Business Tips for Charitable Donations

American firms are back in business when it comes to charitable donations. But companies are often bombarded with requests. Rather than give to all, most businesses choose causes that matter to staff and long-term relationship plans.

Paterson, NJ (PRWEB) February 17, 2005 -- Many businesses understand the importance of supporting local and worldwide organizations through charitable giving. However, donation requests can become overwhelming, and service and retail firms must decide how much to give without putting their businesses in jeopardy.

"Some of my clients are bombarded with requests," says Shirley Frazier, gift and gourmet industry consultant and owner of Sweet Survival. "They wade through dozens of solicitations each month. Instead of trying to meet everyones expectations, theyre learning to align themselves with charities that matter to staff members and create relationships that go beyond one-time giving." Frazier shares five tips for retail and services businesses to consider before donating:

1. Choose a cause that matters most to you. Charities range from youth groups to homelessness to illness prevention.

2. Focus on local charities. Seeing results within the neighborhood not only helps the community but also encourages other businesses to get involved.

3. Create a gift basket using slow-selling merchandise. Retailers often use items from clearance shelves to make stunning gifts that command the highest bid at auctions.

4. Request entry to the auction as part of your donation. Meeting like-minded people allows you to uncover other personal and professional similarities and new ways to work together.

5. Respectfully decline if appeals exceed your budget or outlook. Offer to review the request in the future if it matches your focus, or recommend the charity to another philanthropic person or business if outside your target list.

In business since 1990, Sweet Survival specializes in teaching retail business owners how to find money in overlooked opportunities and work with their accountant to responsibly donate a percentage. Frazier conducts seminars at trade and business shows and works with small and large firms nationwide. The companys Web site is GiftBasketBusiness.com.

Sweet Survival

P.O. Box 31, River St. Station

Paterson, NJ 07544-0031

Phone: (973) 279-2799

Contact:

Shirley Frazier

Day/Evening (973) 279-2799

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