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There are many different ways in which a company can impress clients. Outstanding service and an unfaltering dedication to excellence are just a couple of the ways in which a company can impress even the hardest to impress. For many companies, giving to a charity is one of the best ways to show your clients your little startup is a startup with heart.

The problem is that as a new company, there is not much money to throw at charities. In fact, you might feel as if your company itself might qualify as a charity case. It is at a time like this when it is a good idea to look to your employees to see whether they are truly dedicated to the success of the company. You may be surprised about the results you will find.

A good example of a method which a company has used in order to benefit charities is what the Torch Technologies group initiated. The basic model includes setting up a service through which a payroll processing company is responsible for collecting the money for the charities. There are a few different models which can be followed, but all will include employees giving up a portion of their paycheck in order to benefit those in need.

The majority of methods for collecting money to be given away through charities is set up as a flat rate program. Such a program entails the small business payroll services pulling a set amount of money from participating employees’ paychecks. Often the only thing the employee will have to do is sign up to give money to charity and the rest is done for them. The only way an employee will be removed from the program at this point will be to put in a request.

Another popular method asks employees to donate a specific percentage of their paycheck to the charity. The percentage allows those making more money to donate more than those with smaller paychecks. It is a good way to make sure all employees will be able to feel like they are giving what they can to the charity chosen by the group. Generally the percentage is static to make sure all employees will be donating what amounts to the same amount.

To get the charity fund started, it is a good idea to put a couple of employees in charge. They will be in charge of not only tracking the funds of the charity. They will also be in charge of making sure to find worthy charities. Most importantly, they will be in charge of making sure to convince employees they need to be a part of the charitable donation.

The larger a company grows, the more money which can be given to charities. Starting these programs as a startup gives bragging rights. The company has always had a program which provides money for those more in need. Being able to say so allows many businesses to gain more clients.

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This Business article was written by Shannon Suetos on 10/14/2010

Shannon Suetos is the online editor at Resource Nation. She writes expert advice for small businesses and entrepreneurs.