​Every year, we plan employee retreats and opportunities to give back for employees of companies all over the country. Giveback activities are a great way to foster coworker connection while supporting local nonprofits and community organizations.
 
Philanthropic activities like assembling hygiene kits, filling backpacks with school supplies, or volunteering at a food bank or building homes can give a traditional company retreat a long-lasting impact.
 
Below is a list of 15 employee giveback activities that can occupy 30 minutes or an entire day.
 
What are giveback activities for employee retreats?
Giveback activities are team-building experiences that allow employees to contribute time, skills, donations, or resources to a nonprofit or community organization.
​
Unlike traditional team-building exercises, philanthropic activities give employees a shared goal that extends beyond the company. Teams can collaborate on a hands-on project, volunteer together, or create items that will directly benefit people, animals, or organizations in their community.
​
Sometimes, it’s a chance to get out of the office and volunteer in your own community. Other times, it’s part of a larger employee retreat that can involve travel and overnight stays.

15 Employee Retreat Giveback Ideas
 
1. Assemble hygiene kits
Hygiene kits are a practical, hands-on project that works particularly well for corporate retreats. Many nonprofits use these regularly, including childcare facilities, foster care agencies, domestic violence shelters, and homeless shelters.
Depending on the nonprofit's needs, employees can assemble kits containing:

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap or body wash
• Deodorant
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• Socks
• Feminine hygiene products
• Tissues
• Small snacks

Divide employees into small groups to compete to see who can complete the most kits accurately. You can even divide the competition into smaller challenges, like greatest accuracy, fastest assembly, and most kits assembled.
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Grace Upon Grace Project, Justice Necessary, Weld Elves, Gift of Love

2. Create pet adoption kits
Partner with an animal shelter or rescue organization to assemble "welcome home" kits for newly adopted pets, or kits with necessities for animals that have just arrived at the shelter.
Possible supplies include:

• Pet food
• Treats
• Toys
• Leashes or collars
• Food and water bowls
• Blankets
• Waste bags
• Grooming supplies

This could be combined with another activity such as the no-sew fleece blankets project below (#4).
Colorado nonprofit with this need: NOCO Humane

3. Assemble school supply backpacks
School supply drives can become an interactive team-building activity when employees work together to assemble complete backpacks for students in need.
Depending on the grade level, supplies might include notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, calculators, and other requested classroom materials.
Team-building idea: Give each group a checklist and have them work together to prepare a specific number of complete backpacks. See if your employees can beat their own record year-over-year.
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Hope House Colorado, WellPower

4. Make no-sew fleece blankets
No-sew blankets are an easy philanthropic activity for groups that want something hands-on but don't have extensive crafting experience.
Employees work in pairs or small groups to cut and tie fleece blankets that can be donated to local organizations such as animal shelters, homeless shelters, hospitals, senior organizations, and foster-care programs.
Colorado nonprofit with this need: Project Linus, NOCO Humane, UCLive (UCHealth)

5. Assemble care packages for seniors
Create care packages that brighten the days of older adults in your community.
Possible items include:

• Cozy socks
• Puzzle books
• Tea or coffee
• Snacks
• Lotion
• Small games
• Books or magazines
• Handwritten cards

Bonus: Add a handwritten note to make this activity more meaningful for both volunteer and recipient.
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Samaritan House Fort Collins (Catholic Charities of Denver), Gift of Love

6. Volunteer at a community garden
For an outdoor excursion, consider partnering with a community garden, school garden, or other local organization.
Your team could assemble gardening kits containing seeds, gloves, hand tools, and plant markers, or volunteer directly by planting, weeding, mulching, or preparing garden beds.
Colorado nonprofit with this need: The Family Center/La Familia

​7. Spend the day at an animal shelter
Give your team a chance to step away from the office and make a difference for animals in need by spending the day volunteering at a local animal shelter. Depending on the shelter's needs and volunteer requirements, your team might help clean kennels, prepare food, organize donations, create enrichment activities, assist with adoption events, or spend time socializing animals.
 
Working together on hands-on tasks encourages communication and collaboration while giving employees the rewarding experience of directly supporting their community. For a retreat, consider partnering with a local shelter in advance to arrange a group volunteer day tailored to your team's size and the organization's current needs.
 
