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One way for charities to get more corporate donations is to borrow a page from the chamber of commerce playbook.
Just ask Collier Child Care Resources in Naples, a nonprofit organization that operates three child-care centers for low-income working parents.
Three years ago it formed the CCCR Business 100, a business-networking group that meets regularly, like any trade organization or chamber of commerce. Most recently, for example, the organization hosted a networking reception at IberiaBank, which included gluten-free and dairy free cooking demonstrations as well as free drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
To join, businesses contribute $500 a year. So far, 53 businesses have joined the fundraising effort and the goal is to reach 100. The organization started in 2012, with 20 members.
“What they get in return is we hold as many networking events as we can during the year,” says Dianne Reed, the nonprofit's director of communications. “We try to give them coverage and exposure on our website and email to over 2,000 people. We also display their logos at events.”
Sometimes the initial donation leads to bigger contributions. For example, when Carmax joined the group, it encouraged the organization to apply for a grant from the car dealer. That led to $10,000.
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