There’s no question that corporate sponsorship of charitable causes is good for business. Research shows that total sponsorship spending by businesses just in North America will reach $23.2 billion in 2017. Those numbers include all sponsorships, not just those for charitable causes and events. Still, the corporate interest in nonprofit sponsorships has been impressive and grows more so each year.
Of the total dollars spent by businesses on sponsorships, 9 percent goes to causes often through cause-marketing partnerships, 4 percent to the arts, and 4 percent to festivals, fairs and annual events.
In fact, the 2015 Community Involvement study conducted by Boston College’s Center for Corporate Citizenship found that a growing number of employers are prioritizing community involvement goals that align with their company’s operational strengths. Over 85 percent of respondents said this involvement enhances their reputation, almost 75 percent said it improves their ability to recruit employees and nearly 70 percent said it improves their ability to retain employees.
Good nonprofit sponsorship partners realize that that such involvement is a business deal, not a donation. They also know that the skills to acquire such sponsorships are different from those that work in everyday fundraising — and leadership is critical.
In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll showcase some of the talented and innovative leaders who are making a difference in our region’s nonprofit sector and what drives their passion for their career and their causes.
We’ll also get you geared up for the 11th annual Roar on the Shore® charitable motorcycle rally, set for July 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16 in Erie, and why it is good for bikers and businesses, as well as this year’s charity, the Mercy Center for Women. In fact, take a look at this month’s Spotlight Q&A as we talk to the Mercy Center for Women’s Executive Director Jennie Hagerty about the impact that the rally will make on the Center’s “house to home” project.
The Manufacturer & Business Association’s own HR/legal and training experts will also help address some key questions about how to help nonprofits make a big impact through marketing strategies, as well as hiring questions for the summer.
The MBA, itself, is a not-for-profit employers’ association whose focus is to help businesses succeed. To learn more about our many services and programs that can assist your organization, visit www.mbausa.org!
