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No business too small to have a giving plan
By Paula Schleis Beacon Journal business writer
Published on Monday, Aug 13, 2007
Alot of corporate giving happens at the top, where executives and board members rather quietly go about making philanthropic decisions. But there are extra benefits when charity starts at the bottom. A year ago, the Akron operation of Cedarwood Cos., a national commercial real-estate development firm, acted on a suggestion from an employee: Get more involved in the community. Now a Cedarwood Cares committee of five people meets regularly to plan and promote among their 200 co-workers a variety of activities. Last spring, they collected 1,500 pounds of food in the Harvest for Hunger drive. This summer, they held an ice cream social to raise money for school supplies for needy Akron students. ''They look at a multitude of opportunities, local and national, that they think the company should throw support behind,'' said marketing manager Gary Hill, an adviser to the committee. And having a say in how charitable efforts are spent ''fosters a higher percentage of giving,'' he said. Hill said selecting the right charitable activities is a challenge, and there are, indeed, a growing number of nonprofit organizations looking for help. On her Internet blog, Maggie F. Keenan of GivingAdvice.com recently made suggestions to small businesses: Don't pick a charity just because it's popular. Giving should reflect or mirror your company's purpose and priorities.
No business is too small for a giving program.
A giving program takes time and money, so take it seriously. Give it the same attention, planning and management you give to every other aspect of your business.
Don't treat giving as a public relations campaign. Your motivation will show. But do share the good news of what you're doing; it might motivate others.
Not all giving is considered a charitable deduction. Have a financial adviser review your plans.
Don't spread your generosity thin. Give more to fewer causes so the impact isn't watered down.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com.
Alot of corporate giving happens at the top, where executives and board members rather quietly go about making philanthropic decisions. But there are extra benefits when charity starts at the bottom. A year ago, the Akron operation of Cedarwood Cos., a national commercial real-estate development firm, acted on a suggestion from an employee: Get more involved in the community. Now a Cedarwood Cares committee of five people meets regularly to plan and promote among their 200 co-workers a variety of activities. Last spring, they collected 1,500 pounds of food in the Harvest for Hunger drive. This summer, they held an ice cream social to raise money for school supplies for needy Akron students. ''They look at a multitude of opportunities, local and national, that they think the company should throw support behind,'' said marketing manager Gary Hill, an adviser to the committee. And having a say in how charitable efforts are spent ''fosters a higher percentage of giving,'' he said. Hill said selecting the right charitable activities is a challenge, and there are, indeed, a growing number of nonprofit organizations looking for help. On her Internet blog, Maggie F. Keenan of GivingAdvice.com recently made suggestions to small businesses: Don't pick a charity just because it's popular. Giving should reflect or mirror your company's purpose and priorities.
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