Volunteerism among small businesses

Most chief executives of small businesses in the United States believe their companies have an obligation to meet the needs of their communities rather than just leave it to the government and nonprofit organizations, according to a national survey of nearly 1,200 small businesses.

But although most small firms believe corporations are responding to the need for increased private-sector support of nonprofit groups, few encourage employees to volunteer and even fewer have increased or are planning to increase their present levels of support, according to the report.

On the other hand, the vast majority of CEOs of smaller businesses report that as individuals they are involved in volunteerism of the same type that business has supported for several decades.

The survey, just completed by the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, highlighted small-business commitment to community involvement.