25 Examples of "Cause Marketing" to Inspire Your Corporate Marketing Plan

Cause marketing is a marketing strategy that involves a company partnering with a nonprofit organization to promote a charitable cause while also promoting their own brand. The idea is that customers will feel good about supporting a good cause while also purchasing a product or service from the company. 

There are three main ways you can incorporate Cause Marketing into the marketing plan for your company.

• Corporate Donations and Sponsorships: One way for companies to engage in cause marketing is through corporate giving programs. These programs allow companies to donate a portion of their profits to charitable causes or organizations. This can be done through donations, sponsorships, or even matching employee donations. For example, a company might choose to donate a portion of the proceeds from a new product launch to a charity. 
• ​Promotions, Contests, and Discounts: Another way for companies to engage in cause marketing is to encourage their customers to support a certain cause. This can be done through promotions, discounts, or even contests. A company might offer a discount to customers who donate to a certain charity or enter a contest to win a prize that supports a cause.
• Corporate / Nonprofit Partnerships: To incorporate cause marketing into their marketing strategy, a company should start by identifying a cause that aligns with their brand values and target audience. They should then find a nonprofit organization that supports that cause and create a partnership that benefits both parties. These campaigns can be multifaceted and include things such as social media campaigns, special events, and even product sales. The company should be transparent about the partnership and the portion of proceeds that will go towards the cause. By partnering with a non-profit organization, companies can create a win-win situation that benefits both parties and creates a positive impact on the world.

25 Examples of Cause Marketing Campaigns 

1. TOMS Shoes' "One for One" program, where the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased.
2. Patagonia's "Worn Wear" program, which encourages customers to repair and reuse their clothing to reduce waste and environmental impact.
3. Ben & Jerry's support of climate justice and sustainability through their ice cream flavors and activism campaigns.
4. Starbucks' "FoodShare" program, which donates unsold food to those in need.
5. Coca-Cola's partnership with World Wildlife Fund to protect polar bears and their habitat.
6. P&G's "Clean Water" program, which provides clean drinking water to those in need through the distribution of water purification packets.
7. Dove's "Real Beauty" campaign, promoting body positivity and self-confidence.
8. Warby Parker's "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program, donating a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased.
9. Adidas' use of recycled plastics for their shoes and apparel.
10. Subaru's partnership with the National Park Foundation to support conservation efforts in national parks.
11. Target's support of education through their "Target School Library Makeover" program.
12. Johnson & Johnson's "Donate a Photo" app, which donates $1 to a charity of the user's choice for every photo shared.
13. Airbnb's "Open Homes" program, which provides free temporary housing for those in need during emergencies.
14. General Mills' "Box Tops for Education" program, which donates money to schools for each participating product purchased.
15. Nike's support of youth sports through their "Made to Play" program.
16. The Body Shop's commitment to fair trade and ethical sourcing of their ingredients.
17. Ford's "Warriors in Pink" program, which supports breast cancer research and awareness.
18. H&M's use of sustainable materials in their clothing and commitment to reducing waste.
19. Walgreens' support of the American Cancer Society through their "Red Nose Day" campaign.
20. Unilever's "Sustainable Living Plan," which aims to reduce the company's environmental impact and improve the lives of people around the world.
21. IKEA's use of solar panels and commitment to sustainable practices.
22. Levi's "WaterLess" program, which reduces the amount of water used in the production of their jeans.
23. McDonald's "Ronald McDonald House Charities," providing housing and support for families of seriously ill children.
24. Procter & Gamble's support of disaster relief efforts through their "P&G Disaster Relief" program.
25. PepsiCo's "Food for Good" program, providing nutritious meals to those in need. ​​ ​