Hosting a Charity Drive: What You Need to Know
One of the easiest ways to give to a local charity is to collect supplies that they need. As opposed to a one-time cash donation (which would, obviously, be appreciated as well), hosting a charity drive in your location can help your employees, customers and neighbors feel involved in the giving process. It’s also a great incentive to generate buzz around a new product launch, a new seasonal menu, or announcing your charity partnership with that organization in front of community leaders.
Before you begin, here are 6 questions to ask yourself:
1. What does your charity partner need?
Books? Art supplies? Gently-used clothing? New toys? Diapers or toiletries? Contact them to find out what supplies they will most likely need in the next few months, so you have time to promote and host the drive and give them what they need.
2. Do you have a system in place (and room) to store the donations?
The best case scenario is that your charity drive will be a huge success. Make sure you have adequate storage space, boxes, packing tape, and labels to properly organize all donations for your charity.
3. How long will your drive last?
..and: In what condition will you accept donations (new, gently used, etc.)? What will you do with donations that don’t meet the criteria? These are all logistical questions to sort out before you begin promoting your charity drive.
4. What is your goal for the charity drive?
Do you want to donate at least 50 books to your school charity, for example? How about collecting enough diapers to help 25 new mothers in the community for a whole year? Whatever your goal, make sure it’s clear and measurable.
5. How will you promote your charity drive?
Tools such as social media, flyers, traditional advertisements, newsletters, word of mouth, cross-promotions with your charity of choice, and in-store signage, are great ways to promote your charity drive! Make sure you have resources and timing in place to properly promote your event!
6. How will you thank your customers and neighbors for their donations?
As an added “thank you” to customers that donate, consider offering them a 10% discount coupon for their next purchase (if you own / operate a retail store), or a free coffee or dessert from your menu (if you own / operate a restaurant). While not necessary, it’s a fun way to thank your customers and encourage their involvement!
Members, for more ideas on how to give back to your community, check out our Marketing Activities By Strategy: Charity. Not a member yet? Join today!
