Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/729219
V O L . X X I I N O. X X I I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 7 12 public they need volunteers. "I mention this because I'd love to encourage other businesses to use some of their marketing budget to do that kind of thing," Lee says. " e fi re department doesn't have $30,000 to fund a TV campaign to get volunteers. But we'll spend the money on marketing anyway, and we're better off spending it to recruit volunteers than hav- ing me stand in front of a row of cars talking about low prices." In the end, he says, association with a good cause also benefi ts the business. "It ties in nicely with our philosophy that we should be doing something to help the community." 2. L.L.Bean receives more than 200 requests each week for grants and product donations. "I don't think you'll see any other business in the state that comes close to that," says Janet Wyper, man- ager of community relations. "We think it's because people think fondly of L.L.Bean. We have a good reputation, and people might think, 'Oh yes, we can ask L.L.Bean for support. We're front of mind because they already have positive associations with the company." Given the volume, the company must turn down most requests. But fulfi lling just a fraction still results in donations of about $2 million per year. Causes are primarily based in Maine. e principal focus is on national and local outdoor conservation and recreation organizations. For Acadia National Park's centennial this year, the company pledged $1 million for the free Island Explorer bus system, plus $25,000 to Friends of Acadia for a children's educational program. "We love the Island Explorer because it's free to everyone," says Wyper. "And it not only has the benefi t of reducing the signifi cant environmental impacts there can be on the island with all the cars there. It actually enhances the recreational experi- ence for visitors. ey don't have to be attached to their cars and try to fi nd places to park. e Explorer also helps people commute to work." e company also supports Maine communities in health and human services, primarily through United Way in communities where the company a physical presence; education, through Maine-based initiatives such as Junior Achievement, Jobs for Maine's Graduates and local education partner- ships; and arts, through organizations in Freeport, Portland, Lewiston, Brunswick and Bangor. 3. Allagash Brewing Co. founder and President Rob Tod says the company in 2015 gave over $300,000 through three programs. About $340,000 is projected for 2016. Gifts vary from $2,000 to nearly $30,000. Projects throughout Maine are con- sidered. Most awards fall in Cumberland County. e Tribute Series Beers program donates a por- tion of the proceeds of four beers to local organiza- tions. Sales this year benefi t six causes selected by Tod in a standing arrangement — a scholarship fund for pediatric nurses in the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at the Maine Medical Center; organiza- tions that aid sustainable Maine agriculture, combat food insecurity, and off er home heating assistance in Maine; the landmark Victoria Mansion in Portland; and the St. Lawrence Arts Center. e Philanthropy Grant Program solicits proposals twice yearly from the local community. Staff ers from each department form a philanthropy team to review and vote on grants. Recipients generally change each year. e Retail Store Tips program belongs to employ- ees donating brewery tour tips — over $100,000 is projected for 2016. A diff erent member of the team elects a new charity each month or every $1,000. Giving back is part of Tod's life view. "I originally chose the name Allagash because I wanted a name that resonated with the Maine community," he says. "I knew we wouldn't be able to survive without the support of the Maine community — Mainers would make our beer and we'd be based in Maine. Our fi rst 10 years of being a business, we were not able to be philanthropic because we were in sur- vival mode. But the moment we were able to be phil- anthropic, about 10 years ago, we made it a priority." L aUr i e S c h r e i be r, a w r i te r ba s e d i n B a s s Ha r bo r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t e D i t o r i a l @ m a i n e b i Z . b i Z You are sophisticated. Is yo yo y ur philanthropy? The Maine Women's Fun ers a full range of gifting options to match diverse ancial needs: Donor Advised Funds Charitable Gift Annuities Bequests, Trusts and Other Planned Gifts Long-Term Appreciated Securities Recurring Monthly or Quarterly Gifts Matching Gifts mainewomensfund.org 207-774-5513 "The Donor Advised Fund I created gives me the - ment necessary to learn about and address issues of economic security for Maine women and girls. It feels great." —Anonymous Donor Be part of Maine's largest business-to-business event and network with customers and prospects. Reserve your exhibit space now T HIS Y E A R'S T HE ME: M A INE BI Z U SP O NSOR: PWM BUSINES S OF F ICE LOUNGE SPONSOR: PRESENTING SPONSOR: PRE SE N T ING SP ONS OR: www.momentumconvention.com FOLLOW US @MBEVENTS #MOCO16 Navigating Maine's Future EXCLUSIVE VENDORS: Affordable Exhibit Displays Broadreach PR | Green Tree Events Headlight AV | W.S. Emerson Wednesday, November 9 | 8:30am–4:00pm | Augusta Civic Center SUPP OR T ING SP ONS ORS: NE T WORK IN G SP O NSORS: National Bank » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 1 0 Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a Our fi rst 10 years of being a business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be business, we were not able to be philanthropic because we were in survival mode. But the moment we were able to be philanthropic, about 10 years ago, we made it a priority. — Rob Tod Founder and President, Allagash Brewing Co.