Cause Marketing

September 21, Bloomberg — Businesses in the U.K. are cutting spending on the arts, and aren’t planning to increase it until 2011, according to a survey by the London-based nonprofit organization Arts & Business.

September 18, 2009, Time — Starting next January, whenever you buy an airline ticket at a travel agency or online, there'll be a new question to answer before you hand over your credit card: Would you be willing to donate $2 to help fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa?

New York, NY., September 14, 2009 — A new global business and public sector coalition – led by the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many notable non-profits – today announced a milestone initiative to “survey the socially beneficial way” by making donations to causes on behalf of those individuals participating in funded market research programs around the world.

Bentonville, Ark., September 15, 2009 — To help offset rising expenses for classroom supplies this back-to-school season, Walmart and Sam's Club have launched Teacher Rewards, a new program to provide more than $4 million to 40,000 deserving teachers across the United States. On average, teachers spend more than $500 a year out of their own pockets for classroom supplies, according to the American Federation of Teachers. Statistics like these inspire Walmart and Sam's Club associates to continue supporting education and teacher recognition in their local communities.

Mooresville, N.C., September 15, 2009 — At a time when schools are forced to slash budgets, cut staff and cancel programs, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation announced today they are continuing their commitment to K-12 public education by dedicating more than $2.5 million in additional grants to schools and communities in the United States and Canada. The grants will be given to schools and non-profit organizations facing fundamental needs in difficult economic times.

Nashville, Tenn., September 14, 2009 — A little cookie company's sweet idea to help struggling nonprofit organizations is generating big support, as more than 100,000 fans have nominated their favorite charity for The Christie Cookie $25,000 Charity Giveaway.  In marking their 25th anniversary, Nashville-based Christie Cookies will select the 12 charities with the most votes to share the cash prize.

September 1, 2009 — As we begin Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Aflac has pledged $1 million to the Aflac Cancer Center cause in the form of a matching grant.  Aflac will give these funds as Facebook users make a commitment to the cause by joining, recruiting friends, and making donations.  Aflac will donate $1 for anyone who joins the Aflac Cancer Center cause and match every $1 donated on the cause, up to $1 million.

September 1, 2009, The Wall Street Journal — Some small businesses are following the recession playbook of the unemployed.

STAMFORD, Conn., August 26, 2009 — With giving budgets down for many corporations and fewer community involvement (CI) staff on the payroll, corporate charitable giving departments are busier than ever. The good news for many charities is that the corporations surveyed by LBG Research Institute show no decrease in their commitment to supporting their communities.

NEW YORK, August  27, 2009 — Verizon employees across the country have collected more than $500,000 worth of back-to-school supplies to assist schools and nonprofit organizations. The volunteers participated in a three-week Tools for School campaign to collect new and gently used rulers, crayons, backpacks and other items children need to start the school year.