Colorado nonprofit with this need: NOCO Humane, Animal Friends Alliance
 
8. Donation drive
Instead of simply asking employees to bring donations, build the donation drive into your retreat.
Choose a local nonprofit's current wish list and divide employees into teams. Give each team a category of needed items and challenge them to collect or purchase the supplies.
You can add an additional component by giving teams a hypothetical budget and asking them to determine how they can provide the greatest number of requested items. Or, combine this activity with a kit-building challenge to sort and package donations.
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Outdoor Lab Foundation, Bee’s Blessing Box, Homeward Alliance, Colorado Health Network, The Family Center/La Familia

9. Assemble disaster relief kits
Help your team prepare supplies that can be distributed during emergencies.
Depending on your nonprofit partner's needs, kits might contain emergency food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, blankets, hygiene products, or other essential items.
Work with an established relief organization before planning this project. Organizations can identify which supplies are genuinely needed and help prevent unnecessary or unusable donations.
Colorado nonprofit with this need: Kynd Kits – Project Helping

10. Write meaningful cards
Card-writing is an inexpensive and low-lift but meaningful activity for an employee retreat.
Employees can write encouraging messages for people served by local organizations, including:

• Seniors
• Veterans
• Children
• Hospital patients
• Foster youth
• Teachers
• First responders
• People experiencing homelessness

Provide a few prompts for employees who aren't sure what to write. Encourage employees to be authentic and personal.
Colorado organizations with this need: Caring Cards (Volunteers of America Northern Colorado), UCLive (UCHealth), Craig Hospital
11. Volunteer at a food bank or food delivery service
 
Turn your employee retreat into a hands-on opportunity to fight hunger in your community. Teams can spend a few hours sorting and packing food at a food bank, preparing meals in a community kitchen, or delivering nutritious meals directly to people who need them.
 
These activities are especially effective for team building because employees work side by side toward a tangible goal while seeing the impact of their work firsthand.
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Project Angel Heart, Food Bank of the Rockies, Gift of Love, Food Bank for Larimer County, FoCo Cafe, Meals on Wheels of Fort Collins, Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud, Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County, Vindeket Foods, Salvation Army Fort Collins
 
12. Visit a senior care facility
 Give employees the opportunity to make a personal connection by spending time with older adults at a senior living or care community. Organize a game afternoon, lead an arts-and-crafts activity, play music, read together, help with a seasonal celebration, or simply sit and visit with residents.
 
These activities can be especially meaningful for seniors who experience social isolation, while giving employees a chance to practice conversation, empathy, and connection.
 
Colorado organizations with this need: Holly Creek, Clermont Park, The Argyle, The Haven, Rocky Mountain PACE, Volunteers of America Northern Colorado, A Little Help Northern Colorado

13. Create care/comfort packages
Give your employees a hands-on way to show care by assembling comfort packages for people going through challenging circumstances. Teams can work together to fill reusable bags or boxes with practical necessities, snacks, personal-care items, cozy accessories, activities, and handwritten notes.
 
This type of project is easy to customize for a particular community need and can be completed at your retreat venue, making it a convenient team-building activity. Several Colorado nonprofits have specific care-package or kit-building programs, so your team can build around an organization's actual needs rather than collecting donations that may not be useful.
 
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Make Mental Health Matter, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Caring Embrace, Family Promise of Colorado Springs, Samaritan House Fort Collins, United Way of Weld County
 
14. Clean up a park or natural area
Turn your employee retreat into an outdoor service project by helping clean up and care for a local park, trail, or natural area. Depending on the organization's needs, employees might pick up litter, remove weeds, spread mulch, plant native species, or help with other maintenance projects.
For a team-building challenge, divide employees into small groups and see which team can collect the most litter or complete the most designated tasks. Be sure to coordinate with the organization beforehand so your team has the appropriate supplies, permits, and instructions.
Colorado organizations with this need: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, City of Fort Collins Parks

15. Volunteer to build or repair homes
Give employees the opportunity to work together on a hands-on project that helps create safe, affordable housing. Depending on the organization and project, employees may help with construction, painting, landscaping, home repairs, preparing building materials, or other tasks.
Construction experience is not required. Most organizations provide volunteers with the tools and instruction they need. For larger companies, a sponsored build day can combine volunteering with a financial contribution to the organization's mission.
Colorado organizations with this need: Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado
How do you choose a giveback or teambuilding activity for a corporate retreat?
 
