What Makes a Business Want to Back a Good Cause?
When charities and community organisations approach businesses for support, the conversation often begins with what they need. Funding, resources, professional expertise or perhaps somebody willing to help deliver a project. But have you ever stopped to consider what makes a business decide which good causes it wants to support?
At The Great British Charity Conference on Tuesday 10 November, Sam Greaves, owner and Managing Director of Cleenol, will be sharing the view from the other side of the table.
His session, What Makes a Business Want to Back a Good Cause?, will explore what motivates businesses to support charities, what makes an organisation stand out and how the private and third sectors can develop stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Understanding What Businesses Are Looking For
For charities and CICs seeking corporate support, understanding the motivations of potential business partners can make a real difference.
Sam will explore why Cleenol chooses to support charitable causes, what businesses consider when deciding who to work with and how organisations can present themselves as potential partners.
The discussion will also look beyond financial donations. Business support can take many forms, from sharing skills and knowledge to creating opportunities, providing resources and developing relationships that benefit both organisations over time.
For charities hoping to build sustainable corporate partnerships, understanding the priorities and perspectives of businesses is an important starting point.
About Sam Greaves
Sam is the owner and Managing Director of Cleenol, a major UK manufacturer of professional cleaning and hygiene chemicals and a certified B Corp.
Alongside Cleenol's charitable activities, community outreach and work-experience programmes, Sam has also launched The Sun Fund, a pledge designed to bring local businesses together to create opportunities for the next generation.
The initiative focuses on areas including scholarships, work experience, funding and improving access to opportunities.
Sam's conference session will draw on his experience of combining business, community support and social responsibility, providing charities with a perspective they may not often have the opportunity to hear directly.
Building Better Relationships Between Business and Charity
One of the important conversations facing the third sector is how charities and businesses can work together more effectively.
Businesses and charities may approach partnerships from different perspectives, but that does not mean their ambitions cannot align.
Understanding what motivates a business, communicating the value of your organisation's work and building relationships based on shared interests can help create partnerships that go beyond one-off donations.
Sam's session will explore those opportunities and offer practical insight for organisations looking to strengthen their approach to corporate relationships.
Join Us at The Great British Charity Conference
Sam Greaves will be speaking at The Great British Charity Conference, taking place on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at Cast, Doncaster.
The conference will bring together charities, CICs, funders, businesses, public-sector organisations and sector leaders for a full day of speakers, workshops, networking and practical conversations about the future of the third sector.
Standard tickets cost £30 per person, including lunch and refreshments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will Sam Greaves speak about at The Great British Charity Conference?
Sam will explore why businesses choose to support good causes, what they look for in potential charity partners and how relationships between business and the third sector can become more meaningful and sustainable.
Who is Sam Greaves?
Sam is the owner and Managing Director of Cleenol, a UK manufacturer of professional cleaning and hygiene chemicals and a certified B Corp.
What is The Sun Fund?
The Sun Fund is a pledge launched by Sam Greaves to bring local businesses together to create opportunities for the next generation through scholarships, work experience, funding and access to opportunities.
When and where can I hear Sam Greaves speak?
Sam is a main speaker at The Great British Charity Conference on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at Cast in Doncaster. Standard tickets cost £30 and include lunch and refreshments.
