Even with the economy the way it is, it's still possible to incorporate social causes into your business plan. Some people may view charity as something only large corporations or successful companies can get involved in, however, the sooner you include charity into your business the sooner you can benefit from it.
There are both short and long term benefits that occur when some type of charitable program is incorporated into business operations. These include customer and employee loyalty, competitive differentiation, improved public relations, and an overall perception of social responsibility.
Types of Giving
When starting a business, it may be difficult to give a significant portion of revenues to charity, but it is always possible to give something. If incorporated into the sale price of each item or service from the start, managing small donations will be much easier in the long-term. Businesses can donate a fixed per-unit rate or a percentage of revenues or profits to charity on a regular basis, say monthly or yearly.
You may also consider a product or service donation instead. A like-for-like contribution can be made whenever you make a sale. For example, whenever a t-shirt is sold, you might donate a shirt to a homeless person. You might also donate your product to be used in a fundraiser event, incorporating it into an auction or yard-sale.
Who Do You Give to?
The organization you choose should be an appropriate match to your product, services, and overall mission. Some questions you may want to ask are:
1. What group of people could get the most out of what I sell?
2. What charitable organization or cause has a similar mission?
3. What organization can I associate myself with that will endorse me the most?
After an appropriate organization is determined, you may want to verify their background prior to finalizing your plans or making a donation. The easiest way to do this is by visiting the American Institute of Philanthropy's website, www.charitywatch.org. There, you can determine how your chosen organization is rated by the organization.
While a charitable cause could slightly increase expenditures for a small or starting business, the short term benefits related to public relations, and the long-term benefits connected to the a positive social image will far outweigh any initial costs. - 15246
There are both short and long term benefits that occur when some type of charitable program is incorporated into business operations. These include customer and employee loyalty, competitive differentiation, improved public relations, and an overall perception of social responsibility.
Types of Giving
When starting a business, it may be difficult to give a significant portion of revenues to charity, but it is always possible to give something. If incorporated into the sale price of each item or service from the start, managing small donations will be much easier in the long-term. Businesses can donate a fixed per-unit rate or a percentage of revenues or profits to charity on a regular basis, say monthly or yearly.
You may also consider a product or service donation instead. A like-for-like contribution can be made whenever you make a sale. For example, whenever a t-shirt is sold, you might donate a shirt to a homeless person. You might also donate your product to be used in a fundraiser event, incorporating it into an auction or yard-sale.
Who Do You Give to?
The organization you choose should be an appropriate match to your product, services, and overall mission. Some questions you may want to ask are:
1. What group of people could get the most out of what I sell?
2. What charitable organization or cause has a similar mission?
3. What organization can I associate myself with that will endorse me the most?
After an appropriate organization is determined, you may want to verify their background prior to finalizing your plans or making a donation. The easiest way to do this is by visiting the American Institute of Philanthropy's website, www.charitywatch.org. There, you can determine how your chosen organization is rated by the organization.
While a charitable cause could slightly increase expenditures for a small or starting business, the short term benefits related to public relations, and the long-term benefits connected to the a positive social image will far outweigh any initial costs. - 15246
About the Author:
Author Mark de Grasse can help you develop your organization. For charitable cause information, view his free articles on organization development.
