Getting an Employer Involved in Fundraising

Busy employers may feel that their schedules are already to full to devote any time to fundraising activities. Employees looking to get their employers involved in fundraising may succeed by pointing out the many benefits.

Approaching an Employer on Fundraising Activities

Employers will not usually be against the idea of fundraising activities within their company. But they may be hesitant over issues such as the activities detracting from regular work duties. Employees who are trying to get their employer involved should draw up a proposal that highlights the benefits of becoming involved. Consulting with colleagues will also be useful as a way of gauging whether co-workers will be happy to give their support. An employer may jump in whole heartedly with the intended fundraising activities or they may simply donate to or sponsor the cause.

Fundraising and Making a Company Stand Out

Among the many benefits to employers who become involved in fundraising is a chance to make their company stand out from the crowd. Being seen as a company that gives something back is a company reputation enhancer. Companies can rise and fall by the image they present to the public and fundraising is a great way to present a positive image. Businesses can make a difference to the community by giving to local good causes and charities. Businesses can also get schools and children’s clubs involved, which will definitely make a difference within the local community.

Fundraising Activities and Benefits to a Company

Getting an employer involved in fundraising activities may require an employee to point out the benefits of doing so. These benefits and positive points can come in number of ways including:

• Boosting employee moral
• Tax relief with Gift Aid
• Enhancing company reputation and social responsibility within a community
• Bringing in more business from people who support the nominated charity or good cause
• Donation banners can be featured on company websites to spread interest at no extra cost
• Fundraising activities will usually take place at weekends and will not detract from work commitments
• Building better business and social relationships between employees, customers and business contacts
• If fundraising is successful this can be implemented as part of the calendar year

How an Employer Can Become Involved in Fundraising

There are a number of simple ways that an employer can incorporate fundraising into their business. This can include donations from customers and business contacts. Donating a percentage of all profits from each sale can also be easily implemented. Another option is to match the financial sponsored amount raised by employees who are fundraising. Fundraising events, dinners, sponsored runs etc can all be used as easy ways for a business to become involved.

Choosing a Fundraising Cause

If an employer agrees to become involved then choosing a fundraising cause will be one of the first steps. Everyone will have their own favourite charity or worthy cause but it will be fairer all round to hold a vote. Local charities and good causes are an excellent idea as this will be giving something back to the local community; especially beneficial for small companies. Providing equipment and funding for local schools and children’s clubs is another excellent cause that will benefit the community’s future.

Sponsoring a Recognised Charity

An easy way for employers and employees to become involved is to simply sponsor a major charity. This will mean that the company does not have to take part in any fundraising activities themselves. The business will nominate a charity and simply sponsor fundraisers who do volunteer or work for the charity. This will allow companies to enjoy tax relief advantages, give something back and be name checked on the charity website. This type of charity donating is particularly useful for companies that simply do not have the time to get personally involved in fundraising activities.

The benefits of becoming involved in fundraising activities may not be immediately obvious to all employers. But social responsibility now holds a great deal of importance with many customers. Fundraising activities do not need to take a great deal of time out of any work schedule. It only takes one employee to point out the benefits of fundraising to make a permanent change to a company’s business philosophy and values.