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June 17, 2008

How Cash-Strapped Businesses Offer Support

When the economy slows, the amount of money a company gives to charity may decline with it, said three corporate grant makers speaking at a New York fund-raising conference last week.

But charities can still get plenty of other kinds of help if they ask for it.

Among the types of aid the corporate officials encouraged charities to seek:

• Donations of furniture, computers, printing services, advertising space, or other products or services.

• Help with something the company understands. Marie Cutrone Smith, director of strategic partnerships at ConEdison, a New York power company, noted that her business is willing to offer a lighting consultant for charities, as well as a generator.

• An invitation to a company-sponsored special event, so that charity representatives can meet possible donors.

• A donation of company sports tickets for a silent auction.

If charities want to continue receiving corporate gifts, the most important thing to do is acknowledge the help as publicly as possible, the speakers said. “One expectation we have in giving is that we’ll get some recognition in return,” said Timothy J. McClimon, president of American Express Foundation. “Companies always appreciate being thanked.”

— Elizabeth Schwinn

Tuesday June 17, 2008 | Permalink

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