Corporate Donation
5 Questions Before Donating
With so many cause-related marketing programs out there, how can you be sure your money is going where it should? In order to determine if a cause-related program or promotion is one that you would like to support (or is worthy of your support), it is important to ask a few key questions. Become a savvy consumer. Review Project Sole's Five Questions to Ask and learn how to identify cause marketing programs you can feel good about.
1. Who does the program benefit?
2. How will the organization that benefits use my donation?
3. Is this company committed?
4. How is the program structured?
5. Is the program meaningful to me?
1. Who does the program benefit? (back to top)
Does it support a well-managed, reputable non-profit or fund? Again, we recommend that consumers read Web sites. The Project Sole Foundation makes it very clear on our site who we are, how we structure programs and how the monies are used. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance is one resource for information on non-profit organizations if you are unsure (visit
www.give.org).
2. How will the organization that benefits use my donation? (back to top)
Read the product packaging and promotional materials or display and visit the company Web site to make sure the company is credible and committed to the cause.
3. Is this company committed? (back to top)
Read the product packaging and promotional materials or display and visit the company Web site to make sure the company is credible and committed to the cause.
4. How is the program structured? (back to top)
Transparency is key. Is the company clearly stating how the money is raised and how much will be going to charity? For example, if it's a donation per purchase, ask how much of purchase price goes to charity–is it two percent or 10 percent–or some other amount? If there is a minimum contribution guaranteed by the company, what is the amount? Is there a maximum donation that will be made by the company?
5. Is the program meaningful to me? (back to top)
It should be abundantly clear where the monies go. What organization will they support? Will the dollars generated go to research, education, community programs or all of the above? Project Sole is very specific about our programs, activities and grants awarded to support our mission to provide adequate second-hand footwear in developing countries and provide monetary support for educational pursuits.
