"Effective Charitable Giving" and "Printing Solutions"

Q U E S T I O N
My company is regularly contacted by non-profit organizations looking for donations. We try to be community-minded, but it feels like the money disappears with no return. Can our charitable giving be more effective?

A N S W E R
Yes. But first, divide giving into two areas: Genuine Philanthropy that demands nothing in return, and Community Relations as part of an overall marketing plan. Let’s address the latter. Want to create top-of-mind awareness in a specific target audience? Find non-profit events affiliated with that group. Targeting runners? Sponsor a race or walk. Desire an affluent crowd? High-profile cultural benefits will attract this clientele. Be creative! Don’t just hand over a check and a logo. Most non-profits are hungry for new ideas! It’s a opportunity to develop a real win-win partnership. Bring your dollars, market penetration, labor force and connections to the table...what can they do in return? They might profile you in their newsletter, recommend your product to their donors, offer you a presence at their next event, etc. Remember, we’re all stronger together than we are apart.

Q U E S T I O N
We just got our brochures back from the printer and something’s wrong. They’re in a big stack and seem to have rubbed off on each other a little. What do you think?

A N S W E R
I think the job offset. After paper is printed, the ink must dry. Many variables affect drying time. Imagine a big stack of brochures and a huge cutting blade coming down - thwack! As the blade cuts, it applies pressure to the stack. If the ink isn’t dry, it may "rub off" from one sheet to another. This "rub-off" is called offset and it can be avoided. A reputable shop will address your concerns.