How to Handle Requests for Donations
How to Handle Requests for Donations
As a small business owner, you are likely to get donation requests weekly. There are area high school yearbooks, sports programs and fundraisers. There are independent sports leagues, civic groups and non-profits. Sure you want to help as much as possible, but there’s only so much you can do. Here are some options to consider.
Know the Difference Between Advertising and a Donation
You may be asked to “buy” an “ad” in the high school newspaper or yearbook, but this is likely more of a donation than advertising. Don’t allow these donations to cut into your advertising and marketing budget.
Avoid Donating Cash
If possible, donate a gift certificate to a cause instead of cash. Gift certificates invite someone to do business with you and they may either spend more than the certificate amount or may not redeem it at all. Donating older inventory may also be a better option than cash.
Think Outside the Box
Maybe you could sponsor a shopping spree ( gift card) for the person who raises the most for the charity or fundraiser. Perhaps you could offer the major prize in a raffle or team with other businesses in a larger value basket.
Let Someone Else Say No
If, as the face of your business, you are uncomfortable saying no, give that responsibility to a staff member. If you want to say yes, do it yourself. If you are inclined to say no, delegate the request to a staff member. This way, you are insulated from looking like the “bad guy”.
Implement Use of a Donation Request Form
You can create a short donation request form to give to solicitors. You could even have a printable copy online. Any requests for donations must be accompanied by a form, which you can review monthly or quarterly. Eventually, local organizations will understand this is how you handle such things.
Sure, supporting local organizations and charities is part of your responsibility as a small business owner, but you should figure out a plan to keep things under control. The above ideas could help.
As a business owner, you also should take the necessary steps to protect the future of your business. A smart business insurance plan can do just that. Contact us today to get started on your business insurance plan.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Little Known Facts of Our Favorite Games
Some of the Family Games We Play Have Interesting Origins
Some Common Mistakes of Small At-Home Businesses
Is Your Small Home-Based Business Guilty?
The Right Recipe For Your Life Insurance Program
What Are the Ingredients for Your Life Insurance Program?
Car Production Facts Which You May Not Know
Ford’s invention of the assembly line made cars affordable for millions of Americans. Read some interesting car production facts you may not have known.
When Pizza and Beer Isn’t Enough
Moving used to just take a pickup truck, some friends and pizza and beer. That may just not be enough anymore.
Saints, Forts and Presidents, Why Our Cities are Named What They Are.
Many US City Names Have their Origins in Common
The Business Plan Debate
Are Traditional Business Plans Still Viable?
Facing the Inevitable
Have You Had That Uncomfortable Conversation with Yourself Yet?
You Have More Impact on Your Car Insurance Rates Than You Think
Car Insurance Rates Aren’t Chosen at Random
Upgrading Your Garage Floor
Could Your Garage Floor Benefit from a Facelift?