1. Corporate Engagement Opportunity
11/22/2018
Corporate Engagement Opportunity
Good morning/afternoon.
We’re now going to talk about Corporate Engagement Opportunity.
Some of you may ask, what’s that?
Leadership Training 2018
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

2. Corporate Engagement Opportunity
11/22/2018
We know Soroptimist programs effect fundamental change for women and girls through economic and social empowerment.
There are many ways Soroptimist clubs can financially help support our Dream programs—charity auctions, LiveYourDream.org fundraising events, club giving, Founders Pennies, etc. Another avenue that many clubs currently take advantage of is soliciting donations from local businesses. Now, clubs can expand that relationship by offering companies the “Corporate Engagement Opportunity” (CEO).
The Corporate Engagement Opportunity (CEO) is a membership and fundraising strategy where clubs invite local businesses to give back to the community through financial donations, and also by inviting employees to become members of the club.
Forming this type of partnership has potential for the four mainstays of SIA: membership, fundraising, public awareness, and program.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

3. 8 Steps to a Successful Partnership
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A GUIDE FOR CLUBS TO ENGAGE LOCAL BUSINESSES
8 Steps to a Successful Partnership
Check 501©(3) status
Brainstorm and list area companies
Determine the donation amount and what benefits the club can offer
Send an introduction letter to the business(es)
Follow up and meet
Establish the Corporate Engagement Opportunity
Acknowledge and say thank you
Fulfill the agreement and prosper
There is a “Guide for Clubs to Engage Local Businesses” on the Founder Region website
(found under Leadership Training & Handbook - “Corporate Engagement Opportunity”)
The guide lists 8 steps to a Successful Partnership, and we are going to walk through them briefly.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

4. Step 1. Check 501(c)(3) status
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Step 1. Check 501(c)(3) status
Step 1. Confirm that your club is established and registered, and current on filings as a 501(c)(3) within the state (U.S. only). If not or if you have questions, contact SIA at
(note for District VI)
Of note, SIWFI is there own Foundation
Guam clubs to remain current with local Dept. of Revenue and Taxation
CNMI -
Palau -
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

5. Step 2. Brainstorm and list area companies
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Step 2. Brainstorm and list area companies
Step 2. Brainstorm and list companies in your local area.
Use contacts members may already have, along with those of their partners, spouses, and friends. Consider approaching the local chamber of commerce or other business association for contacts. Don’t hesitate to contact large and small companies. Scan local newspapers to see what businesses are partnering with other non-profits.
For many businesses, reaching out to the community from which they draw their customers and employees is just as important as running an efficient office and making a profit. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to them to make them aware of Soroptimist.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

6. 11/22/2018
Step 3. Determine the donation amount to request and what benefits the club can offer
Step 3. Determine the donation amount to request and what benefits the club can offer.
The club should take into account the dues and fees of a Soroptimist membership as well as an additional donation to the club when determining the donation request from the CEO. The Frequently Asked Questions in the guide provide more details to assist your club in determining the amount. When determining the benefits the club can offer to the business, be creative—their logo on your website, discounted or free advertising in your newsletter, etc.
There is a listing of benefits for businesses on the Founder Region website which should be customized with any unique benefits your club may offer.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

7. Step 4. Send an introduction letter to the business(es)
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Step 4. Send an introduction letter to the business(es)
Step 4. Send an introduction letter to the business(es).
Address the letter to the company’s president, human resource director, community outreach coordinator, or other appropriate contact (See Sample Introduction Letter).
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

8. Step 5. Follow-up and meet
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Step 5. Follow-up and meet
Step 5. Follow-up with a phone call after a week or two if there is no response. Ask to set up a brief meeting to bring an information packet (See Checklist for Information Packet) and discuss the opportunity. At the meeting, give a brief overview of Soroptimist and some of the club’s highlights. Explain the benefits of the CEO to the company and be prepared to answer any questions.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

9. Step 6. Establish the Corporate Engagement Opportunity
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Step 6. Establish the Corporate Engagement Opportunity
Step 6. Establish the Corporate Engagement Opportunity.
Use the Sample Agreement as a template to create a simple contract to state what is expected from each party.
Obtain the donation from the business.
Determine who within the company will benefit from the Soroptimist membership(s) and then process that employee as a regular member(s) by completing SIA Form Deduct and remit club, region, and SIA/SI dues as appropriate from the CEO’s donation. Deduct and remit any other club fees from the CEO’s donation.
Use the remainder of the donation toward the Soroptimist mission to fund women- and girl-focused projects at the club level and/or by donating a portion to SIA.
Complete club-level administrative responsibilities in order to fulfill CEO benefits (adding business to club website, to club mailings, etc.).
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

