Forward Thinking. Forward Fundraising.

First it was the Case Foundation in 2007/2008 with The Giving Challenge, giving $1,000 a day for 50 days and then $50,000 to the top overall vote getter on Facebook.  Then Chase Bank did Chase Community Giving on Facebook in 2009 giving the top 100 not-for-profit vote getters $25,000 each, and now Pepsi is about to put the money they normally spent on Super Bowl ads and launch their Refresh Project.

Is this a sign that big business is taking a cue from The Case Foundation and is feeling the need to be good corporate citizens?  Is it a sign that people are now truly starting to see the need for philanthropy and how a small idea can turn into big dividends for communities?

I think it’s both!  Not so long ago we saw leaders and advisors of corporations and big businesses sit around a big boardroom and make decisions – by themselves – to give their money to organizations to name a building, a wing, or even a hospital!  What Pepsi is doing appears to be more grass roots and encouraging those not-for-profit entrepreneurs who have a great idea and passion for a project the means in which to get it started and sustain their missions.

What’s even more encouraging is they are not leaving the decisions completely up to a few sitting around that boardroom table, but letting “you” the general public decide who is most deserving or their money – this is what I think is even a bigger sign that times are a changing in the world of corporate philanthropy!

So, do you think other big corporations will follow suit and possibly move monies normally spent on expensive and over-the-top advertising to their corporate giving programs?   And, will this kind of good citizenship develop into the brand loyalty they are looking for?

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Well, it’s almost time for the holiday break!  I know this year has been a roller coaster for the Cramer team – but in a very good way.  For us, this is a calling and a passion and we all truly love what we do and are inspired every day by the various community leaders and organizations we have the privilege of partnering with.

So as we close out 2009, we want to wish everyone a happy holiday and a joyful new year!

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Have you thought about why you give as you do?  Some people give of their time, some of their money.  Richard Branson has said in the past that he gives because he doesn’t want to waste his position.  A friend of mine volunteers because it allows her to provide a skill that the organization doesn’t have. Some alumni have said they give to their alma mater because the college prepared them for life.

Here on our blog we are asking that everyone who visits to briefly write a sentence or two about why they give and then come back often to see why others give.

So, why do you give?

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In today’s world is all about staying connected – with your friends, your family, your clients and the world!  At Cramer & Associates we are also embracing this connectivity by launching our FaceBook page, YouTube channel, Twitter, and our blog!

Let’s face it, news and information travels at the speed of light and we think the best way to keep you up to date is through our various tools of social connections / media.

On our Blog you can read what’s happening today in the world of philanthropy and read our take on important issues.  Via our Facebook Fan page you can be an insider on all the things Cramer & Associates is planning, and keep up to date on our calendar of activities.  Through our Twitter account we will be tweeting and re-tweeting essential information about fundraising as it happens.  And on our YouTube channel you’ll get to see and hear the Cramer team discussing hot issues and important topics and be able to take a look at what other organizations, schools and colleges are doing and saying on YouTube.

We’d also like to know why “YOU” give – whether it’s of your time, money or talents – take a quick minute to tell us why YOU give.

So come along with us . . . catch the wave and stay connected to Cramer & Associates.

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