Find like-minded groups to support with business charitable donations

Use your business charitable donations to reach your customer base or to support an organization that is important to a major client. For example, if your target customer is families, find a nonprofit that supports local schools. If your biggest client has a blind child, get your company involved in a nonprofit for the blind such as the Lions Club.

I recommend: Contact your local United Way office for examples of charitable contributions that are most needed in your community. They also can help to guide you to a like-minded type of organization. Use Charity Navigator to evaluate the efficiency and financial health of local and national charities. Find links to popular nonprofits here as well.

Attach your name to a good cause with charitable gifts

Sponsors are used for popular events such as golf tournaments, running events and fundraisers. Many charitable organizations receive a plethora of local media attention and will include your company name in programs, on banners and in advertising brochures. In addition to all the feel-good benefits and marketing opportunities you'll get from your charitable contributions plan, you also will be exposed to networking opportunities when you attend the event.

I recommend: The Susan B. Komen for the Cure organization is a masterful group of marketing experts that raise business charitable contributions for breast cancer research. The American Red Cross is always in the media spotlight when disasters hit. They serve clients both locally and nationally.

Designate a business charitable contribution point person

Among your staff, there is most likely one person with sensitivity to local charities that can help guide your charitable gifts program. Large corporations often have an entire department to take care of their philanthropy. Other companies choose to outsource their charitable contributions efforts or bring in a consultant as they make their first decisions.

I recommend: Frugal Marketing.com is a cause-based consultancy for businesses to find the right place to put their business charitable donation. ResultsLab can offer advice on choosing a business charitable contributions recipient as well as help with positioning and marketing efforts related to your cause.