Ask a CSR Friend: Sunsetting CSR Programs and Partnerships

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Dear CSR Friend,

Our new CEO has been on the job for about a year and has started to ask questions about the company’s community partnerships and focus areas. I know companies have had to end partnerships or phase out programs due to leadership changes or budget shifts and new priorities. I want to make sure that if this ever happens during my tenure, we handle it the right way—without hurting relationships or leaving nonprofit partners in a tough spot. What’s the best way to communicate and transition out of a partnership responsibly while keeping trust and goodwill intact?

Signed,

Prognosticating in Providence

Dear Prognosticating,

In corporate social impact, change is inevitable. Programs evolve, priorities shift, and budgets fluctuate. At times, companies must make the difficult decision to sunset a CSR initiative or end a long-standing community partnership. While necessary for strategic alignment, these transitions can be fraught with anxiety—especially when nonprofits have built programming, staffing and resource allocation around corporate support.

A poorly handled exit can damage relationships, erode trust and leave nonprofits scrambling to fill the void—like ghosting your best friend at her engagement party before your toast, but with MUCH higher stakes. When done thoughtfully, sunsetting a CSR program can maintain goodwill, support nonprofit sustainability and uphold your company’s reputation. Here’s my advice on getting it right, which starts long before your hopefully graceful exit:

Set Up the Partnership for Success (Begin with the Potential End in Mind)

A responsible sunset starts at the beginning. When forming partnerships:

• Be honest about your goals along with the reality that corporate strategies evolve. Leadership changes, business priorities shift and budgets tighten.
• Establish sustainability measures. Encourage nonprofits to diversify funding sources so they don’t become overly dependent on your support. A simple way to support your nonprofit partners at any point in your relationship is to leverage your social capital and introduce them to other possible funders.
• Build in periodic check-ins. Regularly reassess if the partnership still aligns with both parties’ goals.

Be Transparent and Communicate Early

Nonprofits rely on consistent funding and volunteer support, so surprises aren’t fun (or ethical). If a change is on the horizon:

• Start the conversation early. Aim for at least 6-12 months’ notice to give nonprofits a long enough runway to adjust.
• Frame the decision strategically. It’s about shifting focus, not a lack of appreciation or value.
• Keep communication open. One conversation isn’t enough—stay engaged throughout the transition.

Provide Transition Support Where Possible

A responsible sunset isn’t a hard stop—it’s a transition. Where feasible:

• Step-down strategy: Decrease your funding year-over-year for a set period of time to help ease the adjustment.
• Bridge funding: Consider a one-time grant to facilitate the transition.
• Capacity-building resources: Connect nonprofits with other funders, share fundraising tips or offer pro-bono consulting.
• Employee transition support: If employees have been heavily involved, help them find new engagement opportunities.

Acknowledge and Honor the Partnership

Whether a partnership lasted one year or a decade, recognize the impact achieved together:

• Offer public acknowledgment (blog post, press release, social media appreciation, joint statement) that highlights key milestones and successes.
• Express gratitude in internal and external communications to reinforce the value of the partnership.
• Provide guidance to employees: Employees often form strong bonds with nonprofit partners. Abruptly ending a program without guidance can lead to frustration and potentially disengagement. Communicate changes clearly and frame them as part of the company’s evolving strategy. Offer them alternative ways to engage, whether through personal volunteering and VTO, matching gifts or workplace giving campaigns. Employees may ask about the old program or partner for years—anticipate this and be ready with clear, consistent messaging.

Conduct a Thoughtful Exit Review

Before finalizing the transition, take a step back and ask your team the following questions. Consider engaging partners in this discussion where appropriate to inform future strategies.

• What worked well in the partnership?
• What challenges led to the decision to sunset?
• How can future programs and partnerships be designed with sustainability in mind?

Keep the Door Open for Future Collaboration

Ending a program today doesn’t mean closing the door forever:

• Maintain relationships with key nonprofit leaders.
• If the partner or program is still aligned with corporate focus areas, explore different ways to engage, like skills-based volunteering or advocacy.
• Periodically check in to see how the organization is faring post-transition.

How a company exits a CSR program or partnership says just as much about its values as how it enters one. A graceful, responsible exit reinforces trust, safeguards corporate reputation and demonstrates a genuine commitment to community impact—beyond just financial contributions. After all, a responsible sunset isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about making sure the good work continues, with or without you.

Until next time,

Your CSR Friend

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