Many businesses are approached multiple times per year to donate products, services or cash to support various causes. Schools, PTOs, non-profits, religious organizations, scouts etc are looking for help from the business community. Civic-minded businesses are interested in helping, but are confused about how to proceed. Companies would like to assist while also creating a positive marketing and branding opportunity.
Here are some guidelines to use in the decision making process.
1. Set a percentage of sales, profits or a fixed amount available to donate to worthy organizations.
2. Determine if you will donate cash, goods, services or a combination thereof.
3. Create a written policy governing your approach.
4. Designate which personnel are authorized to offer donations to organizations.
5. Document what types of organizations with which you will and will not get involved.
6. Draft wording you would like used as attribution for your donation.
7. Create a plan for what organizations you will proactively contact about making donations.
8. Create a plan to generate positive word of mouth and publicity for your contributions to the organizations.
9. Consult with your accountant about your policies, procedures and documentation to ensure the tax deductibility of your donations.
10. Require a written request on organization letterhead to help authenticate the validity of the request.
The Takeaway
Businesses should always be seeking positive marketing and branding opportunities. One great opportunity is through making donations to non-profit and charitable organizations.
Those are the guidelines. Over to you. Please comment below.
1. Do you make charitable contributions?
2. Do you have a written policy?
3. Have you received additional revenue or positive PR from your donations?
