthening connections to the work that matters most.

At Evensky & Katz / Foldes, we are committed to more than just client service—we actively collaborate with local organizations to provide educational workshops on retirement planning and investment strategies. We believe in equipping individuals with the tools they need to secure their financial futures, no matter their background.

Build Credibility Through Long-Term Commitment

Sustained engagement is what separates transactional donations from truly impactful community involvement. Partnerships rooted in trust, credibility, and consistent engagement have the power to create real, long-lasting change.

Vet potential partners. Ensure that the organizations you partner with have a proven track record and financial integrity. A solid partnership starts with shared values and a commitment to transparency. Tools like Charity Navigator can help you assess where your work will drive the most impact.
Lead by example. Genuine commitment shows through action. I’ve had the privilege of serving as the first chairman of the capital campaign to build the Friendship Circle of Miami’s new 20,000 sq. ft. campus. I was also honored to chair their inaugural walkathon 16 years ago, helping create a lasting tradition that continues to bring the community together. Their mission to support individuals with special needs, provide respite for families, and empower teens deeply resonates with me. As leaders, serving on nonprofit boards, volunteering, and engaging with community leaders demonstrates our investment—not just in words but through tangible contributions. A leadership team with diverse passions can inspire the next generation of leaders in your firm.
Offer strategic support. Going beyond financial contributions, offer your specialized knowledge and business acumen. Many organizations benefit from expert financial advice, resource management, and strategic guidance that helps them grow and sustain their impact.

At our firm, we’ve seen firsthand how long-term engagement yields meaningful results. Our involvement with the Coral Gables Community Foundation is a testament to our ongoing commitment. It’s not just about making a donation; it’s about offering leadership, knowledge, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves and get involved for the long haul.

Go Beyond Financial Contributions: Use Your Expertise to Drive Real Change

The most meaningful partnerships don’t just revolve around money—they leverage your business’s unique skills and resources to drive tangible, transformative change.

Provide specialized expertise. Financial professionals, for example, can help nonprofits manage funds more effectively, or provide advice on investments and financial strategies. Every business has something valuable to contribute.
Host educational initiatives. Offering workshops or seminars that teach essential life skills, such as personal finance, budgeting, or retirement planning, can have a profound impact on the community. By sharing your expertise, you empower others to make more informed decisions.
Create donor-advised funds. A donor-advised fund allows for long-term strategic giving, while also encouraging employees and clients to get involved. It’s a way to build a sustainable giving strategy that grows over time, amplifying the impact of your company’s philanthropic efforts.

The Bottom Line: Relationships are the Foundation of Real Impact

Community engagement is not about transactions; it’s about building deep, authentic relationships that foster long-term change. By aligning your business with causes that reflect your values, you create a stronger brand, foster lasting connections, and leave a legacy of positive impact in the community.

Start with a clear mission, stay engaged for the long haul, and focus on partnerships that truly resonate with your team and your community. The right collaborations will not only enhance your business’s reputation—they will transform your company into a powerful force for positive change.

Ready to grow your RIA with intentionality?