Creating a Business Fundraising Network

Many small to large companies have implemented fundraising as part of their business. Creating a business fundraising network is a way to maximise donations and to enlarge the target audience.

Why Business Fundraising is a Good Idea

Fundraising is not only a way to give to a good cause but can attract publicity and customers to a business. Fundraising is a way for business owners to attract new customers who are interested in a particular fundraising cause. Many customers will buy products from companies that do give a percentage of their sales to charities or causes. Businesses that do hold regular fundraising events will also attract repeat customers who wish to be a part of certain fundraising causes. Fundraising can be seen as way for businesses to say thank you and give something back through a charitable cause.

What is a Business Fundraising Network?

A business fundraising network can have two distinct branches. One branch is made up of repeat customers who shop with a particular company that donates a percentage of sales to a charitable cause. The other branch is a network of companies that work together to support charitable causes. Most businesses do deal with and buy from other businesses on a daily basis. A business fundraising network has the advantage of customer referral from the networked businesses. It also means businesses can advertise each other on individual business websites, which customers can then choose to buy from to support the good causes.

How to Create a Business Fundraising Network?

Networking is all about communicating and this is a major part of creating a business fundraising network. If a business has a fundraising committee then a member should be appointed to research potential businesses that may be interested in joining the fundraising network. Potential businesses do not necessarily have to be regular working contacts. Researching and seeking out potential companies is a great way to make new contacts within the business world. Contacting established business contacts with a fundraising network proposal will be another step towards creating a network.

Creating a Fundraising Network Proposal

A fundraising network proposal should be drafted and sent to potential fundraising partners. The proposal should include the benefits of becoming a fundraising partner and the actual intentions behind the fundraising. The initial proposal does not need to be too detailed but should simply highlight intentions and request a reply from interested participants. The proposal should also ask for feedback and ideas from those who may be interested in forming a business fundraising network.

Fundraisers for Businesses

There are many ways that fundraisers can be implemented into a business networking strategy, these can include:

• Fundraising event days that can be a joint effort from all businesses involved
• Advertising on business websites and naming all businesses that are involved in the fundraising venture
• Emails and newsletters to customers informing them of fundraising ventures
• Using social networking sites to keep customers informed and aware of fundraising ventures
• Special one off fundraiser buying days when an extra percentage of sales goes toward the good cause
• Local business fundraising event days will usually attract free publicity from local press
• The greater the number of businesses involved the more employees and customers will be involved in the fundraising
• Gift aid can be used as a way to maximise profits and charitable donations are usually tax free

Additional Fundraising Publicity and Customer Loyalty

Social networking sites are extremely popular and are one of the least expensive advertising methods to attract customers. Informing customers by email and through social networking sites will have the benefit of re-igniting customer interest. It only takes one email informing customers of the latest fundraising news to have them clicking onto company websites. Customers who are buying products because a percentage of money goes to charity are more likely to be loyal customers. This is always good news for a business and can give a definite edge over competitors.

Creating a business fundraising network need not entail a lot of hard work. Companies that already have a fundraising division in place will have a head start. Business owners should remember that there are legal and tax implications when it comes to fundraising through businesses. Businesses should also use legally binding contracts during the set up process with terms and conditions that are agreeable to all involved.