Picking a charity

garybarlowsbeard

My business gives 10% of our profits to a different charity each year and we're looking for one to give to. Not sure how to pick the charity though - what are good things to look for and where can we find that information?

Ideally we want a sports-related charity with low administration costs, one that doesn't pay a lot of staff but not really sure where to start.

Any advice appreciated. I have looked at a few sites but most seem to only provide lists of charities.

Cheers
GBB

jackyann

I always think it is worth looking at a local charity: you can more easily see how they are getting on & may be able to develop a relationship beyond money, such as giving advice. Most small local charities are administered and run by volunteers. The photo-ops are easier as well!

I would begin by deciding if there is a sport you wish to support, then contact the administrative body. For instance, the RFU will point you at your local mini / junior rugby team etc.
If you wanted say, to support access for people with disabilities or promoting facilities in a deprived area, then contact the Community Development Officer at your local council.

If you are looking at a national charity (I don't know the nature of your business) then you do have to just work your way through - and sadly, the best websites are those that spend the most money on them!!

I have absolutely no connection with them, but a good national charity is Whizz Kizs: they encourage wheelchair design and mobility for kids with disabilities. This includes access to sports, getting outdoors and generally joining in and being independent. I don't have a clue about their admin though.

paddyrg

Look locally - local charities have no advertising budgets, often rather low admin costs and are run by volunteers who'd love some cash for equipment. Maybe the local under-18's football/etc clubs would like new kit (you could even sponsor it)

Wywth

garybarlowsbeard wrote: »

My business gives 10% of our profits to a different charity each year and we're looking for one to give to. Not sure how to pick the charity though - what are good things to look for and where can we find that information?

Ideally we want a sports-related charity with low administration costs, one that doesn't pay a lot of staff but not really sure where to start.

Any advice appreciated. I have looked at a few sites but most seem to only provide lists of charities.

Cheers
GBB

How did you go about choosing in previous years?

COOLTRIKERCHICK

Def agree support local charities

We support two, one we buy and advertise with a local youth rugby teams, we bought the under 12's complete rugby kit, they put our company logo on the front.

We also support a local homeless charity by supplying them with things they need, rather than give cash.

If you are worried about your donation being taken up with admin expenses, you could allways ask what they need, and buy it for them, so at least you know your money has not been wasted.

Homeless charities, food, clothes, underwear, socks, sleeping bags etc.

animal charities, food, bedding , pay a vet bill direct etc

Savvy_Sue

I know some companies ask their staff for suggestions and take a vote on it. I'd go for that, because the personal link can be very helpful.

garybarlowsbeard

In terms of staff there is only me and the other director! As for previous years, this will be our year two donation and the first year it was a very small amount we gave to a charity connected to somebody we had worked with.

Thanks for the suggestions though. Local football team could be a good call but will look into the other ideas too.

paddyrg

garybarlowsbeard wrote: »

In terms of staff there is only me and the other director! As for previous years, this will be our year two donation and the first year it was a very small amount we gave to a charity connected to somebody we had worked with.

Thanks for the suggestions though. Local football team could be a good call but will look into the other ideas too.

If you find a local youth sports club or facility and you can do it as a sponsorship, you could find your generosity can pay dividends if you make it a longer term thing where you get your brand known for local sports sponsorship and so get invited to various business socials. Make sure you have a nice logo done up that will last you years and scale small to large, be economical to print/embroider/etc. Maybe if there's spare cash, you could also sponsor a prize or scholarship

Savvy_Sue

If you want to make an impact quickly, maybe local youth cricket team? Tennis? Something happening over the summer, is what I'm thinking - although I realise footie seems to go on (and on and on) all year round these days.