In 2016, corporations gave $18.55 billion to charity, a 3.5 percent increase from the previous years. While there is no doubt that communities benefit from this generosity, according to rigorous research, corporate giving also affects how employees feel about their jobs, their company, and themselves. While charitable giving is rarely the centerpiece of an organization's culture, organizing and promoting charitable events usually results in significantly increased levels of engagement. When asked if their organization had a clear purpose, 62 percent of respondents to a recent study answered “yes” if their organization didn’t organize charitable events. That figure jumped to 84 percent for companies that sponsored multiple events. Additionally, these events can create a strong sense of tradition, improving an organization's overall culture. Strong cultures create more engaged employees, because they believe their work has a purpose. Research has also shown charity helps workers feel happier and more connected to their company, with 57 percent of respondents to the same survey indicating charitable events made for happier teams. The data are clear—charitable giving is a win-win for any company.