The best activities will depend on:

• Group size
• Retreat location
• Time available for the activity
• Budget
• Weather
• Employee interests
• Nonprofit needs

 
The best philanthropic activity is one that provides something the nonprofit can genuinely use.
 
Why include philanthropy in a teambuilding event or employee retreat?
Philanthropic team-building activities give employees an opportunity to collaborate around a purpose beyond their normal workplace responsibilities.
A well-designed activity encourages:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Relationship building
• Community involvement

It also gives employees a shared experience and memory after the retreat ends.
Looking for creative ways to incorporate philanthropy into your next employee retreat? BIG DEAL Company can help you design an experience that brings your team together while creating meaningful community impact.

Employee Retreat Giveback FAQ
What are good volunteer activities for a corporate retreat?
Good corporate retreat volunteer activities include assembling hygiene kits, packing food, building school supply backpacks, creating care packages, cleaning up parks, volunteering at animal shelters, working in community gardens, and sorting donations for local nonprofits.

What are some easy charity projects for a company retreat?
Easy charity projects include card-writing campaigns, hygiene-kit assembly, school supply kits, birthday kits, children's activity kits, senior care packages, and no-sew fleece blankets. These projects require relatively little specialized training and can often be completed at the retreat venue.

How can team building and philanthropy be combined?
Team building and philanthropy can be combined by giving employees a shared community-focused project that requires communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Kit-building challenges, group volunteer projects, donation drives, and hands-on service projects are examples.

What can employees make for a nonprofit?
Employees can make or assemble hygiene kits, school supply backpacks, birthday kits, children's activity kits, care packages, emergency kits, pet adoption kits, comfort kits, gardening kits, and no-sew blankets. The specific project should be based on the nonprofit's current needs and donation policies.

How much does a corporate volunteer activity cost?
​The cost of a corporate volunteer activity varies widely. Some activities, such as volunteering at a nonprofit or writing cards, may require little more than employee time and transportation. Other projects require a budget for donated supplies, kits, food, transportation, or venue logistics – all things that our BIG DEAL team can help with.

​In today’s fast-moving business world, showing genuine gratitude to your clients or team members isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s a smart move. Research shows that employees who feel recognized are 60% more likely to go above and beyond. Companies with strong recognition programs also see 31% less voluntary turnover. For clients, even a 5% increase in customer retention can raise profits by 25% to 95%, and feeling valued is a key reason they stay loyal. Simply put, small acts of appreciation can lead to big gains in morale, loyalty, and performance.

​1. Handwritten Notes
A simple, heartfelt note goes a long way. Taking a few minutes to write a personal message shows that you genuinely value someone. This is one of the most personal and time-consuming ways to show gratitude, but that extra effort makes it incredibly meaningful. It’s old-school, thoughtful, and memorable.

2. Social Media Shout-Outs
Give someone a public thank you on your company’s social media pages. Highlighting a staff member’s hard work or a client’s loyalty can help them feel noticed and appreciated, and it doesn’t cost anything.

3. Treats and Snacks
Everyone loves a surprise snack. Bringing in donuts, cookies, or even a small basket of healthy treats for your team or clients shows you care about their day.

4. Personalized E-Cards
E-cards are budget-friendly and can be customized with a fun message, GIF, or photo. They’re especially perfect for remote teams or clients you can’t visit in person.
​
5. Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge birthdays, work anniversaries, or client partnership milestones. A quick email, small cake, or shout-out at a meeting goes a long way in making someone feel appreciated.

6. Offer Extra Time Off
Even a half-day or a “leave early” Friday can be a wonderful way to say thank you. It shows respect for their time and work-life balance.

7. DIY Gifts
Handmade or personalized gifts can be simple and inexpensive. Think homemade cookies, a framed photo, or a hand-painted thank-you card. Thoughtfulness beats cost every time.

8. Share Knowledge
Want to wow your clients or team without spending a dime? Share what you know! Whether it’s a clever tip, a helpful resource, or insider advice, giving someone a little nugget of knowledge shows you care about their success. At Big Deal Company, this is one of our specialties. We love helping clients and teams level up with practical strategies and insider insights.

