Give To Charity – It Pays

by Allen Taylor

Charity avails so much as the old adage goes.

Most of us like to help others and you don’t have to go too far out of your way to give. In some cases, you need only walk right out your back door.

Charity is one of the best ways to advertise your business in a low-cost way. All you have to do is give and expect nothing in return.

But be very selective in the charity you give to. Be sure the charity is a bona fide charity with the proper legal paperwork that gives it a charitable distinction. Also, try to find one with a longstanding reputation.

Most charities will list their sponsors and donors in their newsletter or make mention in some other way that provides a public benefit. Ask charities that you consider giving to if they recognize people who donate goods and services.

A monetary gift is nice but you can get the same benefits by providing your business services for free. If you are a persuasive salesman and able to get people to let loose of their hard-earned cash, you could volunteer to be a fundraiser. A writer? Write copy for the charity’s brochure. Are you good with your hands? Offer to fix something when it breaks.

Depending on the size of your business, you may want to give to a small charity. It is best to give to a charity that is relatively the same size as your company. If you are a small mom & pop shop you won’t get a lot of benefit by giving $100 to a multi-national charity. The large corporations will overshadow you with their huge gifts. But if it is a cause you really believe in, then by all means, give what you can.

But if you want recognition for your business, you are better off giving to a local charity or a smaller charity that lists its small business donors on its web site and newsletter. Consider the level of charitable donation very seriously. It may be to your benefit to be one of the highest givers, or you may opt to go in at the lowest rung on the donation ladder. How do you decide?

Consider this: How many other donors are there at your level? If there are only one or two then you will stand out more. Also, is the cause related to your industry in some way? Maybe you’ll want to give more. Are you a local business that caters to local customers? Give to a local charity. Are you an Internet company that does business worldwide? Then, maybe you should consider a charity with a worldwide scope.

The decision is yours but be selective about your charitable contributions. Put your charitable limits in your annual budget and stick to them like mud on a boy.

Also, don’t be afraid to volunteer your time. Most charities, particularly local ones, are in dire need of helpers. And you never know who you are going to meet.