Gratitude and generosity come in many forms. For 3M, corporate philanthropy doesn’t always emerge as a one-time donation. Through two different 3M brands, 3M has modeled an alternative corporate philanthropy avenue. Sponsoring a five-times match for Giving Tuesday via Scotch™ Brand and sponsoring a month-long direct mail campaign through Post-it® Brand, 3M is inspiring generosity and expanding donor impact and mission awareness.
Speeding Access to Novel Research
As an organizational partner in both the National Business Products Industry (NBPI) group, and the National Hardware Homebuilding Industry (HHI) group, 3M has supported the lifesaving, innovative research efforts at City of Hope for decades. 3M has a nearly 40-year legacy of steadfastly championing City of Hope’s investigations and discoveries. Throughout this long arc of support, the company — together with NBPI and HHI colleagues — has raised over $470 million for research, patient care and specialized centers.
"Together with City of Hope, we’re not just supporting today’s breakthroughs; we’re paving the way for tomorrow’s cures,” says Larry Lynott, senior vice president, consumer business US and Canada, 3M. “Our partnership is driven by the belief that when we unite and amplify donor generosity, we empower hope and deliver real change so innovative research and compassionate care can reach every patient in need.”
The Urgency of Now: Success of “Because of You”
In December, with a twist on their traditional fundraising, the company participated in City of Hope’s “Because of You” campaign, a Giving Tuesday effort that leveraged the urgency of a powerful five-times match. It was an initiative designed to encourage donors to give and deepen engagement with the hospital and its physician-investigators.
“We believe a great brand helps people stick together. For us, that includes standing with patients and scientists,” says John Hoffbeck, vice president, office and retail, 3M. “Giving Tuesday and its matching campaign gave us a platform to maximize our ability to boost City of Hope’s mission.”
Leading up to Giving Tuesday, corporate partners launched several multi-channel campaigns, sharing patient stories and research breakthroughs to boost engagement and generosity.
During this cycle, following the Giving Tuesday success, Scotch™ Brand extended its matching program through all of December, matching gifts up to $100,000 and raising over $1.3 million. These funds will support access to nearly 1,000 Phase 1-3 clinical trials.
Fundraising Outside the Box
3M has also pursued other creative ways to invest in breakthrough treatments that underscore personalized care and new clinical trials that introduce patients to advanced forward-thinking interventions. Last June, Post-It Brand® sponsored a direct mail campaign that included a three-times match in June and July and a two-times match of up to $100,000 in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to City of Hope, gift-matching frequently produces a ripple effect. Donors understand that, with a match, the impact of their gift expands. Partners use a straightforward approach — a simple message with the promise of a matched donation. It’s a model that reaches out to donors, making them partners in a time-sensitive endeavor that can have lifesaving results. For corporations, it’s high-engagement, high-visibility, high-return on investment, and easily replicable.
Through gift-matching opportunities, sponsored Giving Days, direct mail campaigns and similar initiatives, City of Hope’s corporate partners demonstrate the integral and vital role their support plays in the hospital’s ongoing efforts. Each campaign and every gift matched accelerates research and improves patient care.
Create your own gift-matching campaign with City of Hope. For Giving Tuesday, year-end appeals or direct mail, our team will co-design a campaign, messaging toolkit and impact reporting that your leaders can celebrate. Contact Laci Naber at [email protected].
FAQ/People also ask
Q: How can my corporation create a giving opportunity to support City of Hope?
A: Our Corporate Partnership team is ready to work with you to create a custom campaign that could include digital, mail and social media activations. We can help you design an initiative around a specific event, cause or giving program that aligns to your company’s business and associate priorities.
Q: I would like my company leadership to be more involved in the partnership and philanthropy process with City of Hope, how can I get involved?
A: Connect with City of Hope Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy to learn about volunteer leadership needs and partnership options.
Q: How can I make a personal charitable gift to City of Hope?
A: There are many ways to donate to the City of Hope. Make a one-time donation, join the monthly giving program or recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund. If you have questions about donating, email us or call (866) 683-4673.