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What software do YOU use? Please fill out our sector study on the software programs you use to track your donors and grants. Click here (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=47507967964) to access the survey. We'll share results of the survey in a future Rich Tips. Rich Tips is a free electronic newsletter published by Richard Male & Associates (RMA), a nonprofit consulting firm. Please send any suggestions or comments to nicolle@richardmale.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This week's tips: The Wide World of Corporate Sponsosrhips Every few years since 1992, the marketing firms of Cone and Roper have surveyed American consumers to determine why they shop at certain stores and purchase certain products. In the last survey, which was conducted in 2002, 92 percent of Americans said they think more highly of companies that support nonprofit causes. The survey also revealed that 80 percent of Americans are likely to switch brands to support a cause. Knowing that Americans love a company that works closely with a charity, most American companies are looking for ways to develop sponsorship opportunities with non-profits—non-profit special events are a perfect avenue for these sponsorships. For non-profits, the key to a financially successful special event is to obtain 100 percent of the out-of-pocket expenses from corporate sponsorships. With both sectors wanting something that the other has, it's fairly simple to develop a win-win situation. Keeping ethics uppermost in your heart and mind as you determine the best with which to partner, here are some things to consider when you begin delving into the world of corporate sponsorship: 1. Involve employees. Companies want their employees to get involved in nonprofits, so look for company volunteers to serve on your board of directors, advisory committees, etc. 2. Think partnerships. Non-profits often make the mistake of offering the company a sponsorship for only one event, while the company wants value to last for months or even years. It's better to approach companies with a "partnership package” that includes special event sponsorship, as well as advertisements on your web page and marketing materials, meetings with your leadership, and co-branding. 3. Talk to the marketing director whenever possible. When approaching the company, try to meet with the marketing director, rather than the philanthropy staff. The marketing staff will understand that you're interested in a business partnership rather than just a philanthropic gift. 4. Look for in-kind contributions. Ask small businesses and local retail stores to donate the flowers, meeting rooms, catering, door prizes, etc. The tax laws are advantageous to donated products rather than cash for many businesses. 5. Tie in cause-related marketing once partnerships are established. After you already have a relationship with a company and they have sponsored one of your events you may want to see if you can work out a partnership where a percentage of their sales go to your organization. This type of cause-related marketing makes them look good, and it generates long-term money for your non-profit. 6. Match your constituency with the company's market. Approach companies that market their image, products, and services to the demographics of your constituency. If you're working with low-income or working class people, don't hit up Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus; Target and Walgreen's would be smarter choices. 7. Consider passing a gift acceptance policy. A gift acceptance policy is the ethical screen that outlines the conditions under which you'll accept corporate dollars. There may be certain companies that are simply not appropriate for you to take dollars from. 8. Lead time is important. Allow at least six months for the company to make a decision. Generally, corporations develop their budgets in the fall; so approach corporations in the spring or summer for your special events next year. 9. Keep your proposal short. Try to keep your request to two pages and make sure it includes a description of the organization, previous history of similar events, an overview of the events/sponsorship (including number and demographics of attendees), past sponsors and participants, the media plan for the event, and a list of what the sponsor is required to provide. 10. Maintain the partnership. You'lll want to maintain the partnership so that next year the company will become the primary sponsor of your event. Make sure you have contact with the company at least on a quarterly basis after the event. You may even want to invite the executives to meet with your board and leadership once or twice throughout the year. And try to "increase the value proposition" every year so the company receives greater value for its dollars. ------------------------------------------------------------- New Grant Opportunities Grants for Public Arts Projects The Gunk Foundation is interested in supporting art projects that make it out of the museum, gallery and alternative spaces and into the spaces of daily life. For example, work that is shown in the spaces of public transportation, city streets or workplaces and is seen by people "outside" of the art and academic worlds. Grants are provided for "works" of art (not, for example, art festivals, group exhibitions or general operating support for public art organizations). The foundation is looking for projects that go beyond the art world and into everyday life, reaching those both in and outside of the art world. Today, “political” or content-oriented art is often perceived as propaganda, not art. The foundation feels there are some very interesting projects out there that debunk that perception. Artists should take into consideration how the meaning of art functions in a larger social system. For detailed information go to: http://www.gunk.org/criteria.html Seagate Corporate Giving Program More than two-thirds of Seagate's corporate giving supports K-12 science, math and technology education. The company looks for innovative programs that enhance creativity, encourage hands-on learning and reach all populations, specifically low-income and minority communities where fewer opportunities exist. The company strives to make resources available to those in extreme need of shelter, food, health care and support services, and looks for opportunities that enable people to become self-sufficient. The company believes that arts and culture, civic, environmental and diversity-focused programs are valuable to building a well-balanced, healthy community and reviews programs with these special focuses on a regional basis based upon each community's unique needs. Volunteerism is an important component of Seagate's philanthropic program, which looks for partnerships that include opportunities for its employees. For detailed information go to: http://www.seagate.com/newsinfo/citizenship/community/corporate_giving.html Citizens Bank Corporate Giving The bank supports organizations through its community and public relations departments and through its charitable foundation. Charitable grants made through the Citizens Bank Foundation are outright gifts. Participation as a sponsor of an event or attendance at a community function is expected to affect