Should your Company Donate?
In recent years, there has been an increase in the amount of money that corporations have donated to charity. Giving USA reports corporate giving reached $14.1 billion in 2009 up 5.5% from the previous year.
Whether it is to provide funds to the Red Cross which helps global victims affected by major catastrophes such as the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, or to donate jerseys to a local baseball team, all indicators are up that companies are becoming more involved in giving back.
Why Should You Donate?
There are many reasons why you would donate. Typically companies give because they feel a social responsibility to do so. They want to help a cause that they support. Donating often increases company morale, and improves staff perception towards their company. Often companies require their staff to volunteer their time at charity events, which increases the staff support for the event as well.
Then there is the advantage of increased publicity and advertising. Depending on the event, you may receive signage, advertising and PR as part of your sponsorship package. This may open up new advertising markets by getting exposure from a different group of recipients. There may also be the opportunity to donate promotional items that will either be handed out or sold at the event. This is often a great way to sponsor an event, as you will be providing the charity with assets that they are in need of, and you will receive brand awareness through the message placed on the item.
In some instances, it is not possible to provide items, nor to receive advertising in return. Typically this happens when corporations donate cash to a large charity. The benefits to doing so? Aside from the philanthropic reasons, there are tax deductions that come with such a donation. Charities always need money, and companies can benefit from the charitable donation write-offs.
Here’s How You Can Help
There are many ways you can donate to a charity. Cash is always needed. You can donate corporate money, either donating a percentage of your annual revenue, or choosing a set amount. You can also fundraise within the company, possibly organizing a “Matching Program”. For every dollar raised by employees, the company will match it. Corporations can donate “Gifts in Kind” which means providing items that are required by the charity. Another option is to donate “Staff Time” or provide volunteers to work at the event. Sponsorship is a valuable way to participate, after donating money or items, your company typically gets a huge mention on their website and other marketing materials.
Often companies that nurture a culture of philanthropy are more profitable.
At Level 2 Sportswear, we are proud to work with a local group that is providing aid to a cause in Africa. In Ethiopia, clean water is extremely difficult to access, with children having to walk hours every day to collect water for their families. RUN FOR WATER is a charity that uses its funds to find ways to bring water directly into the villages which will eliminate the need for these daily treks into potentially dangerous areas searching for water. To learn more, view Kilometre 17 PDF. This year’s event is on September 8th and we are honoured to be a part of it.
Run For Water Video
Please take a moment to consider how your company can give back. Determine which charity is a good fit for your business. Work with one that has similar beliefs and values as your business. Plan to make donations on a consistent basis, whether monthly or annually. A company that gives to others just may find that they see a return from their donation. And down the line, someone will definitely benefit from your generosity.
Where do you go when you need special, unique and creative promotional items? The team at Level 2 Sportswear is waiting for you. We will work with you to source the perfect promotional product, trade show giveaway, corporate gift, or to develop a safety and service award program that your employees are sure to love.
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