Strengthening Community Ties: How Your Pub, Restaurant or Café Can Support Local Charities

Running a successful pub, café or restaurant isn't just about great food and drink, it’s also about being a valued part of your local community. 

One meaningful way to achieve this is by linking up with local charities. 

Whether it’s an OAP social club, a food bank, a mental health project or an animal rescue, supporting local causes can build goodwill, attract new customers, and create lasting positive change.

Here’s how your hospitality business can connect with charities and make a real difference:

1. Choose a Cause That Resonates Locally

Start by identifying charities that are active in your area. Some options include:

OAP clubs and community centres

Pet rescue centres and animal shelters

Homeless outreach charities or food banks

Youth mentoring or after-school clubs

Local hospice or mental health organisations

Choose a cause that aligns with your business values or is close to your heart, and don’t be afraid to ask your regulars for suggestions.

2. Host Fundraising Events

One of the easiest ways to support a local charity is by hosting an event. This could be:

A charity quiz night with entry fees donated

A coffee morning with cakes made by volunteers

A themed dinner or afternoon tea fundraiser

A pet-friendly open day in partnership with a local animal shelter

Promote the event through your social media, posters and word of mouth to maximise attendance.

3. Offer Your Venue as a Meeting Space

Many smaller charities struggle to find accessible, welcoming spaces to host meetings or social groups. Offering your space during quieter hours (for free or at a discount) can help charities while gently boosting your daytime footfall.

Examples include:

OAP lunch clubs

Volunteer training sessions

Pet adoption meet-and-greets

Community craft or knit-and-natter groups

4. Donate Surplus Food or Supplies

If your kitchen occasionally has excess food or supplies, consider donating them to local food banks, shelters or animal charities. Make sure the items are still safe to use and check with the charity about what they can accept.

This is a sustainable way to reduce waste and help those in need.

5. Run a Loyalty Scheme That Gives Back

Incentivise your customers to support your cause with a charity-linked loyalty scheme. For example:

Every 10th coffee = £1 donation to a local charity

Monthly “charity pints” or “charity meals” where a portion of the profit goes to a chosen organisation

Let your customers vote on the charity each month to keep them involved and engaged.

6. Sponsor a Local Charity Event

If you don’t have time to run your own events, consider sponsoring a community fun run, dog show, summer fete or raffle. Offer a prize, help with refreshments, or set up a food stall.

Sponsorship helps raise your profile while showing genuine support for the people who live and work around you.

7. Team Up for Volunteering Days

Encourage your team to volunteer at a local charity and document the experience. Whether it’s walking dogs at a rescue centre or helping out at a food bank, this builds staff morale and shows your business is about more than just profit.

You could even organise a staff charity day once or twice a year.

8. Promote the Charity in Your Premises

Offer charities a space on your noticeboard, in your menus or near your till to raise awareness. You can help them publicise fundraising campaigns, donation needs, or upcoming events.

Go one step further by adding a donation box or QR code for digital giving.

Final Thoughts

Working with local charities isn’t just good for your community, it’s good for your business. Customers appreciate businesses that care, and this kind of local involvement fosters loyalty, word-of-mouth promotion, and a real sense of belonging.

So whether you run a tiny café or a busy pub, there’s always something you can do to give back to your community.