Company giving

Company giving only makes up a relatively small percentage of Third sector income – about 4.8% compared with, for example, about 35% from the public.

However, developments in government policies, taxation and business sector practices are affecting both the way companies give, and the amount that they are likely to give.

More detailed guidance on company giving can be found at the ‘Giving & Public Fundraising’ section.

Companies have become involved with voluntary and community organisations for a number of reasons:

  • Creating goodwill among the communities where they are based
  • Boosting staff morale
  • Associating themselves with certain causes to develop corporate image or identity
  • Responding to appeals

Funding from companies is unlikely to come as no-strings cash donations, rather their motivation is enlightened self-interest. Apart from cash, there is a wide variety of ways in which companies may give support:

  • Sponsoring events, projects or award schemes
  • Providing staff time, advice and expertise
  • Encouraging employees to volunteer
  • Organising fundraising campaigns amongst employees
  • Donating products, materials or equipment
  • Providing company facilities
  • Advertising in charity publications
  • Joint promotions, where the company makes a donation in return for each produce sold, in order to encourage sales (cause related marketing – CRM)

Useful resources