Many fundraising companies, schools and parent groups are just finding out about the closing of Giftco, Inc. who closed it’s doors March 18th. The economy has taken it’s toll on yet another well intentioned company and it will affect fundraising companies nationwide.
Giftco is not a household name but has helped literally every fundraising company over the years since their inception in 1975.
The fundraising industry has long relied on Giftco as the one major vendor behind-the-scene that sourced, imported and warehoused products for resale through schools and groups. The benefits to fundraising companies were numerous and our hearts go out to the employees and families who are affected.
Given the news, companies will respond in various ways. Companies with a high percentage of products may be in trouble. The difficulties surrounding creating and importing may simply be too high and many companies will not be able to continue fundraising in a conventional sense. Others may not have as much difficulty.
Believe for instance, has a very diverse catalog and if you are here specifically to find out how we are affected, please know that we have been aware of the consolidation of the industry for a very long time.
We have taken steps not only to import our own products but to dramatically increase the number of US vendors we rely on for our products. By limiting our exposure in any one area, we are insulated from the problems many fund raising companies are faced with today.
We will not miss a beat.
Please be careful in a time like this to keep focused on the reality of the situation – there is a need to raise funds in schools more than ever before. If you hear any negative responses or selling on fear be cautious and please let us know. By working together, fundraising companies, schools, parent groups and communities will gain tremendous benefit as the industry is reshaped over time.
If you have questions, please contact us anytime and please follow us here or on twitter @believe and also at my personal blog http://believejay.blogspot.com – as always if you like the information we have to offer, please subscribe, add to rss feeds such as aol, yahoo, google etc or leave comments.
Fundraising Companies: We are willing to help in any way we can. At this point, it seems that everyone is looking for answers and it’s really too early to say how things will shake out, but, if you would like to be in contact with us please feel free.
