Donating to a Cause

Today is our annual Rock 'n' Bowl event which is our main fundraiser for Schuyler County's Relay For Life.  My husband is the official captain of our team, Ten Pin Mafia, but I do lend a hand on organizing this event.  We always include a Chinese Auction as an additional fundraiser at this event.  Seeking donations from local businesses may seem like a daunting feat but it really does benefit your organization and it can benefit local businesses as well.

One part of owning my own business that I like is being able to use my business as a vessel to benefit my community.  From a business stand point this is referenced as 'cause marketing.'  Associating your business with worthwhile causes can improve your community image, be a wise tax deduction, and give you a new outlook on your business.  This can be done in several ways.

• Consider sponsoring a local youth sports team, its great exposure if your business fits that market audience and the kids really wouldn't have the opportunity to have local teams without sponsors. 
• Check in with your local advertising representatives,  many times they offer sponsorship opportunities to help absorb the cost of spreading a message.  If you are reading this locally check with Hi Lites, Schuyler County's Free Community Paper,  we often do special promotions like this,  most recently we supported the Girl Scouts by doing a colorful page to celebrate their anniversary.    
• Donate to local charities or fundraising events for organizations or individuals who are facing staggering medical bills or other living expenses such as from the loss of their home due to fire.  

Key tips for Donating   

Gift Certificates are a fantastic way to donate to a cause.  Depending on your industry you will find that only 50% of gift certificates are actually redeemed before they expire.  There is a decent chance to gain exposure without actually incurring the cost of a product or service.  Of course the ultimate goal of a gift certificate is to get someone to try out your business and possible gain a new customer.  To entice people to redeem your gift certificate and increase your first impression put a little sample of your product with the gift certificate. One of my favorite parts of my business is that I can leave extra samples of Sprinkles from Pink Zebra attached to my business card with my donation and gain exposure.  No matter what your business is always include additional business cards and don't be afraid to make that a stipulation of your donation. 

Gift Baskets are a wonderful way to showcase your product.  Be sure to include either an offer for a free item that can be redeemed by contacting you or a coupon for a percentage off their first purchase with you.  This will improve chances of developing a relationship with a new customer.  

Set limits.  Bottom line businesses can only occur so many expenses and a donation is technically and expense though a wise one.  Use a request form to help keep your records straight and to verify that you are donating to legitimate causes.  As with all aspects of your business, set a goal of how many donations you will make each month or quarter.  

As an organizer of events, I have some tips that will increase your chances of success in gaining donations for an event you are planning or a cause you are raising money for.  When approaching local businesses for donations keep in mind that communities often reach out to them for help.  It is simply impossible to donate to every worthy cause but the following tips can help increase your odds of success.  

• When contacting businesses, be prepared with information about your event or cause.  Many times you won't be able to reach key decision makers at a business but being courteous to their staff and leaving information with contact information will increase your chances of obtaining a donation.  
• Expand your search off the beaten path.  Many people seeking donations simply hit the easy targets on the main drag in your community.  These businesses are likely tapped out, so seek business with more out of the way locations that need the exposure. 
• Follow up.  It may take more than one visit to a business to get a donation.  Business owners do need to look at their budgets to be sure they can accommodate you.  If you don't get an immediate call back don't take that as a no,  follow up with them.  

Key Tips to Show your Appreciation for your Donors

Once you've received donations from local businesses show your appreciation.  Display their baskets or gift certificates nicely at events and give them credit for them.  Many businesses will give you business cards and/or samples to put near their display if they don't ask be sure to offer.  This builds your network and will improve your chances of getting additional donations for your next event.  

If you are using social media to promote your event,  give them a shout out on it!  If you are using print advertising or posters to promote your event give them a line mention.  Express your gratitude for their support. 

Send a thank you note after the event.  Some businesses like to display these and many business owners will be curious about the event turn out.  

I live in a small community that constantly offers each other support.  It really does give me a great sense of achievement to participate in fundraising as both an event organizer and as a local business person.  As you can see,  with a little be of foresight you can make these partnerships beneficial to both parties.  

Schuyler County Rocks and Cancer Sucks!  I'm happy to be part of today's event!  We've got two more big events coming with Paint the Town Purple on April 26th and Relay For Life on June 6th.  To learn more about Relay For Life or to get involved visit their website Relay For Life or for resources to help cope with cancer and treatment visit American Cancer Society.