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Consumers Shop With a Cause in Mind This Holiday
November 19, 2010 at 12:45 PM by Research & Insights
There are two traditions that define the holiday season for many Americans – shopping and giving. In this spirit of the season, consumers are shopping with an eye toward giving back to good causes and expect companies to lead the charge, according to the 2010 Cone Holiday Trend Tracker. Key findings of the study include:
You read that right – almost one-in-two Americans have cause on their shopping list this season. What’s more, consumers are willing to engage with corporate causes in a variety of ways, such as supporting an in-store gift drive (78%), making a donation at the register (68%), redeeming or buying a discount card or coupon that gives back to a cause when used (64%) or supporting a company’s cause efforts through social media (47%).
According to a new Gallup poll, consumers will spend an average of $714 on gifts this year. Imagine the impact if just a dollar or two of this was diverted to a social cause. Millions of dollars and untold awareness could be raised through very simple, turn-key cause marketing this holiday season. A gift to consumers, companies and causes alike.
Tags: causebranding retail nonprofitcausebranding corporategiving holiday charitablegiving
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There are two traditions that define the holiday season for many Americans – shopping and giving. In this spirit of the season, consumers are shopping with an eye toward giving back to good causes and expect companies to lead the charge, according to the 2010 Cone Holiday Trend Tracker. Key findings of the study include:
- 89% of Americans expect companies to support causes this holiday;
- 78% of consumers want to be personally engaged in a company’s cause efforts; and,
- 49% of consumers say they have already purchased or plan to purchase a holiday gift that supports a cause.
You read that right – almost one-in-two Americans have cause on their shopping list this season. What’s more, consumers are willing to engage with corporate causes in a variety of ways, such as supporting an in-store gift drive (78%), making a donation at the register (68%), redeeming or buying a discount card or coupon that gives back to a cause when used (64%) or supporting a company’s cause efforts through social media (47%).
According to a new Gallup poll, consumers will spend an average of $714 on gifts this year. Imagine the impact if just a dollar or two of this was diverted to a social cause. Millions of dollars and untold awareness could be raised through very simple, turn-key cause marketing this holiday season. A gift to consumers, companies and causes alike.
Tags: causebranding retail nonprofitcausebranding corporategiving holiday charitablegiving
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Storefront Philanthropy
November 5, 2010 at 11:31 AM by Research & Insights
Storefronts can be for more than just peddling wares - they can also serve as a vehicle for promoting the greater good. Although selling products associated with a cause has become mainstream, there are a small number of retailers going beyond the shelf and creating new models for pairing business and philanthropy.
Seattle-based department store Nordstrom caused a flurry of chatter when it signed a lease for a prime NYC location. But the venerable chain isn’t moving into a new flagship location. Instead, Nordstrom will be opening a nonprofit subsidiary that will be branded separately from the well-known retailer. Though the details are still in the works, a Nordstrom spokesperson confirmed “all [store] profits will go to nonprofit organizations.” Perhaps Nordstrom is in search of philanthropic success like that of Geoffrey Beene, the legendary men’s retailer, which donates 100 percent of net profits to nonprofit organizations, raising $145 million for various charities to-date.
In May 2010, Panera opened a pilot nonprofit restaurant driven by the motto, “Take what you need. Pay your fair share.” That’s right – at Panera Cares Cafés, you name your own price. Using the company’s existing distribution system, the goal is to feed community members who can’t afford food for low/no charge with overhead costs, such as rent, staff salaries and food costs, covered by generous patrons who pay full price or above for their meals. Given the success of the first Panera Cares Café in St. Louis, the restaurant is poised to open a number of nonprofit locations around the country.
While each of these retailers is taking a different approach, all are leading the way in creating an entirely new model of philanthropy and cause marketing. These models may seem to contradict the spirit of capitalism, but in actuality are quite progressive, as the role of business in society evolves to one of true citizenship. Only time will tell if these new approaches will serve as viable strategies and help transform retail giving in the future. For now, we commend the innovation of these retailers to align storefronts and giving back.
Tags: causebranding charitablegiving philanthropy retail trends donation corporategiving
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Storefronts can be for more than just peddling wares - they can also serve as a vehicle for promoting the greater good. Although selling products associated with a cause has become mainstream, there are a small number of retailers going beyond the shelf and creating new models for pairing business and philanthropy.
Seattle-based department store Nordstrom caused a flurry of chatter when it signed a lease for a prime NYC location. But the venerable chain isn’t moving into a new flagship location. Instead, Nordstrom will be opening a nonprofit subsidiary that will be branded separately from the well-known retailer. Though the details are still in the works, a Nordstrom spokesperson confirmed “all [store] profits will go to nonprofit organizations.” Perhaps Nordstrom is in search of philanthropic success like that of Geoffrey Beene, the legendary men’s retailer, which donates 100 percent of net profits to nonprofit organizations, raising $145 million for various charities to-date.
