Why and How Entrepreneurs Give to Charitable Causes

Local impact is key
The majority (71 percent) of respondents indicate that supporting local charities is a key criterion for selecting which organizations to support. Other criteria cited include:

• Efficient use of donated funds
• Proven track record or results
• Personal employee referrals
• Must be IRS-qualified public charity
• Grants to the organization may benefit their companies — drive business/alignment of cause with business mission
• Company may have ability to direct grants to specific programs
• Strong third-party rating

Entrepreneurs are early adopters of strategic giving vehicles
More than a third of respondents facilitate employee giving through company match or payroll deduction, and about 30 percent would consider establishing company match, payroll deduction and/or fund charitable accounts for employees.