Charity and Your Franchise

Charity is something a lot of people want to do, but they don't always have the means to make it happen. As a franchise, you can use charity to give back, help your community, and grow your business at the same time. Any time you participate in charity, you're helping people in need, reaching potential customers, and establishing your local presence. Here are three ways you can incorporate charity into your franchise business plan, even if you can't make a large donation just yet.

Hold Some Fundraisers

Identify local charities that have good reputations and support a cause you believe in. Ask the nonprofit you pick if they want to fundraise in your business. You could do something ongoing such as the change jars or boxes for causes you might see in your local stores, or you could hold an event. An event will involve more planning and time on your part, but it might bring more visibility for your business and the charity than a change drive would and bring in extra foot traffic. Fundraising is a solid way to go if you can't spare products or services or much cash, and it can be the start of a partnership with a local nonprofit.

Donate Services or Products

Performing free services or donating products is another way to give back if you're not in the financial position to make a straight cash donation, which is common for franchisees at the start of their business. Think about what you can do to help the most if you're a service-based business. For example, if you have a carpet-cleaning franchise, you can arrange to clean the carpets of a local shelter or nonprofit or a specific in-need group, such as low-income seniors. If you are not sure who will benefit the most from what you have to offer, speak to local charities in your area for some guidance.

Be More Involved

Regardless of what route you choose, learn about the charity you're helping. Visit a location for a day and observe what they do. By educating yourself about the nonprofits you're helping and their causes, you will become a more effective partner to those charities.

Charity is something that is a part of many successful franchises, so make sure it has a place in your new business.