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To: Deborah Bagocius, Associate Director of Communications

From: Kim Boak, University Student

Re: Acceptance of Corporate Donations

Date: April 3, 2006

Summary

In order for the organization to continue growing, I am suggesting that Defenders of Wildlife consider pursuing and accepting corporate donations. Tapping into Corporate America could produce staggering results. The potential for positive impact on Mother Nature is unlimited. I know that Defenders of Wildlife is widely supported on a national level, accepting funding from private foundations, non-profit organizations, individuals, philanthropists, and celebrities. Currently, however, the organization is not accepting funding from corporations. I believe that the work you do can be positively impacted by support from the business community.

Problem

Defenders of Wildlife is not taking advantage of the opportunity for substantial fundraising available from the corporate community. Understandably, for-profit entities such as tuna fishermen, oil companies, power companies, and the timber industry will not likely support environmentally friendly organizations; however, there are many corporations that want to support their communities. It is up to each individual organization to “sell” themselves to a particular sector of potential funding sources. The best way to do this is to embrace the ideals of the people in the community. Defenders of Wildlife has a very good reputation and will be able to easily provide proof of public support. Millions of dollars are bypassed each year by neglecting the corporate community and its ability to support your cause.

Evidence

My research has identified corporations and non-profit agencies that have directly benefited from forming a business partnership. Some of the non-profit agencies and corporations that have formed successful partnerships are: The Rain Forest Alliance and Kraft Foods, Lincoln Park Zoo and Pfizer, Inc., The Wildlife Way Station and AmericanFone, LLC, The National Zoo and Booz Allen Hamilton, and The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and The BASF Corporation (United Way, 2006).

These agencies and corporations are working together to make sure future generations will be able to understand and appreciate the importance of wildlife and the environment. Corporate America recognizes the value in supporting the community. According to Giving USA Foundation’s 2005 annual report on philanthropy, corporate America gives an average of 1.1% of its net revenue (Commerce Bank). The chart below lists some of the top companies in America. With net incomes in the millions, billions, and soon trillions, mega dollars for charitable giving are just waiting to be put to good use.

Corporate Giving on a National Level
Corporation	Net Income	Year	Total Giving Based on National Average*
Bank of America	$8 B	2005	$8 M
GE	$17 M	2004	$170 K
IBM	$8 B	2005	$8 M
Kraft Foods **	$32 B	2004	$32 M
Microsoft	$20 B	2005	$20 M
Pfizer, Inc.	$8 B	2005	$8 M
Wal-Mart	$70 M	2004	$700 K
*1.1% of Net Income is the National Average for Corporate Giving (Commerce Bank)
**Not on the United Way's Top Ten List of Corporate Partners
B is Rounded to the Nearest Billion
M is Rounded to the Nearest Million
K is Rounded to the Nearest Thousand

-see works consulted for more information about these companies

As the director of operations for a small non-profit, I am familiar with the challenges surrounding recruiting, maintaining, and retaining funding sources. The agency I work for solicits funds for helping ex-offenders. Criminals are not usually considered a warm and fuzzy cause that corporations are interested in funding, but we are still able to secure corporate funding. Baby animals, their mothers, and their homes definitely have instant appeal. Defenders of Wildlife, along with their heartfelt and socially acceptable mission and vision, will find it easier to convince corporate America to get on board. Securing corporate funding will take considerably less effort for this organization than for the many non-profit organizations that lack immediate appeal. Based on my research above and my personal experience, I can assure you of success in this endeavor.

Recommendation

It is easy to see that there are many corporations that embrace the issues surrounding wildlife and their habitats. I would recommend tapping into this resource with existing funds, existing staff, and current communication efforts. I would propose the following solutions:

1. Contact Volunteers. Many of the organizations existing volunteers work for corporations with several different ways to donate.

2. Have volunteers solicit in-kind donations on behalf of the agency. These items can include furniture, office supplies and equipment. These are valuable contributions and are considered assets. The value of these items can be included on annual reports and other financial documents.