9. Create a Gratitude Wall
Designate a space where team members can leave notes of appreciation for one another. It’s a fun, interactive way to keep gratitude visible all year long.
​
10. Spotlight Stories
Everyone loves to be noticed, and sharing someone’s story is a powerful way to show appreciation. Highlighting staff achievements or client successes in newsletters, social media, or even team meetings not only makes them feel valued but also inspires others. It’s a simple way to celebrate wins, big or small, and create a culture of recognition. We know that telling these stories can turn everyday accomplishments into memorable moments. When you shine a light on people, you build stronger connections, foster loyalty, and show that you genuinely care about the people who make your business thrive.
 
Gratitude does not have to come with a hefty price tag. The key is thoughtfulness, personalization, and consistency. Small gestures, when done with care, can create a ripple effect of positivity. When employees feel appreciated, they are more engaged, motivated, and likely to stay with your company longer. Clients who feel valued are more loyal, more likely to refer others, and more open to long-term partnerships. Even something as simple as a handwritten note, a shout-out, or a small token of appreciation can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and improve overall business performance. Remember, showing gratitude is an investment in people, and the returns can be enormous, going far beyond money.

​7 Ways to Leverage Cause Marketing For Your Business
In today’s socially conscious marketplace, brand values matter more than ever to your customers and clients. Cause marketing, which ties your brand to a social or environmental cause, not only enhances your corporate image but also promotes customer loyalty and engagement. At BIG DEAL Company, we believe in the power of purpose-driven events and marketing strategies.
 
Here are 7 tips to effectively leverage cause marketing for your business:
 
Choose a Cause That Resonates with Your Brand
 
The first step in successful cause marketing is to choose a cause that aligns with your brand’s mission and values. Ideally, your customers should see a natural connection between your business and the cause you’re supporting. For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, partnering with a health-related nonprofit would be a strong fit, while a mortgage lender might partner with a housing charity.

Partner with Nonprofits
 
Forming a true partnership with a nonprofit (or a few) provides credibility and mutual increased marketing reach, allowing you to tap into the nonprofit’s existing audience while they tap into yours. Nurturing a deeper connection with just a few organizations gives you the opportunity to learn about how you can make the biggest difference for them, and this involvement can also be featured in your marketing to promote your business.
 
Incorporate Your Cause into Events
 
Events offer a powerful platform to highlight your cause marketing efforts. Whether it’s through charity fundraisers, awareness campaigns, or volunteer-driven activities, make the cause a central theme of your event. This not only raises awareness but also engages attendees in a meaningful way, bringing you opportunities for more business.
 
Engage Your Employees
 
Encourage employee participation in your cause marketing initiatives. This could be through volunteer programs, donation matching, or company-sponsored charity events. We’ve seen clients partner with a nonprofit to have their employees volunteer for a full day during work hours, while being paid their usual work salary by the company. Employee engagement strengthens your company culture, demonstrates your commitment to the cause, and provides word-of-mouth marketing.
***HOT TIP: You can download the BizWest GIVING GUIDE to research contact information for non-profits you are interested in supporting.
 

Offer Donation Matching
 
Incentivize your customers to donate by offering to match their contributions. For example, you could match every dollar donated by your customers up to a certain amount. This not only encourages more donations but also shows that your business is committed to making a significant community impact, not just improving your bottom line. (Example: United Way's Workplace Giving)
 
Use Social Media
 
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word about your cause marketing efforts. Share stories, updates, and results across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Tag nonprofits you support to promote their cause and boost engagement for your content. Cross-post the latest news from your nonprofit partners’ page – many will return the favor.
 
Measure and Share Your Success
 
Finally, it’s crucial to measure the success of your cause marketing campaigns and share the results with your audience. Whether it’s the amount of money raised, the number of lives impacted, or the growth in customer engagement, transparency builds trust and encourages continued support. Feature these numbers on your social media, your company website, at company events (both internal and public-facing) and anywhere else you advertise.

