It's a fact: Socially responsible corporations are successful

There is also compelling local evidence that the community notices and approves of what businesses are doing philanthropically.

Since "Eye on Australia" (a survey of consumer attitudes, commissioned by Grey Advertising and conducted by Sweeney Research) began asking Australians which company they trust the most, Australia Post has consistently scored highly. Consumers see Australia Post as a company that puts people before profits.

Is it a coincidence that Australia Post is also an enthusiastic financial supporter of community projects?

A report on this research in BRW said: "Consumers want to see more examples of companies giving back to the community at a local level. They see this happening with companies such as Australia Post, but perceive most big companies as being preoccupied with making profits."

Partnerships in the community with environmental, educational and arts organisations are investments with real business returns. So even focusing purely on why it's good for business, "business philanthropy" is clearly justified.

All the benefits to the community flowing from this support could be seen as just a byproduct of doing what's good for business, if you want to take the line that business is somehow separate from the community in which it operates.

But business does not operate in a vacuum, nor can we expect government to provide all the funding for the community programs we need to be a civil society.

If it's adding to shareholder value, and it's enriching the community, there can be no convincing argument against business philanthropy.