10. Step 7. Acknowledge and say thank you
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Step 7. Acknowledge and say thank you
Step 7. Acknowledge and say thank you.
Work with the CEO business to send out a press release announcing the partnership (See Sample Press Release). Send a thank-you letter to the CEO business (See Sample Thank- You Letter). Include a thank you in the club’s newsletter and website. Invite all CEO business employees to participate in appropriate volunteer activities. The club may also provide a small Soroptimist “thank you” gift, such as a Soroptimist tote bag with logo items available from headquarters’ Soroptimist store.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

11. Step 8. Fulfill the agreement and prosper!
11/22/2018
Step 8. Fulfill the agreement and prosper!
Step 8. Fulfill the agreement and prosper!
The employee of the CEO business should be considered a regular member, be involved in the club, and treated like any other member. Stewardship and recognition opportunities to the CEO should be provided whenever possible.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

12. How does the Soroptimist Club benefit from the CEO strategy?
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How does the Soroptimist Club benefit from the CEO strategy?
Having seen the 8 steps, let’s do some brainstorming and give some ideas as on: “How does the Soroptimist Club benefit from the CEO strategy?”
(suggestions)
Increases membership (employee and their network)
Donations from CEO business provides additional funds for women and girl-focused projects.
Creates public awareness by approaching businesses about Soroptimist
“Extra hands” for projects
CEO agreement can be renewed on annual basis ( potential opportunity to increase donation)
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

13. 11/22/2018
How does the Business benefit from the CEO partnership with Soroptimist?
Ok, now let’s do some brainstorming and give some ideas as on: “How does the Business benefit from the CEO partnership with Soroptimist?”
(suggestions)
Supports an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Will increase awareness of the corporation and networking opportunities within the community through association with the club and its mission to help women and girls.
Provides membership as a benefit to employee(s).
When CEO organizations’ employees are invited to participate in hands-on club projects, it will build morale, encourage teamwork among employees outside of the office, as well as creating a deeper sense of self, and help employees become more aware of the community at large.
Club-level benefits (to be determined by the club) such as: reduced advertising rate in club newsletter; discounted tickets to fundraising events; gift subscription to Best for Women; periodic s from Soroptimist club, etc.).
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

14. Member Benefits Mission Connection Assistance 11/22/2018
So at least one employee of the business becomes a member. Let’s talk about Member Benefits
Often, members of dues-supported organizations wonder what they “get” for their dues. Soroptimist uses annual dues to ensure our members have a fun and meaningful club experience while accomplishing our collective mission—today and into the future. Members pay $74 for SIA dues. The return on that investment—that is the dollar amount it would cost each member for all the service and benefits SIA provides—would be approximately $165, or a 235.7% return. Surveys tell us members value the following benefits from their membership:
Mission: Members experience joy and a sense of accomplishment by working with other like-minded women on global programs that socially and economically empower women and girls.
Connection: Members grow professionally and personally through their friendships with other club members, connections with women from different cultures and countries, and opportunities for leadership development.
Assistance: Members receive assistance and resources from SIA headquarters enabling them to enjoy a meaningful club experience knowing they are part of a secure organization invested in the future.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

15. 11/22/2018
Member Benefits
Opportunity to participate in Soroptimist’s life-changing programs
Subscription to “Best for Women”
Subscription to “Soroptimist Summary”
Access to SIA website
Access to contact information
Leadership development and networking opportunities
Opportunity to provide feedback
Live Your Dream.org
Special offers and discounts through our Corporate Sponsor Program
In addition to intangible rewards such as friendship and personal fulfillment, members also receive the following benefits:
Opportunity to participate in Soroptimist’s life-changing programs
Subscription to “Best for Women,” our twice-yearly printed newsletter offering important information and inspirational stories about the women and communities we serve.
Subscription to “Soroptimist Summary,” a monthly electronic newsletter that keeps you updated on Soroptimist initiatives and activities.
Access to numerous documents and tools available on the SIA website.
Access to contact information for other members, clubs and leaders through SIA online directories. 
Leadership development and networking opportunities at club meetings, district meetings, region conferences, the biennial convention and other meetings.
Opportunity to provide feedback, offer suggestions and voice opinions through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, online surveys, and other market research activities.
Opportunity to sign up and participate in Live Your Dream.org, an inspirational online community
Invitations to take advantage of special offers and discounts through our Corporate Sponsor Program
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

16. Resources Checklist for Information Packet Sample Introduction Letter
11/22/2018
Resources
Checklist for Information Packet
Sample Introduction Letter
Corporate Engagement Opportunity Benefits
SIA Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Press Release
Sample Agreement
Sample Thank-You Letter
Several resources exist to assist in efforts to make this partnership a success. These documents are available on the Founder Region Leadership Training & Handbook page under the Corporate Engagement Opportunity presentation:
Checklist for Information Packet
Sample Introduction Letter
Corporate Engagement Opportunity Benefits
SIA Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Press Release
Sample Agreement
Sample Thank-You Letter
Corporate Engagement Opportunity

17. Thank you! 11/22/2018 Thank you for all you do for women and girls!
I hope you will consider setting up a Corporate Engagement Opportunity within your club.
Corporate Engagement Opportunity