A recent poll of small businesses in Plymouth and Barnstable counties revealed that support of nonprofits has remained steadfast despite the down economy. Commissioned by Constant Contact®, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTCT) and in collaboration with Business Connect 2011, the poll explored the state of small business support of nonprofits and found that despite the economic climate, Cape Cod and South Shore businesses continue to give back to their community. Nearly 90% of respondents have either continued or increased their support of nonprofits in the past five years: 40% of respondents report greater nonprofit support, while another almost 50% report maintaining consistent levels of support.

Eighty-five percent of respondents support nonprofit organizations because they believe it is important to give back. That support takes on a variety of forms, including: donations of cash, goods, or services (62%), offering nonprofit discounts on products or services (35%), volunteer programs (32%), donation of a percentage of profits (19%), and joint marketing partnerships (17%). With regard to donations of cash, products, or services specifically, nearly 40% of respondents plan to maintain level contributions to nonprofits in 2012 and another 16% plan to contribute more in the year ahead. Despite the fact that 69% of respondents state that limited time and staff are the main obstacles in partnering with a nonprofit organization, less than 5% of respondents will decrease their support in 2012.

“In our work with more than half a million small businesses worldwide, Constant Contact has seen how small business support of nonprofits can help both organizations grow,” says Corissa St. Laurent, regional development director for New England at Constant Contact. “Now we have some real data that points to a deep commitment of local businesses to keeping their community organizations strong, even amid challenging economic times.”

The findings demonstrate an overwhelmingly positive response to supporting nonprofit organizations, particularly at the local level. Ninety-four percent of businesses support local nonprofit organizations, while 32% contribute to national organizations and 13% international organizations. While there is a diverse representation of causes supported, education, healthcare, and homelessness organizations are among the most popular choices.

“Nonprofits, especially those local nonprofits without a big national presence, need donations now more than ever. With the ongoing economic uncertainty, getting the attention of donors can be a big challenge,” said St. Laurent. “For small businesses with limited resources, this can be difficult, but there are countless creative and effective ways to mutually benefit the cause, the community, and your business-- it’s just a matter of finding the best formula for a successful relationship.”

5 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Partner With Nonprofits

Constant Contact has developed the following five tips to help small business explore how nonprofit support can help grow their business:

1. Attract more customers: Partnerships are a great way to exchange resources and expand your network. Host or sponsor a nonprofit event, meet new people and increase your chances of attracting more prospects. What’s more, you’ll expand your reach by inviting people into your world on the common ground of community support.

2. Raise awareness: Interesting partnerships yield press coverage. Encourage a two-way promotion with the local nonprofit organization and get double the exposure.

3. Grow your online presence: A 2011 New York Times study revealed that 84% of people share content online as a way to support causes or issues they care about. Share your efforts through social media and your customers will follow suit, growing your online network.

4. Energize brand loyalty: Create a partnership, campaign or special discount on behalf of a local nonprofit and your customers will thank you with loyal support. Be sure to communicate your efforts directly to your customer base; it’s a great way to energize their investment in your brand.

5. Boost local community: By supporting local nonprofits, your company helps the local economy and directly impacts the community. Good for your business, good for you and good for those around you.

About Constant Contact, Inc.

Constant Contact is revolutionizing the success formula for small organizations through affordable, easy-to-use Engagement Marketing™ tools that help create and grow customer relationships. More than half a million small businesses, nonprofits, and associations worldwide rely on Constant Contact to drive ongoing customer dialogs through email marketing, social media marketing, event marketing, and online surveys. All Constant Contact products come with unrivaled KnowHow, education, and free coaching with a personal touch, including award-winning customer support.

Constant Contact and the Constant Contact Logo are registered trademarks of Constant Contact, Inc. All Constant Contact product names and other brand names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Constant Contact, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

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