Million Dollar Home Run
Over the last few years, it seems like every televised sporting event has some kind of philanthropic hook. In the World Series, for example, MasterCard is pledging $1,000 to a nonprofit for ever home run hit.A couple of times each game they promote this campaign.
Best case scenario, the series goes to seven games and there are three homers per game. 21 home runs. $21,000 for nonprofits.
Do Americans really now see MasterCard as a community leader because of a $21,000 donation?
There are pairs of tickets being sold for World Series games for more than $21,000. The TV ad time to announce this campaign has to cost seven figures. And then there is the backdrop of baseball player's salaries.
Next year, how about a million per home run? Now that would be meaningful.
How about current or prospective Taproot Funders supporting community NPOs by sponsoring a service grant for every home run hit by their team. This could even present some good photo opportunities for the home run hitters after the grant is awarded, since by taking one yard, they have enabled a $45-70k donation to the org.
If Taproot has any funders who are also sponsors of baseball, or a baseball team, this shouldn't be too difficult.
And how about 10 Service Grants if they hit the "Hit it Pro Bono" sign!