We all love going to fundraisers and charity events as attendees, but as small business owners, sometimes we want to do more. These events and the organizations they fund are normally supported by sponsorship and advertising packages that may seem fiscally out of reach to a smaller business owner.
That doesn’t mean we can’t support our favorite causes. In fact, small businesses have the flexibility to offer products or services that can help fundraisers be a big success. Instead of getting discouraged by price, start with finding the right cause to contribute to—one that stands for your company values—and think outside the box for how you could make their next benefit even better by offering up your business’ unique products or services.
The importance of community involvement
Community involvement is good press for any business but that isn’t what it’s all about. We small business owners are part of our neighborhood, our town, and our community. Giving back is about more than publicity, it’s about contributing to the place where we’re actively a citizen.
Also, as members of the community, we’re held to higher expectations than big out-of-town corporations. When you’re involved with the community, you not only build a better reputation for your business, but you make lasting contributions to the place you call home.
Finding a cause that matters
Small business owners like us tie a lot of our identity to our business. If you’re going to support community engagement, it should be causes that matter to you personally. Think about things you believe could be improved where you live, charities that support issues important to your employees or collaborate with area businesses to find out what some of your options could be.
Common charity events and causes for small businesses include:
- Church outreach or support
- Charities that help disabled veterans, the homeless population, or women’s shelters
- Charities or events that raise money for research for cancer, Alzheimer’s, or rare ailments
- Benefits for local non-profit museums or educational opportunities for kids
- Community improvement or city beautification efforts
Any cause you are invested in could be a good candidate but ones that improve the lives of your employees, neighbors, and their children are always a good choice.
Getting creative with your contributions
Among small business owners, price is a big reason we don’t get involved. Hefty price tags for sponsorships and our names bannered across events may look good but it doesn’t fit into most of our marketing budgets.
Volunteer
Donating your time is a perfect way to get involved in a local charity or event. If you can get your staff involved, even better! Working together for a common cause is a great opportunity for team building. Even if your team only works a few hours, you’re making a difference and lasting connections by participating in the event. Don’t sell yourself short if you are unable to be as involved as you’d like.
Give your product or services
One of the best ways to sponsor a charity event is to offer your business’s goods or services. For example, at Wildcat Tool Rental, we rent all sorts of heavy equipment, trailers, power tools, and even fun party rentals like cotton candy machines or smokers. Lending the use of our products and delivering them to a benefit fundraiser is a simple way that we can make a lasting impact by creating an enjoyable experience for the attendees, which helps the charity raise money for their cause.
If you’re not sure what services they could use, don’t be afraid to ask! Most charity or fundraiser coordinators would love to collaborate with you.
Putting our advice into practice
The owner of Wildcat Tool Rental, Scott Estes, cares about our local veterans. Several of the employees at Wildcat previously served in our armed forces, so it’s a cause we can all get behind.
Peterson Outdoor Ministries and The Branson Bass Club team up to host the 7th Annual Fishing for Hope Bass Tournament event to benefit disabled veterans and their Catch a Blessing program. This program allows for loved ones to nominate wounded veterans, physically challenged youth, or terminally ill patients to have a fun and encouraging day enjoying fishing, the outdoors, and good company.
Scott Estes and the team at Wildcat are thrilled to be involved with this amazing event by providing a towable smoker so that participants and tournament spectators can enjoy some amazing food during the excitement. It’s a way that we can help make this event even better while utilizing our business’ unique resources and expertise.
7th Annual Fishing for Hope Bass Tournament Details
- Hosted by: Peterson Outdoor Ministries & The Branson Bass Club
- When: May 23rd, 6:00 AM takeoff
- Where: Port of Kimberling, Kimberling City, MO
- Payout: $200 for first place; $1,000 for second place; $550 for third place; $500 for Big Bass
- Price: $120 per boat
If you’re interested in joining the fun, we hope to see you there.
Small businesses are a vital part of any community and with their diverse set of skills, products, and services, they can contribute to events in unique and meaningful ways. The important part is to get out there, offer your time or your products, and make lasting connections with charities, organizations, the people they help, and the community at large.
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