3. Matching gift programs are also available. Members and volunteers who already give can submit paperwork that will allow their corporation to fund the non-profit of their choice. This has no political ramifications for the corporation.

4. Solicit from like-minded corporations. This plea can be added to existing internal and external publications serving as a reminder of the needs of the agency. Internally, it reminds people already affiliated with the agency to reach out to people and places they know that may want to support the mission.

5. Have volunteers, interns, or staff research corporations that already fund like-minded organizations (like those listed above). Include these organizations on your mailing list.

Evaluation

The cycle of life for endangered species will continue because of the efforts of the staff, volunteers, and supporters of the mission of Defenders of Wildlife. Calling on the skills, strengths and resources of the people already involved with the agency is an excellent way for expansion into the arena of corporate funding. Defenders of Wildlife is obviously doing an exceptional job, but there is always room for improvement. With 480,000 members and a $30 million dollar annual budget (Defenders), you are a strong, vibrant organization with a passion for the attributes of natural habitats and the creatures that make up our ecosystem. Many corporations are looking for ways to support the community. It is good for business and staff morale to be involved with an agency that most people support. Defenders of Wildlife is a well run, fiscally responsible organization and Corporate America is just waiting for Defenders of Wildlife to ask them for money!

Works Cited

"NCL Top Ten List." United Way. 25 Mar. 2006 <http://national.unitedway.org/

     ncl/topten.cfm>. 

Works Consulted

"About IBM." IBM. 25 Mar. 2006 <http://www.ibm.com/ibm/us/>. 

"Assets Management." Bank of America. 23 Jan. 2006. 25 Mar. 2006

     <http://www.bankofamerica.com/newsroom/press/

     press.cfm?PressID=press.20060123.03.htm>. 

"Audited Financial Statements." General Electric Company. 25 Mar. 2006

     <http://ge.com/ar2004/cfs_e.jsp>. 

"Corporate Fact Sheet." Kraft Foods. 25 Mar. 2006 <http://www.kraft.com/

     profile/factsheet.html>. 

"Corporate Membership." Friends of the National Zoo. Smithsonian National

     Zoological Park. 24 Mar. 2006 <http://nationalzoo.si.edu/JoinFonz/

     CorporateMembership/default.cfm>. 

"Corporate Supporters." Rainforest Alliance. 24 Mar. 2006

     <http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/join/corporations.html>. 

Defenders of Wildlife. 24 Mar. 2006 <http://www.defenders.org>.

"For Investors." Pfizer. 25 Mar. 2006 <http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/are/      investors_releases/2006pr/mn_2006_0119.jsp>.

"Giving Overview." Commerce Bank. 24 Mar. 2006 <http://www.commerceonline.com/

     communityrelations/overview.cfm>. 

"Make a Donation." Wildlife Way Station. 2005. Bold New World. 24 Mar. 2006

     <http://www.wildlifewaystation.org/common/

     page.php?ref=home&MERCURYSID=94c28284cef8dbf702e7e23487bfd6a3>. 

"MSFT Investor Relations." Microsoft. 21 July 2005. 25 Mar. 2006

     <http://www.microsoft.com/msft/earnings/FY05/earn_rel_q4_05.mspx#Channel>. 

"News Release." BASF The Chemical Corporation. 25 Jan. 2005. 24 Mar. 2006

     <http://www.basf.com/corporate/news2005/012505_greatswamp.htm>. 

"Opportunities to Support Lincoln Park Zoo." Lincoln Park Zoo. 24 Mar. 2006

     <http://www.lpzoo.com/support/#corporations>. 

"Wal-Mart Stores, Inc." Hoover's. 1 Feb. 2006. 25 Mar. 2006

     <http://www.hoovers.com/wal-mart/--ID__11600,period__A--/

     free-co-fin-income.xhtml>.