In May 2010, Panera opened a pilot nonprofit restaurant driven by the motto, “Take what you need. Pay your fair share.” That’s right – at Panera Cares Cafés, you name your own price. Using the company’s existing distribution system, the goal is to feed community members who can’t afford food for low/no charge with overhead costs, such as rent, staff salaries and food costs, covered by generous patrons who pay full price or above for their meals. Given the success of the first Panera Cares Café in St. Louis, the restaurant is poised to open a number of nonprofit locations around the country.
While each of these retailers is taking a different approach, all are leading the way in creating an entirely new model of philanthropy and cause marketing. These models may seem to contradict the spirit of capitalism, but in actuality are quite progressive, as the role of business in society evolves to one of true citizenship. Only time will tell if these new approaches will serve as viable strategies and help transform retail giving in the future. For now, we commend the innovation of these retailers to align storefronts and giving back.
Tags: causebranding charitablegiving philanthropy retail trends donation corporategiving
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Women Give Big
October 29, 2010 at 2:23 PM by Research & Insights
Women often balance the household checkbook, and a new study by the Women's Philanthropy Institute reveals they are more likely than men to be writing these checks out to charity.
The Women Give 2010 study isolated men and women who are “single heads of household,” among other factors, to make direct gender comparisons. The results revealed that across all income brackets, women are simply giving more money away. It seems gender, not affluence, spurs giving. Women whose household income topped $103,000 gave $1,910, while men in this income range gave $984. Women whose household income was at the bottom of the income bracket, just $23,509 or less, gave $540 while their male counterparts gave $281. Executive Director of Equality Now, Taina Bien-Aimé, says “Dedicated women with no income will send you five dollars. The issues speak to them, and that moves women to give.”
The study also found that women are more likely to donate to a variety of causes, rather than direct a lump-sum to one organization. Women may be giving a few dollars to each issue that crosses their path, whether it’s originating from a coworker, child’s school or community organization knocking at their front door. When engaging this group, provide tools that allow turn-key networking. For example, a personalized fundraising site where an individual can drive others to donate or a toolkit that empowers them to take charge of an on-the-ground fundraiser. The efforts of one woman to gather small donations can add up to a huge impact for the cause.
The research confirms that women hold the desire and capacity to be philanthropic at all income levels. When crafting a campaign to raise funds for your issue, look to engage these super-givers regardless of income level, and provide the resources that help tap into her vast network of others who want to support a good cause.
Tags: Women philanthropy charitablegiving nonprofitcausebranding fundraising donation
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Women often balance the household checkbook, and a new study by the Women's Philanthropy Institute reveals they are more likely than men to be writing these checks out to charity.
The study also found that women are more likely to donate to a variety of causes, rather than direct a lump-sum to one organization. Women may be giving a few dollars to each issue that crosses their path, whether it’s originating from a coworker, child’s school or community organization knocking at their front door. When engaging this group, provide tools that allow turn-key networking. For example, a personalized fundraising site where an individual can drive others to donate or a toolkit that empowers them to take charge of an on-the-ground fundraiser. The efforts of one woman to gather small donations can add up to a huge impact for the cause.
The research confirms that women hold the desire and capacity to be philanthropic at all income levels. When crafting a campaign to raise funds for your issue, look to engage these super-givers regardless of income level, and provide the resources that help tap into her vast network of others who want to support a good cause.
Tags: Women philanthropy charitablegiving nonprofitcausebranding fundraising donation
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Execution Matters in Mobile Giving Campaigns
April 30, 2010 at 12:55 PM by Research & Insights
The success of text-to-give fundraising efforts after the earthquake in Haiti ignited a firestorm of articles, research (including Cone’s) and debate about mobile giving. Had it reached a tipping point? Is it a valid giving strategy for other organizations and causes? The answer is “yes” because of its ease and immediacy. But at the end of the day, text messaging is still like any other communications and fundraising vehicle – it is still the execution that matters.
Two recent campaigns, both coincidentally focusing on homelessness, are successfully using text-to-donate campaigns to present compelling appeals to potential donors.
The “I Am Here” campaign in Austin, TX has literally hoisted a homeless man named Danny up to a billboard along a major highway. The billboard encourages passing cars to text a donation to help Danny and his family get a home.
The short-term goal is to raise $12,000 to purchase a home for Danny, but the larger scope of the program is to raise visibility and compassion for the homeless population by putting drivers face-to-face with a real human story. Although focused regionally, the campaign has attracted national media attention.
New York-based Pathways to Housing also used a local execution, but added a layer of interactivity to its mobile campaign. The organization projected an image of a sleeping homeless man on the side of a building where passersby could send a message to trigger a video in which the man gets up and walks in the door of his new apartment. The action did not require a donation, but it provided the opportunity to donate via cell phone or to visit the Web site for more information.
Text message fundraising is still novel enough that it’s easy to think it alone will make a campaign successful. But just like direct mail, email or any other fundraising tool, it too will fall flat unless the appeal is compelling, urgent and easy to fulfill. This was certainly the case in Austin where we’re happy to report that just days after his unique billboard appeal, Danny has a new home.