***HOT TIP: United Way of Larimer County has a 211 tip service that lists out all non-profits by services they offer: 211 TIPS
 
Cause marketing is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful strategy that can elevate your brand while making a meaningful difference in the world. At BIG DEAL Company, we’re here to help you craft events and marketing strategies that drive both social impact and business success.
 
If you need help planning your next cause-driven event or campaign, contact us to learn how we can support your vision.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

​At Big Deal Company, we are dedicated to bringing “Joy to the Job”. We believe that enhancing employee engagement and cultivating a strong company culture through events and team-building activities are crucial for both inspiring joy and overall success. A thriving workplace should be built on a foundation of engaged employees who are passionate about their work and connected to their colleagues. 

We’ve pulled together a list of actionable strategies to help your business create a strong and thriving culture of success:
 
Foster Open Communication
Best practices include encouraging open communication channels within your entire organization. Make sure to regularly solicit feedback from your employees and create opportunities where they can share their thoughts freely.
ACTION ITEM: Implement regular “town hall” meetings, Q&A sessions, and anonymous suggestion boxes to ensure that every voice is being heard.
 
Recognize and Reward Achievements
​Recognition can be a powerful motivator. Celebrate both individual and team success to boost morale and encourage a culture of appreciation.
ACTION ITEM: Establish an employee recognition program with monthly awards, public acknowledgments, and tangible rewards like gift cards or extra days off.
At Big Deal Company, we’ve implemented our own system of recognition with monthly “Woot, Woots” for exemplary work, “BIG Brags” on social media, and our yearly “Biggie Awards” (think Dundee’s from The Office).

Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
A healthy work-life balance is crucial for employee well-being. Ensure your policies support employees in balancing their professional and personal lives.
ACTION ITEM: Offer flexible working hours, and remote work options, and promote the use of vacation days to help employees refresh and recharge.
 
Invest in Professional Development
Providing opportunities for growth shows employees that you value their long-term commitment and success.
ACTION ITEM: Create a professional development program that includes workshops, online courses, and mentoring opportunities.
 
Organize Engaging Events and Team-Building Activities
Fun and carefully thought out events and team-building activities are excellent ways to foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
At Big Deal Company, we gather together as a team, every quarter. We call it Big Deal Bites & Beverages. It’s a fun, and informal way to stay connected.
ACTION ITEM: Plan regular team outings, workshops, and socials! Consider activities like escape rooms, cooking classes, or volunteer days that require teamwork and collaboration.

Create and Build a Positive Work Environment
If your team works on-site, creating a positive work environment can greatly impact employee satisfaction and increase productivity.
ACTION ITEM: Enhance the physical workspace with comfortable furniture, calming lighting, plants, and art. Encourage a culture of kindness and support through team-building exercises and positive reinforcement.
 
Encourage Employee Involvement in Decision-Making
Involving your employees in both large and small decisions will increase their investment in the company’s success. People feel valued when they are heard.
ACTION ITEM: Form committees and focus groups where employees can contribute to company decisions. Actively include them in important strategic planning work.
 
Support Health and Wellness Programs              
Investing in health and wellness programs and gym discounts show your employees that you care about their overall well-being.
ACTION ITEM: Investigate discounted gym memberships for your team. Offer free
Mental health days, and workshops on stress management and healthy living.
 
Enhance Onboarding and Orientation Programs
Strong onboarding programs can set the ton for a new employee. They help them integrate smoothly into company culture and sets them up for success!
ACTION ITEM: Develop a comprehensive and thorough onboarding process that includes mentorships, detailed training, and a robust welcome from the entire team.
 
Technology is Engagement’s Friend!
There are so many tools, apps, and programs out there! Use technology to keep employees connected, especially in remote or hybrid work settings.
ACTION ITEM: Utilize tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana to facilitate consistent communication and keep up on project tasks.

Boosting employee engagement and building a strong company culture requires a plan and a multi-channel approach. By modeling and utilizing these action items for fostering open communication, recognizing achievements, professional development, organizing engaging events, and more, you can create a workplace where employees thrive and feel valued.
 
At Big Deal Company, we’re committed to helping organizations achieve these goals through expert-led events and team building activities. Let’s work together to create an environment where your employees can shine!
 
For more insights and tailored solutions, feel free to contact us at Big Deal Company. Let’s make every workday an engaging and fulfilling experience!