Role of CSR and Sustainability Strategy in Strengthening For-Profit and Non-Profit Partnerships in Slovenia Amid COVID-19 and Economic Crises

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crises uncovered deep vulnerabilities in social, economic, and institutional systems across the world. In this context, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability strategies emerged as strategic tools for resilience and collaboration overcoming the crisis. This study examines the role of CSR and sustainability-oriented approaches in strengthening partnerships between for-profit and non-profit organizations in Slovenia during periods of crisis. Focusing on the various cross-sector collaborations formed or adapted during crises in the context of COVID and other events, the research explores how organizations mobilized resources, shared knowledge, and co-created social value to respond to urgent community needs. Using a qualitative method based on interviews the study identifies the various CSR and Sustainability strategies that companies and NPO/NGOs in Slovenia have adopted to combat the impact of pandemic and subsequent crises in society. Particular attention is given to how sustainability-driven innovative strategies enable longer-term, trust-based partnerships for achieving better organizational outcomes and provide recommendations for companies and NPO/NGOs moving forward. Findings indicate that organizations with embedded CSR and sustainability practices were better positioned to pivot from transactional relationships to strategic alliances with non-profits. These partnerships enhanced crisis response capacity and contributed to economic and social resilience to various crisis situations. Moreover, the crises acted as a catalyst for redefining value creation, shifting the focus from compliance management toward shared impact and collaboration.