Marco Donates Over $1.6 million to nonprofits through Foundation Rebate Program
ST. CLOUD, MINN. – Marco started a unique program of charitable giving in 2011, donating over $1.6 million ($1,671,097.00) to nonprofits so far. The program began with an intent to create lasting, positive relationships with customers and serve local communities. As part of this charitable initiative, CEO Jeff Gau and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Warrey created the Foundation Rebate Program. “Other companies were rebating back to purchasing departments, but Jeff wanted to give the rebates as a charitable contribution instead of a discount,” Warrey explained.
The Foundation Rebate program rewards nonprofit customers for their loyalty by offering them a 1.5% rebate based on their annual sales with Marco. This year, Marco donated $338,000 to group members.
Warrey believes the program is beneficial for all involved. “It makes me proud to see a sizeable donation come from the natural course of business. Universities, hospitals, corporate businesses with charitable causes—those are all great causes, and it’s a structured way to say ‘yes we are going to give’ and calculate how we are going to give.”
For example, CentraCare can support their Health Foundation with Marco’s help. The Health Foundation’s mission is to improve health and health care in their 12-county service area. “In my opinion, this program is a win/win for our organization. CentraCare supports a local business by purchasing much of our IT equipment through them. In turn, Marco gives back to our foundation,” said David Kryzer, Director of Information Technology at CentraCare.
Many colleges use the funds to assist students during their educational journeys. “Concordia University, Saint Paul is proud to partner with Marco to fill our needs in the networking, print and mail sectors. To CSP, the Marco relationship is a cooperative partnership model to serve our learners’ needs, rather than a vendor client relationship. Truly a differentiation for us!” said Dr. Eric E. LaMott, Provost & Chief Operating Officer at CSP.
Warrey explained that certain criteria must be met to enter the Foundation Rebate Program. “You need consistent business with us to make it a meaningful contribution. We take a gross margin deduction, and it creates a good will that it is part of living out our culture to give back to the communities we serve.” Organizations must be invited to enter this selective program.
“The charitable foundation employees love having Marco donate just because their organizations do business with us. They love Marco’s commitment to giving to worthy causes,” said Warrey.
Marco makes charitable giving a priority, believing that doing well in business means “doing good” for the communities the company serves. Therefore, Marco contributes financially, sponsors events, participates in fundraisers and encourages employees to volunteer on and off company time.
“This program makes you proud to be part of Marco,” Warrey added.
