Checkout-Fundraising Campaigns Raised $388 Million in 2014

Title: 2015 America’s Checkout Champions

Organization: Cause Marketing Forum

Summary: The annual report found that 77 charity checkout campaigns at the nation’s top retailers and restaurants raised more than $388 million in 2014.

The survey looks at only the partnerships that brought in $1 million or more by asking consumers to make a gift, donate their change, put their names on signs hung in the store, or round up the cost of their purchase.

The report stated that such cause-marketing programs have raised more than $3.88 billion in the last three decades.

Among the findings:

• Last year’s three highest-grossing efforts included eBay’s Giving Works program for multiple beneficiaries, Walmart & Sam’s Club’s Miracle Balloon campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and McDonald’s coin-collection campaign for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The programs generated $62.2 million, $40 million, and $27.1 million, respectively.
• Nonprofits with a focus on children’s health were the top cause, raising a total of $199 million.
• Kmart, which donates to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, had the largest dollar increase from 2012 to 2014, adding $10 million for a total of $17.5 million.