Many businesses express their philanthropic intent by providing nonprofit customer’s special promotions. Read on to learn the benefits and challenges of discounts.
What is it? You offer your nonprofit customers an automatic price reduction. Adobe, for instance, “offers nonprofit pricing discounts. . .”
Pro: Nonprofits buy your services for less. You know the answer when prospects ask you for donations.And, when the cost is the deciding factor: they pick you.
Con: Discounts can increase price competition to your detriment. Besides, did you know that the best nonprofits shun discounts? These entities require top-notch resources. Discount signal second-class customer-ship.
Avoid The Bite: Instead of (or with a discount) consider offering inexpensive-to-you philanthropic benefits to differentiate your firm. How about redesigning an existing event so your nonprofits can mingle with potential donors? Or, endorsing a different nonprofit’s work in your publications every month?
Discounts represent one corporate philanthropy technique. All methods reflect your generosity. Each helps you to fulfill your corporate social responsibility. To learn more about how corporate philanthropy enhances profits and performance, download Can Philanthropy Actually Help Your Bottom Line?
Karen Eber Davis provides customized advising and coaching around nonprofit strategy and board development. People leaders hire her to bring clarity to sticky situations, break through barriers that seem insurmountable, and align people for better futures. She is the author of 7 Nonprofit Income Streams and Let's Raise Nonprofit Millions Together.
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