Rethinking sponsorship

How long have not for profits relied on grants, charitable donations and corporate sponsorship to survive? Too long. With crippling budget cuts in BC and the still-precarious state of the economy, this situation is made all the more difficult, particularly for smaller organizations.

I believe part of the issue resides in the perception that social profit and business profit are mutually exclusive. I’m certain the majority of business leaders don’t feel that way and yet there’s a lack of implementation.

The only way widespread change will happen is if the public (you and I) continues to demand it, prompting corporations to respond, and if not for profits & businesses alike take an active part in proposing and developing relevant initiatives and partnerships. By partnership I don’t mean sponsorship—we give you money, you show our logo in all the right places and do all the work—but a real exchange for everyone’s benefit.

One example that comes to mind is Sumac Ridge’s annual contribution to Dining Out For Life where the winery donates $1 for every bottle sold anywhere in BC during the entire month of March.

Pepsi’s Refresh Project is another example. The initiative is providing a framework, funding and follow-up support for ideas proposed by businesses, individuals and non-profits and chosen by popular vote.

In both instances the investments of time, products and resources signal a durable and meaningful commitment that benefits both entities and produce tangible results. Do you know of other examples of successful partnerships between corporations and organizations with a social or environmental focus?