Tags: causebranding charitablegiving campaigns fundraising newmedia donation
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The success of text-to-give fundraising efforts after the earthquake in Haiti ignited a firestorm of articles, research (including Cone’s) and debate about mobile giving. Had it reached a tipping point? Is it a valid giving strategy for other organizations and causes? The answer is “yes” because of its ease and immediacy. But at the end of the day, text messaging is still like any other communications and fundraising vehicle – it is still the execution that matters.
Two recent campaigns, both coincidentally focusing on homelessness, are successfully using text-to-donate campaigns to present compelling appeals to potential donors.
The “I Am Here” campaign in Austin, TX has literally hoisted a homeless man named Danny up to a billboard along a major highway. The billboard encourages passing cars to text a donation to help Danny and his family get a home.
The short-term goal is to raise $12,000 to purchase a home for Danny, but the larger scope of the program is to raise visibility and compassion for the homeless population by putting drivers face-to-face with a real human story. Although focused regionally, the campaign has attracted national media attention.
New York-based Pathways to Housing also used a local execution, but added a layer of interactivity to its mobile campaign. The organization projected an image of a sleeping homeless man on the side of a building where passersby could send a message to trigger a video in which the man gets up and walks in the door of his new apartment. The action did not require a donation, but it provided the opportunity to donate via cell phone or to visit the Web site for more information.
Text message fundraising is still novel enough that it’s easy to think it alone will make a campaign successful. But just like direct mail, email or any other fundraising tool, it too will fall flat unless the appeal is compelling, urgent and easy to fulfill. This was certainly the case in Austin where we’re happy to report that just days after his unique billboard appeal, Danny has a new home.
Tags: causebranding charitablegiving campaigns fundraising newmedia donation
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Going Beyond Wins and Losses, Sports Step up for Causes
February 19, 2010 at 3:58 PM by Research & Insights
Tags: charitablegiving nonprofitcausebranding nonprofit charity celebrityengagement causebranding
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We’re getting our sports fix in 2010, bouncing from the Super Bowl right into the Olympic Winter Games. Luckily for us, cause marketers have reason to cheer, as cause connections with sports are gaining prominence. Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal even noted in a recent issue, “as sports properties have grown in prominence, so has the sentiment that they must do more for the community, beyond wins and losses.”
The immense passion and strong commitment required of both sports and causes make them ideal teammates, and cause marketing for sports can be approached in a number of ways: from the perspective of the individual athlete, league, corporate partner or nonprofit. Here are a few examples of sports causes in action:
- Individual Athlete – Several Olympic athletes are giving back, including 2010 halfpipe silver medalist Hannah Teter, who began selling maple syrup called Hannah's Gold in an effort to raise money for underprivileged children around the world.
- League – The NFL PLAY 60 campaign is tackling childhood obesity by encouraging kids to be more active. Engagement takes place through in-school, afterschool and team-based programs, and through online child-targeted outreach and in partnership with like-minded organizations.
- Corporate Partners – Possibly the most notable sports-related cause is the Lance Armstrong Foundation, raising money for cancer research largely through the success of its partnership with Nike.
- Nonprofits – This week, the Ad Council engaged athletes Drew Brees and Tony Hawk for its latest PSA campaign supporting First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! effort to fight childhood obesity.
- Focus – Identify an issue that is relevant to the person or organization and stick to it.
- Leverage All Assets – Think beyond the big check and utilize other valuable assets, such as volunteers, airtime and celebrity appearances.
- Engage – Think of ways to engage multiple audiences, such as fans, the media or others in the sports community.
- Commit Long-Term – Cause commitments made over a long period of time offer the opportunity for the player or organization to gain the reputational benefits of the cause association.
Tags: charitablegiving nonprofitcausebranding nonprofit charity celebrityengagement causebranding
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Valuable Volunteers
December 4, 2009 at 1:48 PM by Research & Insights
Tags: Volunteer philanthropy charitablegiving
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We hardly need another reason to extol the value of dedicated volunteers to the work of nonprofit organizations, but bear with us a moment, this one is pretty compelling. According to a new study, not only do volunteers add value to an organization, but it turns out they give value, too.
A study of more than 1,000 people from the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund and VolunteerMatch revealed, on average, people donate 10 times more if they have volunteered during the past year. Specifically, the study showed Americans who had volunteered in the past 12 months donated an average of $2,593 compared to $230 from non-volunteers. Finally, this benefit is staying inside the organization’s walls in most cases: 67 percent of American volunteers say they generally give back to the same organizations where they volunteer.
These powerful statistics are further underscored by the shared attitude (for two-thirds of survey respondents) that “true philanthropy” translates to both time and money. The survey only spoke to individuals, but this sentiment also holds true for companies who can multiply their own impact on important causes by dedicating both time and financial resources. The takeaway is that “true philanthropy” requires a holistic approach, and frankly, we couldn’t agree more.
Tags: Volunteer philanthropy charitablegiving
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