the company indirectly by strengthening business relationships, presenting networking opportunities or raising public awareness of the Citizens Bank name. Citizens Bank gives priority consideration for charitable grants to programs that promote affordable housing; encourage the development of innovative responses to basic human needs; encourage community-based services targeted to low and moderate income families; support community development initiatives that are catalysts for economically distressed areas; and promote new ways to address issues of economic self-sufficiency. Citizens considers sponsorships from a wide range of organizations and encourages creativity and innovation to develop partnerships that are of mutual benefit to community organizations and the bank. They seek sponsorships that bring value to Citizens' customers and employees. For detailed information go to: http://www.citizensbank.com/community/outreach/cmnty_corp_giving.asp Polk Bros. Foundation Areas of particular interest to the Foundation include efforts to preserve and create affordable rental housing; professional development for teachers and efforts to reduce barriers to learning and increase parent engagement in Chicago public schools; and health initiatives that make services available to children and families in their communities. Polk also places priority on programs that provide long-term support for clients, such as permanent supportive housing and job-training programs with comprehensive post-placement tracking and interaction. The foundation also has a small grants program that makes grants of up to $15,000 to organizations with limited funding histories and annual expenses of more than $75,000. They generally do not review more than three consecutive requests from an organization through the small grants program. For detailed information go to: http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/grant-prereq.html The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Currently seeking proposals in the following areas: Decorative Arts - Metalsmithing; Traditional Jewelry Design Environmental Conservation - Responsible Mining; Coral Reef Conservation A letter of inquiry is recommended as an initial approach to the Foundation. For detailed information go to: http://www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org/index_home.html American Heart Association (AHA) Pharmaceutical Roundtable Award A leading priority of the American Heart Association is to fund research that increases an understanding of the causes, treatments and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The American Heart Association Pharmaceutical Roundtable (PRT) is a strategic coalition of eight leading pharmaceutical companies and association volunteers and staff. This premiere corporate funding group for the National Research Program has committed over $42 million to cardiovascular research since its inception in 1988. The purpose of this initiative is to stimulate career development among investigators interested in implementation research in primary and secondary prevention and quality of care. The intent of this request for applications (RFA) is to support investigators in developing capabilities and projects that lead to sustainable applications of research in primary and secondary prevention, outcomes and improved quality of care in cardiovascular disease and stroke. For detailed information go to: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=12159 Arthur B. Schultz Foundation Funding priorities: Wildlands Conservation Disabled Recreation Disabled Mobility International Microenterprise Global Understanding For detailed information go to: http://www.absfoundation.org/program.html Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust The Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust provides support for services to youth and the elderly, education and the environment. Requests for support should be made to Ameren office in your service area. For detailed information go to: http://www.ameren.com/Community/ADC_CM_NonProfitGrants.asp The Advancing Colorado's Mental Health Care Project Advancing Colorado's Mental Health Care is a five-year, $4.1 million joint project of the Caring for Colorado Foundation, The Colorado Trust, The Denver Foundation and HealthONE Alliance. The project will provide support to human services agencies, mental health care providers and others to improve the integration and coordination of mental health services in Colorado communities. To be considered for funding, proposals must be submitted to TriWest, the Project Coordinator. A statewide video conference applicant briefing will be held 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on May 6, 2005. If you have questions, contact Jenna Ichikawa, Project Assistant for TriWest at 303-544-0509 ext. 4. For detailed information go to: http://www.thecoloradotrust.org/index.cfm?useAction=Grantmaking.FundingOpportunities ------------------------------- Federal Grant Opportunities (if any of the following grants sound appealing, please contact Mourene Tesler to learn more about the application procedure - mourene@richardmale.com) None today. ------------------------------- Conferences, Workshops, and Other Announcements Mobilizing Resources for Your Organization: Strategies to Succeed in the Current Economic Climate, May 24-26 in beautiful Missoula, Montana. IF YOU THINK your organization is forever doomed to dependency on public dollars, join us for this one-day seminar to separate the myth from the reality of fund-raising. There IS money your organization is eligible for and there are 'smart' ways to find, secure, and administer it. Richard Male will be joined by a panel of diverse funders who will tell you what gets their attention and what puts them off when approached for money. MOVING TOWARD LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SUCCESS is a challenge for any nonprofit organization in today's economic climate. Small, relatively unknown organizations such as many CILs and SILCs, face even greater hurdles. Fortunately, there are tremendous opportunities to leverage public and private resources, including funding for advocacy, if you know where to look and how to proceed. This seminar will give you the tools to do just that through a step-by-step approach to planning, implementing, and succeeding in resource development. LEARN HOW TO • Capitalize on current funding trends among private foundations, corporations, government, religious funders, philanthropic trusts, and individuals • Identify fundraising approaches compatible with your organization and local situation • Establish relationships with funders before asking for money • Ask for money in ways that make it clear who you are and what you would use the funding for • Stay true to the mission and philosophy while fostering growth Go to http://www.richardmale.com/press.htm for details. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Feel free to forward this email to a friend. **To unsubscribe to this newsletter, please send an email with the words "Unsubscribe Rich Tips" in the subject line to nicolle@richardmale.com . ***To subscribe, please send an email with the words "Subscribe Rich Tips" in the subject line to nicolle@richardmale.com .
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