Ways to Get Involved

I CAN has a wealth of experience in developing mutually rewarding, innovative partnerships with our corporate supporters Join us in a partnership that meets your business objectives and helps I CAN raise more vital funds.

Here are some ways your company or organisation could get involved:

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of I CAN events or programmes will deliver comprehensive branding and promotional opportunities.  Keen to reach out to nurseries, schools, families or health and education professionals to promote your company or its products? We can probably help.

Current sponsorship opportunities include:

• Chatterbox Challenge
• Conferences
• I CAN's training and information programme
• The Talking Point website
• This website

A wide range of ‘project' or ‘service' based sponsorship opportunities also exists within our special schools and network of early years centres around the UK or our online resources or professional development programme - enabling you to channel funds to an area of our work that is most appropriate for your company.

Cause Related Marketing

A great vehicle to build brand value, customer loyalty and help you stand out!

I CAN has experience in a variety of cause marketing activities and we are always happy to discuss your ideas. It helps to understand your business and marketing objectives so if you have no idea in mind and would like to explore what we could do together let's set up a meeting. Business in the Community defines cause related marketing as ‘a commercial activity by which businesses and charities or causes form a partnership with each other to market an image, product or service for mutual benefit'. Research undertaken by Research International, Lightspeed Research and Dunnhumby - Brand Benefits (2003/04) - clearly found that cause marketing has a positive impact on consumer behaviour with:

• 7 out of 10 consumers who had participated in a cause related marketing programme reporting a positive impact on their behaviour or perceptions
• 48% of consumers showed an actual change in behaviour, saying that they switched brands, increased usage or tried or enquired about new products
• 46% of consumers saying that it improved their perceptions by making them feel better about using the product, company or service
• Evidence of actual buying behaviour is also shown through the analysis of the Tesco Clubcard customer data

Their findings also demonstrated that Cause Related Marketing helps businesses and charities build and enhance their brands:  

• Awareness of cause related marketing has a significant increase on brand affinity with consumers consistently rating businesses, brands and charities higher on brand affinity statements of trust, innovation, endorsement and bonding
• Participation in cause related marketing further increases this positive perception of businesses and brands

E-mail Tim Brindle at corporatepartnerships@ican.org.uk or call on 020 7843 2528 to discuss your needs or ideas.

Make I CAN your Charity of the Year!

If your company runs a Charity of the Year scheme, I CAN would love to hear from you!

We've wide ranging experience in developing and supporting schemes of all shapes and sizes.

Depending on your needs we can:

• Provide dedicated fundraising and communications expertise
• Help you develop a framework that suits the needs of your organisations
• Create a theme that supports your brand or company values
• Provide great ideas and activities to enthuse and involve your employees and customers.

Staff Fundraising

A great way to team build and generate local publicity.

Whether you want to do something yourself, with a group of colleagues or as part of a company wide initiative we'd be happy to hear from you.  We've got a range of ‘off the shelf' opportunities or perhaps we can create something just for you. For more information, e-mail Tim Brindle at corporatepartnerships@ican.org.uk or call on 020 7843 2528.

Payroll Giving (Give As You Earn)

Encourage your staff to set up a regular payment to I CAN.

One of the easiest ways to donate to I CAN is payroll giving.

• It's tax-effective, so a donation of £5 only costs the individual £3.92. Through payroll giving, people can give to charity tax free. Employers take the deduction from the pay packet each month before PAYE tax, giving the donor tax relief. I CAN receives the full donation without having to reclaim the tax
• It provides I CAN with regular income, enabling us to plan long-term
• It reduces our administration costs

If you'd like to help in this way please e-mail Tim Brindle at corporatepartnerships@ican.org.uk or call on 020 7843 2528. No Give As You Earn scheme at your company? Contact the Give As You Earn Helpline on 01732 520 019 or e-mail giveasyouearn@cafonline.org.

Company Donations

Company donations are great because they are more often than not ‘unrestricted' funds, meaning the charity can decide where to spend the money according to the needs of the organisation as a whole or build up funds in order to pilot new initiatives. Help now by making an online donation to I CAN.

Gifts in Kind

Information and computer technology (ICT) is necessary for any student to compete successfully in today's world – but it is especially important at I CAN's schools as the right equipment and packages can literally help these youngsters ‘speak', put forward their own ideas, enter examinations and overcome barriers to communication. But ICT equipment, sports gear for schools, essential office equipment, or educational materials all cost money! Could you help with any of the following? We'd love to hear from you!

• Services such as design, print or IT training
• Computer or office equipment
• Prizes for raffles or auctions

For more information please e-mail Tim Brindle at corporatepartnerships@ican.org.uk or call on 020 7843 2528. 

Volunteering

As the UK's leading charity specialising in speech, language and communication needs we are committed to providing the best possible service to children and young people through our schools and early years centres.
Whatever your background, you'll find that volunteering for I CAN rewarding and challenging.  Knowing that you are helping to make a difference for children is a great feeling.

We have a range volunteering opportunities including:

• After-school clubs/activities
• Holiday projects
• Mentoring
• Fundraising & Events
• Leading a local volunteer group
• Providing marketing & business services

Any volunteer whose role would entail direct contact with children will be asked to provide references and undergo a CRB check. For more information please e-mail Tim Brindle at corporatepartnerships@ican.org.uk or call on 020 7843 2528.