Show Support For Cooperatives Using Imprinted Writing Instruments with Logo

Consumer buying behavior has changed over the years. Now, their purchase decision is determined by businesses being more socially responsible. Consumers are now more inclined to buy products from companies that support causes and not-for-profit organizations. One of the ways you can demonstrate social responsibility is by supporting cooperatives. According to a survey conducted by Statista entitled Effects of company’s corporate social responsibility on consumer purchase decisions covering the years 2007-2016, 32 percent of the respondents revealed that CSR sometimes affected their buying decision while 16% said it had a strong influence on their purchasing decision.

Growing your business does not always have to focus on profits. One non-monetary way to grow your business is by partnering with local cooperatives. You can find them in churches and other nonprofit organizations. Being socially responsible translates to an increase in consumer goodwill, brand awareness, and corporate image. It will also lead to better positioning, increased sales, and free advertising. Promotional products like writing instruments with logo are excellent tools for showing your support to cooperatives. Here are some ways you can get started with supporting cooperatives using imprinted writing instruments with logo.

IDENTIFY CHARITIES THAT MATTER MOST TO YOUR EMPLOYEES

While donating imprinted pens and checks will be highly appreciated, it will do little to grow your business. You would need the support and physical effort of your staff in scouting for targeted projects. Do a survey on your employees to determine which causes, organizations, or causes they would most likely want to donate pens with logo.

SELECT AN ORGANIZATION THAT RELATES TO YOUR MISSION AND VISION

For example, you are a company that sells pencils with logo, you might opt to partner with a local mission or church that sends out-of-school youths to schools. You can offer a small discount to customers buy imprinted pencils as part of their donation.

ORGANIZE THE EFFORT WITH THE LOCAL COOPERATIVE

In the example above, you can let the cooperative group sell imprinted markers. Majority of projects are annual events that gain media coverage and community recognition. The cooperative will gain enough experience in producing and promoting the event. Take a cooperative and supportive role in the distribution of markers with logo.

PUBLICIZE THE EVENT USING PUBLIC RELATIONS

The cooperative would surely want to publicize the project and would want to mention the role of your company in donating highlighters with logo in exchange for help. Instead of posting fliers or posters in your business, send out press releases and have your employees promote the donation of imprinted highlighters by word-of-mouth.

ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEES TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE

Encourage your employees to enthusiastically support and promote the company’s efforts. Their participation will boost the success of the whole effort and encourage the cooperative to partner with you again.

HOW TO FUND YOUR CAUSE

Here are some of the ways you can get funding for your event

Grants. A grant is a monetary assistance given by the grantor to the grantee to be used for specific programs such as donation of imprinted stylus or for unrestricted use. Grants awarded by state and local agencies carry restrictions in that they should be used for cultural or recreational programs for city or state residents. Foundations usually fund specific programs like donation of stylus with logo and not as general operating expenses.

Donations. Donations can either be individual or corporate. The former is usually the largest source of funding dollars for large and small nonprofits. Corporate donations are also significant funding for non-profits. While donations of crayons with logo by individuals are for altruistic reasons, corporations donate imprinted crayons for public exposure aside from supporting a worthy cause.

Fundraising. These events are held once or twice a year. Fundraising events may include book sales or telethon, charity dinner, or dance. People buy tickets for the event which may also include selling of imprinted pencil cases. The staff of the event are volunteers from the non-profit agency and attended by the general public who may also buy pencil cases with logo.  

Selling Products or Services. Cooperatives may also raise funds by selling imprinted wine bags. In turn, they sell wine bags with logo to raise money.

Volunteers and In-Kind Contributions. While they do not directly provide funds for nonprofits, volunteers are the backbone of every non-profit organization. However, they work for free and their number of hours has a monetary value assigned to it. In-kind contributions are also indirect sources of funds that may include donations such as hard hats with logo to a fundraising event. With these sources, there is a need to monitor success because it will be an important factor in determining whether the donation of imprinted hard hats will continue.