Thank you to our partners and supporters of the Foundation Shop for the Cure program. The Foundation is grateful for the dedicated support of our 70 national corporate and community partners who raise funds through cause marketing and sponsorship programs.
The Foundation's objectives for these partner programs are:
to generate significant funds to support its mission;
to align with products that are reputable; and
to provide opportunities to educate Canadians about breast cancer and breast health.
With the large number of cause marketing programs in market, how can you be sure that your money is going where it should? To determine if a cause-related program or promotion is one that is worthy of your support, it is important to ask five key questions.
Asking the Right Questions
Here are 5 questions you should ask to learn whether a program passes the Foundation’s test of a champion and is one you can feel good about supporting.
1. Is this company committed?
Read the product packaging and promotional materials or display and visit the company’s web site to make sure the company is credible and committed to the cause.
2. How is the program structured?
Transparency is key. Is the contribution amount or the percentage of the retail price clearly stated? Whenever possible, the Foundation seeks to receive a minimum of 10% of the retail price as a contribution. Usually, there is a minimum contribution guaranteed by the company. What is the amount? Is there a maximum contribution? If so, is it significant?
3. Who does the program benefit?
Does it support a well-managed, reputable non-profit organization? Refer to the organization’s web site. The Foundation makes it very clear on its site who it is, how it structures programs, and how funds are used.
4. How will the organization that benefits use my money?
It should be clear where funds go. What organization will they support? Will the dollars generated go to research, education, community programs, or all of the above? The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation allocates funds to relevant research that will positively impact early diagnosis, effect change in the area of treatment protocols, and improve the quality of life for those living with breast cancer.
5. Is the program meaningful to me?
Is the program supporting a cause you believe in or have been touched by? Based on the details of the program and the potential for dollars to be raised, does the program make sense to you? Selecting the right program is a personal choice based on your interests, your passions, and a cause that is important to you.
Become a savvy consumer!