Giving Donations

Why?

To give back to your community partners as well as have another avenue to get your brand name outside the four walls.

Estimated Time to Execute:

Will vary, most will be very quick, other larger events with donating food could take more resources.

What:

• Many non-profit and community groups need donations from businesses for various things such as:
  • Charity event
  • School fundraiser
  • Raffle prizes
  • Food to feed volunteers
  • Raising money for a cause
  • Silent auction prize
  • Coupons for a goodie bag
  • You can donate gift cards, swag, food or a combination of these things to help out partners.

Tools Needed:

• Business cards
• Menus
• Catering menus (if applicable)
• Gift card (if applicable)
• Food and serving supplies (if applicable)
• Time for team members to set up donation (if applicable)

Research Needed Prior to Execution:

• You will get many requests in paper form and emails for people asking for donations. It’s important to select quality partners that you can continue to work with, as well as have a larger reach so your brand gets the recognition from their members.
  • A few best practices when deciding who to partner with:
    • They have over 1000 likes on their Facebook page (the more the better!) and offer to tag you in a post as a thank you
    • They have a strong Instagram following
    • They have over 200 members in their organization
    • They have various ways to advertise (flyers, email, social media, posters, etc)
    • They are willing to do more with you than the original donation
      • Ie. Someone comes in asking for a $50 gift card for a 5k. You ask how else you can be involved. You end up donating coupons to all the race bags, have gift cards for the top three placed, and now seen as a sponsor with logos on t-shirts, branded material and tagged on social media
    • They have a nice looking website and an email that is not just a generic one
    • The event is at least 30 days in advance for advertising time
  • These are just a few scenarios, use your best judgement.
    • Remember, it is OK to say No! If feeling bad about it, let them know you’ve hit your donation budget for the quarter
  • Some partners may not be the best for a straight donation, but may be able to work with you in other ways. Ask questions to see how best you can work together.

Execution:

• Execution will vary greatly depending on the need. Most donation will be a gift card or gift basket of sorts.
  • If giving gift cards, be sure to track how many given in a quarter/year
  • These can get new guests into the restaurant but should be treated like a cash donation
  • Food donations can either be dropped off or set up and served like catering to show off your restaurant’s food. Generally if you have an opportunity to do sampling, do it!
  • The restaurant should always “get” something out of a donation. Don’t be afraid to ask what that is.
    • Whether a mention in a PR piece, tag on social media, or larger to having branding on all materials, any donation should be mutually beneficial to the restaurant and partner.
  • Ask for an event recap once the event or partnership is over with your logo or mention so we can save it for our records.

Enjoy this way to give back, helping your community and getting your restaurant exposed to potential new guests!