We all know that philanthropy is important. However, it is often
those activities that take place outside your office that make your
years in business some of the most memorable and important of your life.
Through philanthropy companies and professionals improve their bottom
line profits, performance and learn to set positive personal goals for
themselves and their business.
Guide To Choosing a Cause, Charity or Non-Profit:
Research
1. Clarify your own values.
Volunteer your time to get to know a specific organization.
2. Identify your preferences.
Ask yourself: "What is important to me?" Youth Sports? Health?
Children? Religion? The Environment? Heritage? Education? Hunger?
Elderly? Animal welfare? Helping sick children?
Where should the charity do its work—in your neighborhood, region, the nation, or internationally?
Ask yourself if you want to support a large or small charity, a new or an old one.
3. Find charities that meet your criteria.
4. Focus on the mission.
Look at each charity's description.
Find the non-profits that fit best with your values.
5. Eliminate organizations that don't meet your criteria.
Now you're ready to look more closely at these organizations.
Evaluate
Verify a charity's legitimacy:
Is the charity registered with the IRS or has a proof/ status as
legitimate nonprofit that meet the IRS criteria for tax-exempt
organizations. You can see at a glance if your contribution will be
deductible;
Ask to see its letter of determination;
If the organization is faith based, ask the denomination.
7. Get the cold, hard facts. A reputable organization will:
Define its mission and programs clearly;
Have measurable goals;
Use concrete criteria to describe its achievements.
8. Compare apples to apples.
Be sure to compare charities that do the same kind of work, especially if you're looking at their finances;
The type of work a charity does can affect its operating costs dramatically.
9. Avoid charities that won't share information or pressure you.
Reputable charities and nonprofits: Will discuss their programs
and finances. Don't use pressure tactics. Are willing to send you
literature about their work or direct you to a Web site. Will take "no"
for an answer.
10. Trust your instincts.
If you still have doubts about a charity, don't work with the organization or contribute to it;
Instead, find another nonprofit that does the same kind of work and with which you feel comfortable, then make your decision.
Cause-Related Partnership Programs
Cause-related partnership program can be a great advantage to non-profits and their membership. Making
good choices in working with a knowledgeable cause-related partner or specialized expert can increase how non-profits benefit
and prosper from their efforts.
Partner Benefits:
It is a two-way partnership deal in which everyone wins;
It adds value to your corporate image;
It is aimed at building your sales volume;
It is easy to implement and execute;
It is a well-designed marketing tool – ideal for achieving high exposure;
It provides a creative approach to reach new, exploding and highly profitable markets;
You can communicate in a very personal manner to a wide range of cause-related consumers;
It increases your sales volume, positive image and builds valuable relationships;
It is a fast growing and can be highly profitable market segment;
It is a wise investment. The return on investment is contingent
upon the trans-national, profitable and expanding markets – as well as
highly motivated, focused, loyal, affluent and repeat clientele;
Cause-related partnership has the potential to ensure competitive
advantage, long-term growth, new revenues, value added services and
high profits.
