In a context where associations are constantly looking for resources to strengthen their impact and effectiveness, Skill sponsorship presents itself as a valuable support. This system allows companies to make “their employees available on their working hours for missions for the benefit of associations. It is a unique opportunity to transform associations' projects and maximize their effectiveness.

In this article, discover in detail what skills sponsorship is and how it allows associations to strengthen their impact.

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What is skills sponsorship?

Skills sponsorship is one of the components of corporate sponsorship. This system consists in making donations, materials, financial or... working time for actions of general interest.

In return for this donation, the sponsoring company can benefit from a tax reduction equal to 60% of the amount paid up to a limit of 0.5% of turnover excluding taxes.

Skills sponsorship in associations corresponds to the provision of employees during working time for the benefit of a project of general interest, whether the mission is one-off (not requiring specific expertise, often associated with volunteering) or skills (missions that require specific business expertise).

This type of sponsorship can take two legal forms, that of a provision of services or that of a free labor loan.

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Why do skills sponsorship in associations?

The advantages of skills sponsorship for businesses

On the business side, this system offers a multitude of opportunities for all stakeholders:

• For management : by putting employees at the heart of the company's transformation, the employer brand will be valued.
• For HR : skills sponsorship is a lever for individualizing the management of career paths. It makes it possible to reinforce the attractiveness of the company (interns, juniors, Graduates), retain its talents and has a high potential to support transitions and manage the age pyramid.
• And for managers : skills sponsorship allows their teams to develop new skills such as agility, flexibility, entrepreneurial spirit, empathy...

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The benefits of skills sponsorship for associations

On the side of associations, the impact of a well-implemented system is extremely significant.

The possibility of free access to skills (professional or other) through skills sponsorship strengthens their ability to carry out their projects successfully.

Benefiting from the know-how of experienced people allows them to move forward more quickly on their priority needs, as well as to professionalize the organization (structure contribution, process, digital transformation, etc.).

This system also builds the loyalty of employees, who are then likely to become long-term volunteers.

Finally, it promotes the creation of sustainable partnerships between associations and businesses.

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What are the different forms of skills sponsorship?

Missions can be strategic or operational, ad hoc or regular, depending on the specific needs of the association and the engagement formats available in partner companies. Skill sponsorship can take the form of very diverse actions such as:

• One-off volunteering lasting a few hours, which does not require any particular skills: marauds, calls to isolated people, distribution of meals, etc.
• Mentoring including regular support: helping to return to work, learning French for refugees, etc.
• The sharing of professional skills: accounting, HR, communication, etc.
• Solidarity team-building in teams: treasure hunts, urban walks, unsold food, activities co-animated by homeless people, etc.

Also to read:
10 examples of skills sponsorship missions to carry out with your company
Senior skills sponsorship: an opportunity for the end of a supportive career

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What needs do associations meet with skills sponsorship?

Skill sponsorship brings numerous advantages to associations and meets varied needs. It can contribute to the improvement of internal management, to the development of specific projects, to the implementation of new technologies, or to the training of the association's teams.

However, depending on the desired skills sponsorship format, employees are not required to provide specific business expertise to associations. They can participate in missions such as collecting or sorting materials, distributing meals or gardening activities.

By benefiting from the professional or operational skills of employees, associations can optimize their operation and increase their impact on the ground.

For example, The APF France Handicap aims to break the isolation of people with disabilities and help them reintegrate. Employees will be able to monitor the professional reintegration of the person they will support.

Likewise, The Food Banks aim to collect as much food as possible, in particular to save them from waste and redistribute them to millions of people in precarious situations in France.

On the occasion of their annual national collection, employees can mobilize by participating in the collection, sorting and preparation of food orders.

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What types of companies practice skills sponsorship?

Many companies, of all sizes and from various sectors, practice skills sponsorship in associations.

Among the large companies that have implemented it, we find for example Generali, crossroad or The La Poste Group, who are committed via Komeet.

However, many medium-sized companies, as well as SMEs and VSEs, also practice skills sponsorship.

These different structures consider this device as a way to create links with the associative world. It also allows them to commit to societal causes while valuing their employees.

Komeet's solutions facilitate connections between companies and associations. By offering increased visibility to the activities of associations, the Komeet platform facilitates, at the same time, the management of volunteer employee registrations.

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Testimonies and feedback

Encouraging involved employees to share their experience and feelings can be useful on several levels. These testimonies can be used to:

• Valuing the company's commitment: show the positive impact of skills sponsorship on the motivation and personal development of employees.
• Strengthen your employer brand : use testimonials to illustrate your CSR commitment and attract talent.
• Improving the program: feedback is valuable for adjusting and improving future collaborations around skills sponsorship.

Skill sponsorship represents an exceptional opportunity for associations ofaccess material and human resources without incurring any additional financial costs. In this way, they can develop and increase their impact. Skill sponsorship can become a powerful lever to enhance the value of your business.

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Contact the Komeet teams and get support for your skills sponsorship project

Learn more

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