Corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams are experiencing an expanded role within organizations, according to a new survey by the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) in collaboration with YourCause from Blackbaud. The study, which surveyed 135 companies, found that 72% of CSR teams reported increased responsibilities in 2025—a continuation of the same trend seen in 2024.
This expanded scope is yielding positive outcomes for CSR professionals, including greater internal visibility (62%), enhanced career growth opportunities (43%), and improved team engagement (41%). As businesses navigate heightened scrutiny on social impact, CSR leaders are being positioned as key players in shaping long-term strategies that strengthen brand reputation, improve recruitment, and ultimately drive profitability.
Andrea Wood, President and CEO of ACCP, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that CSR professionals are “experiencing a deeper recognition of the link between social impact and business success.”
The annual survey, conducted since 2020, offers insights into emerging trends across corporate social impact, from community investments and employee volunteerism to the growing influence of technology. One of the most notable developments is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into CSR operations. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of teams now use AI, up from 53% in 2024, with 64% reporting productivity gains compared to just 15% the previous year.
The survey also revealed a strong alignment between CSR initiatives and corporate objectives. Two of the top three issue areas receiving investment include job training and workforce development (43%) and K-12 education (43%). Companies are also prioritizing community revitalization (36%) and STEM education (35%).
At the same time, CSR teams are increasingly expected to quantify their impact. More than half (51%) of respondents reported being asked to tie their initiatives directly to business outcomes—an indication that organizations are looking for measurable returns on social impact investments.
Budget trends remain stable or show modest growth, particularly in areas tied to employee engagement, which saw the largest increase at 36%, followed by slight growth in foundation budgets (34%).
Andrew J. Troup, Head of Giving and Engagement at Blackbaud, noted that CSR is becoming “more strategic, visible, and valued across organizations.” He added that the use of AI and data-driven approaches is empowering CSR professionals to lead effectively and align social programs with core business goals.
