by Lauri Jean Crowe

Created on: August 13, 2006   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

Today charitable action is good business in any business plan. For any size company, the benefits of choosing a local charity are at premium. Choosing a local charity provides good will in the community in which the business operates, and also helps to raise up the community as well, by providing necessary charitable items or dollars to help those in need. In business, charity can have reciprocal consquences. When choosing a charity there are a few things to consider based on your business size:

SOLE-PROPRIETOR OR PARTNERSHIP

When choosing a charity in a very small business such as this, it makes sense to choose one that is close to your heart and home. Do you have a friend or family member with kidney disease, breast cancer, or a who has been a domestic violence victim? When you are in business alone or with a partner, typically donating to a charity that is near and dear to your own personal experiences will help maximize it for you, and perhaps put you in touch with groups who can also help you in return. It will make the act of charitable contribution something that benefits both your business and your life.

SMALL BUSINESS

A small business is often defined by it's link to the community, which allows the business to thrive despite larger corporate competition. By choosing a local charity, you support the locals who will in turn support you. An obvious choice for small businesses is to support local schools or public service agencies, such as a local women's resource center. Even better is to set up a scholarship fund that can help teach a student your business or trade when they go on to higher education. This makes for great local press and also helps someone who may not otherwise have been able to afford the rising costs of education, able to meet their dreams.

CORPORATIONS

Corporate charity is a whole other walk in the park, and is often mandated by the national headquarters. Good business sense will have larger corporations hooking up with a chairty that is nationally known, but has local branch offices (just like their corporation). In this way, the corporation can maximize the opportunities for press ops and being connected to a large charity which can do more over time, but also having the flexibility to have their individual offices donate locally to the charities local chapter.

There are also many other options for businesses to make an impact using their charitable dollars in the community. Two prominent ones are making matching donations,

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