Recently, we wrote a post detailing Reasons Giving Back Is Good for Business; today, we want to share some tips on selecting a cause for your business to support.
Research, Research, Research
With the Internet at our fingertips, there’s no excuse not to do your research properly. Websites like GuideStar, LoveToKnow, and GiveWell regularly publish updated lists that are a great place to start. Once you’ve zeroed in on a few to choose from, research each charity individually; it’s a good sign when they have an updated website.
Use a Consultant
Don’t have time to do your own research? Consider hiring a Charity Consultant. This is a great choice especially if you’re planning a charity event on a large scale. See the CCS Fundraising website, or visit the International Fundraising Consultancy, which has an international network of partner agencies in countries around the world.
Suit Your Charity to Your Mission Statement
It’s always a good idea to choose a charity suitable to the goals of your business. For example, if you run a food business, a charity related to world hunger such as Feeding America or Action Against Hunger would be a good choice. Does your business mostly service women?
Go Local
Consider choosing a local charity. Doing so can drum up more interest in your community, and more enthusiasm among your employees.
Allow Your Employees to Choose
And speaking of your employees, you can choose to give them their choice of charity to support. One way would be to create a shortlist of different charities dealing with different issues, instead of selecting just one.
Finally, remember that every penny counts. As AIDS Rides founder Dan Pallota says, “Even if you are giving $25, you are still a philanthropist”.
Originally posted on September 22, 2014 @ 4:59 pm