Ways Your Rental Property Can Give Back

Giving always feels good. It builds goodwill in your community, and it can be a great marketing tool. And don’t forget your write-off at tax time. As the owner or manager of a property or rental home, there are several ways that you can give back through your property. 

1) Donate a Respite Stay

Dream Foundation’s Dream Vacation Rental Network is a network of rental property owners across the United States and Puerto Rico who donate and discount their rental properties to families who need a respite from daily living due to illness or other critical circumstances. It is often a last chance for families to have one final memorable time together. These dream vacations are typically two to seven days.

Little Pink Houses of Hope is a similar nonprofit that provides free week-long retreats for breast cancer patients and their families. The retreats enable cancer patients in all stages of the disease and their families to reconnect, rejuvenate and celebrate life. This doctor-free retreat builds hope among families through connection with others on similar cancer journeys. Each patient leaves the retreat with a new community of supporters. For some families, this will be the last vacation they have together. 

Little Pink retreats are only made possible by generous individuals who decide to donate their house or condo. As a property owner, your vacation house is likely your home away from home, where your family creates memories together. Going through cancer treatment can be physically, emotionally, and financially exhausting. A Little Pink Houses retreat allows families to rejuvenate and spend time together at no cost to the family, including travel, housing, meals, and activities. Participant families are amazed at the generosity and kindness of owners who donate their homes and rental properties. 

2) Donate a Stay as an Auction Item

Many non-profit organizations and schools hold fundraising events to raise money. Vacation packages are popular items for raffle items, silent or live auction items, and even online auctions. Donating your vacation home to one of these organizations can be life-changing for both the lucky winner of the vacation and the charity. Find out about events near you through local newspapers, online websites, local Chamber of Commerce offices, and word of mouth.

3) Encourage Local Giving with Your Guests

Another way to make a difference in your community is to give your guests the option to donate to local nonprofits. Make giving easy for your renters by providing a list of local organizations with the information you leave for renters. Make sure to include a place to donate unused, unopened food since many vacationers overshop and often don't want to bring that extra food back home. As the property owner, you can match your renters’ donations to show your support and encourage donations.  

4) Sponsor an Event

As the owner of a rental company, you can also sponsor a charity event. This could be a bike race, 5K run, gold tournament, or other fundraising events. Some event sponsorships include the opportunity to have a team or a table at the event. This can be a great incentive or team-building activity for your employees.

5) Volunteer or Serve on a Board

As a volunteer or board member of a local nonprofit, you can provide leadership and needed skills while deepening your connection with your community. Think about the causes you care about and what assets you would bring to the organization. Reach out to local organizations about their needs. Finding a place to give back to those who need your expertise is a powerful combination.

Only when businesses give back to the community is their work truly meaningful. You receive more than any bank account can hold by improving other people's lives. Your rental home is an asset that could provide respite for a family in need or bring in significant money as an auction item for a non-profit. Your time and connection to visitors are also valuable.

How will you fulfill your philanthropic mission? Once you do, share it! You never know when someone will book with you because of your good deeds or be inspired to make their charitable contribution.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” He was right.