How to Break Into Corporate Employee Giving Programs

Envious of those charities that receive funds from the United Way or corporate employee giving programs? It's no wonder given the fact that these are excellent ways to build steady annual income streams. Many corporations will even match their employees' gifts.

Not every charity is a good candidate for such programs, but don't count them out if you are a new charity or a small one. The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently provided some tips about how to research and approach these funds (the original article requires a subscription to access):

• Look at the companies in your locality and determine which ones might be interested in your particular cause. Start building a relationship through personal connections. For example, invite a high level executive with that company to serve on your board of directors.
• Since companies and their employees prefer to give to organizations that have strong reputations, put some effort into building your public relations program.
• When you are ready to approach companies, ask your board members, volunteers, even large donors, to approach the corporations on your behalf. Sometimes management at a company will appreciate a "peer to peer" contact more than if your charity's executive does the contact.
• Also consider applying to your local United Way. It is not easy to become a United Way designated charity but if you can meet the requirements, the payoff can be considerable.
• Consider joining an organization that sets up giving campaigns at corporations. Here is a list of possibilities:
  • America's Charities
  • Earth Share
  • Community Shares USA
  • Community Health Charities
  • Combined Federal Campaign.

Creating steady income streams that you can rely on from one year to the next is a difficult task for any charity. Spending the time to secure a place on a corporate employee giving program could be well worth your effort.