Donation Program

From time to time we make donations of decking to worthy causes. The company very rarely makes cash gifts, preferring to increase our reach by making gifts of decking to suitable projects. Previously, we have made donations or provided discounted seconds material to projects including the Thundering Falls section of the Appalachian Trail (in Vermont); for the Maine Huts and Trails hut-to-hut system; the Biddeford Skate Park; viewing platforms at Mt. Agamenticus; and numerous Eagle Scout projects. We have given material for more than 30 benches in the Biddeford-Saco area. In total, in 9 years of doing business, we estimate that we have donated or discounted more than 250,000 feet of decking and railing.

Our primary charity is The Nature Conservancy, where we have given at the highest or 2nd highest recognized level for many years. We are interested in reducing the usage of tropical hardwoods and have worked with TNC on this issue. Additionally, the founders of the company are avid mountain bikers and are particularly interested in supporting projects that improve access to mountain bike trails, reduce impact from trail use, etc. The material is well suited for bridges and other structures including ramps and can be used where completely submerged (i.e. for sleepers in boggy areas). It is also well suited for use on beaches; access to beaches and surf is another supported area.

As a manufacturer, the company receives no tax benefit from making donations, as the cost of making the material exceeds any tax write-off. As such, we may be more likely to ask you to approach one of our dealers (use our zip code locator); said local dealer typically can realize a tax benefit and often will have material that was mishandled or stored improperly, particularly at the end of the selling season (i.e. in the fall or early winter). This is of additional benefit to your project as it brings in a local partner, who may benefit from local publicity more than we will. We do appreciate any publicity you can generate from your project – and we do ask that you place a sign or tag on the material so that it can be identified as CorrectDeck and as such may drive inquiries for actual revenue-generating sales as opposed to other donations!

Of course, it is easier for us to make donations or provide discounts closer to our factory in southern Maine (we do not sell direct to the public – please do not ask – if we did, our dealers would stop carrying our material). Our national and international network of dealers and distributors (use that zip code locator) means that we can assist with projects elsewhere, however, if we feel we can make a difference. Contact us and we’ll let you know if your project makes sense for us to work together on. Thanks for making a difference in your community.

Martin Grohman, July 2008