Tulip Foundation
1 Reka Osam street ap.2
Sofia 1124
Tel/fax: ++359 2 / 944 27 55
mpetkova@tulipfoundation.net
www.tulipfoundation.net

November 2008

Dear colleagues,

According to the results from the first regional survey of customers’ attitudes towards corporate social responsibility of businesses in Central and Eastern Europe, conducted by Braun&Partners Bulgaria and GfK in August 2008, customers in Bulgaria have a clearly expressed positive attitude towards corporate donors. More than 58% of the Bulgarians are convinced that businesses have to show interest in customers as well as local communities and civil organisation. Two thirds of the Bulgarians say that it is “very important” (29.4%) and “important” (32.2%) to them to be customers of socially responsible companies. A good corporate campaign has clearly beneficial effect both for the company and for the society. Some of the results of a well formulated social programme are: good image of the company; customers’ trust towards the offered goods and services; increased competence of the team and understanding of the labour market; satisfaction of the employees with their work for the company; becoming a highly demanded partner in new projects and preferred employer.

According to the current legislation, covering the accounting of donations companies can make donations and treat them as expenses on which they owe no corporate tax if the amount does not exceed 10% of the taxable positive financial result.

We encourage you to take advantage of your right to tax exemption for donations. If it is the case that your financial results allow you to make donations, we suggest that you direct your support to Tulip Foundation. In this way you will publicly declare the socially responsible policy of your company and will save time; you will be able to use expert consultations based on the capacity and experience of the Foundation in supporting social projects and you will have the guarantee that the donation brings positive impact and sustainable support. Because it is not only the act of making a donation and its size that matter but mostly the change that can be achieved in the people’s life through its responsible and efficient use.

We offer:

Professional assessment, monitoring and reporting of project activities, performed by independent consultants with long experience;

Contract for donation, which entitles you to tax deductions according to the Law on corporate taxation [1];

Wide range of choice for support in funds, equipment or services for various initiatives with view to activities, target group – social disadvantage, working approach, duration, amount of targeted grant, geographical area in the country, etc. We are ready to suggest concrete projects aimed at children, young people, children and people with disabilities, women, local communities in villages and towns around the country;

Possibility for flexible and diverse donation schemes depending on the preferences of your company;

Responsibility for the realization of the activities and reporting on the impact and the use of the donation;

Certainty that each donation reaches the chosen initiatives in its full amount since the Foundation covers all administrative expenses; Public presentation of the company as a socially responsible business in the printed and electronic materials, media, publications, and the Foundation’s website.

Tulip Foundation encourages the co-operation among civil society, the corporate sector, national and local authorities to improve the quality of life and developmental opportunities for the people of Bulgaria.

Since 1997, Tulip Foundation has provided financial support amounting to more than 8 million leva to more than 370 initiatives in the social sphere implemented by civil organisations all over the country. The Foundation is also implementing a Learning and Sharing Programme for civil organisations. Representatives of more than 150 organisations together with representatives of state institutions have taken part in seven thematic meetings. During the meetings, the participants shared the difficulties they face as well as their achievements in working with children with disabilities, elderly people, people with psychiatric problems and mental disabilities, children at risk of violence and children living in state institutions.

Tulip Foundation organises an annual ceremony Project of the Year Award for best project of a civil organisations working in the social sphere.

More information and annual report of Tulip foundations are available on internet site. We are available for any additional information, meetings, and discussions to find the most effective ways of cooperation.

Tulip Foundation offers professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. You can trust our experience in Bulgaria!

Kind regards,

Maria Petkova

Director

[1]Tulip Foundation is an organisation working in public benefit, charity registration number №20050921005 in the Central Register for Legal Non Profit Entities, Ministry of Justice. Donations to Tulip foundation are tax-deductible