Develop a Giving Program

Guidelines for Developing a Giving Program

Identify objectives and business interests
Outline what your business wants to accomplish through a giving program. Identify if there are corporate and community interests or needs that intersect. Contributions of time and money are more powerful when focused on one or two areas, rather than scattered among multiple organizations.

Determine a budget
Two commonly used methods are a percentage of pre-tax net income or an annual budget item adjusted for current revenue and profit projections, availability of resources, and charitable giving of other like companies. Evaluate the feasibility of in-kind gifts of products, services, loaned employee expertise, or used equipment.

Engage and involve employees

Organize a strategy for grantmaking

Have a plan for allocating your resources. A productive formula is to divide grantmaking into three areas: community, relationships, and relevant social issues. The important point is to increase the business value of your giving program while making positive community contributions.

Form criteria for your grantmaking

Although grants are limited to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, decide what other criteria are required for awarding grants. Know how recipients will use the dollars or in-kind gifts. Determine that the recipient will be a good steward of your grant by looking at past performance, governance, and current operations. 

Designate a contact person to manage the giving program

The contact person can address questions from employees, management, community, and organizations. An assigned responsible party is essential to managing a focused and accountable giving program that develops into an integral part of the business structure.

Assess the giving program periodically and fine tune accordingly

Request reports from grant recipients to measure the impact and outcomes of your charitable dollars.

Communicate your pride

Being an active, caring corporate citizen underlies pride and belief in the community and the organizations or causes supported. You may discover that others become involved, effectively advocating and communicating your story as they witness your positive contributions.

For your convenience, download a copy of our Center for Corporate Philanthropy Guidebook or request a copy by mail.

To learn more, contact a member of our Donor Services team by e-mail. Or, if you are interested in becoming a donor, please complete this brief Become a Donor form and a Donor Services officer will respond within the next business day.