Some firms make charitable contributions solely because they believe in giving back to the community. If this is the case with your firm, take charitable contributions out of the business development budget. However, if your contributions are intended to generate return -- including visibility in the community, improved client relationships, and new business development -- then you should define some criteria for this budget item.
Determine which charities warrant contributions based on such factors as the number of firm lawyers involved in the cause, the level of lawyer involvement, the level of client involvement, and the amount or type of recognition the firm receives for its contribution.
Define policies for charitable contributions, such as requiring that lawyers requesting funds for charitable contribution explain the value and benefits of the contribution. For events such as purchasing a table at an event, lawyers should be required to identify which clients, prospects, and lawyers will be attending the event, and the benefit of inviting these individuals. Consider selecting a single charitable organization to which the firm could make a major contribution. Use the contribution and the firm's involvement in the organization to increase the firm's visibility in the community.
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