Steve,
What is the right percentage to give to a school or community organization? I have done some different things but have a huge opportunity and I want to be fair and make money. I have been doing 20% off the top for a couple of organizations but this one could be 500 plus on Saturday.
-Robert
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That’s a very hard one to answer Robert. It really depends on what you want to accomplish.
If you are trying to make money (nothing wrong with that) then you might want to go to ten percent.
If you truly support the mission of the organization and are personally invested in their success, then you would obviously give more.
In either case be sure to use the opportunity to collect emails for your marketing efforts. Also have business cards and flyers to hand out to customers who are interested in your catering services. Put up a big sign that says, “We Cater!” or something like that.
Always leverage charitable events into more gigs down the road.
Good luck!
-Steve
Since I started my business as a hobby and do make a few extra dollars for pin money. I always give back more than I should. I have a chance next year to sell for two shows a day at a local theater I plan on give up to 50% of sales back. It is all good will and I get my name in their sponsor book. To me it not about the money but, the people I meet. I look at the fact that if selling makes me happy and healthy, it is worth the cost. “sell em’ all”
For any fundraisers or charitable events, we always do $1.00 from every meal deal and any and all tips in the tip jar, whether it be $5.00 or $500.00 they get all tips. We have a jar set up that is clearly marked for this. If we know a few weeks ahead of time we will start the tip jar early at all of our setups and let it start building. And we do not pay for a booth at our fundraisers. We do round up on the dollars at the end of the day.
I like the tip jar idea. Thanks for sharing it!
Hi Steve,
I also typically do a 10% of gross on charity fundraising. When personally invested (United Way), I go to 20% just like you mentioned. Coming in October for me, I will be at my Cities Public Works Complex (apx 700 workers), then another day in front of City Hall. I’m expecting to kick back to them $6-700 on the combined two days. For me, it’s worth it because all that stays and goes to local causes
That’s great Mike!
Wonderful ideas