Another Giving Season is upon us. At RAVEN, we know that with the end of the calendar year, your inboxes become inundated with requests for donations, flashy sales encouraging you to buy more, and invitations to spread yourselves even thinner in a time of hustle and bustle. 

And, we’re not any different — we’ll be in your inboxes, and we’ll be sharing with you all the reasons we are continuing to grow the movement for Environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty in Canada. But, we know that this time of year can be hard to give as an individual. So, we’re offering some alternatives to support RAVEN through your business or workplace. 

By aligning with RAVEN, your business or workplace can be a part of a growing community that believes in a future that is just, and a future that centres caring for the lands, waters, and future generations.

Want to be a part of the “do good business” community? Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Pledge a portion of sales in a yearly pulse: 
   Throughout the year RAVEN engages audiences in several social media or online pulses such as World Oceans Day, Earth Day, and Green Friday. You can plan ahead and pledge a portion of your business sales on these days to RAVEN. We also want to express our gratitude for the supporters and organizers who contribute a small portion of their sales all year long! 
2. Matching Funds Pledges:
   Matching Funds have a way of engaging donors that never ceases to surprise us! Some recent RAVEN stats we’ve compared with Matching Funds campaigns have shown that 84% of donors are more likely to give if there are matching funds available — AND, we raise 180% more with matching funds. We are always seeking matching funds pledges to activate RAVEN supporters at key moments throughout the year. A Matching Funds pledge maximizes the potential of any given donation appeal. Your business can pledge a dollar amount to be contributed to our matching funds pot at any time of year.
3. In-Kind Giving:
   Whether it is a product, gift card, or service, RAVEN is able to transform in-kind giving into opportunities for fundraising for Indigenous justice. We run silent auctions, contests, and more with in-kind gifts. 
4. Sponsorship:
   As community-driven organizers, we host and curate a variety of public-facing events and fundraisers. From our flagship event Festival Afloat to small one-off webinars and talks, we are always looking for ways to partner with like-minded organizations and businesses to promote our events and reach new audiences. Your business or workplace can partner with RAVEN to help make a larger impact. 
5. Hosting your own event or providing space:
   If your business or workplace has a storefront or a physical space, you can host an event or fundraiser for RAVEN or provide the space for us to host an event. We are always looking for opportunities to connect with the community and showing up in physical spaces helps us reach new supporters and audiences. By hosting an event or providing space, you can bring together people with a shared passion for environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty.
6. 1% for the Planet:
   Want an easy way for your business or workplace to consistently give? Become a 1% for the Planet member and commit to donating at least 1% of annual sales directly to RAVEN – we are one of their approved environmental organizations. Join the movement and inspire other businesses to follow suit.

There are so many different ways to be a part of a community that cares for the environment and each other, think of this as a starting point. This Giving Season, consider getting your business or workplace to support the causes you care about with RAVEN.  If you have any questions or want to get involved, please reach out to caitlyn@raventrust.com.