In April 2000, the National Restaurant Association mailed a two-page survey to randomly selected restaurant operators about their participation in community relations activities. Typical respondents were single-unit operators or midscale tableservice restaurants with annual sales of less than $5 million. The Association received 367 completed surveys.

• The restaurateurs receive an average of 75 requests each year from community groups or non-profits and in turn donate time or money to about 35 projects annually.
  
  
• Nine out of 10 of the restaurateurs reported that they had made, or planned to make, a contribution in cash or in-kind services in 2000. Roughly eight out of 10 said they have donated food, or plan to donate food, in 2000. Half reported volunteering their time, and roughly the same proportion reported raising money.
  
  
• Roughly two out of five restaurateurs said they were "very likely" to respond to community needs by donating in-kind services, and half said they were "very likely" to sponsor or donate funds, or participate in a fundraiser or benefit dinner.
  
  
• The restaurateurs were most likely to report participating, or planning to participate, in community health programs in 2000. Roughly two-thirds reported participating in these programs, with most participating a few times a year or on an annual basis. Three out of five said they participate, or plan to participate, in school-to-work or adopt-a-school programs and community literacy/education programs.
  
  
• Restaurant operators participate in programs to fight hunger primarily by donating prepared food to a shelter or food bank, participating in fundraisers for anti-hunger organizations or making cash donations.
  
  
• Giving back to the community was the most important reason cited by the restaurateurs for participating in community relations activities. More than eight out of 10 said giving back to the community was a "very important" reason for their participation. Roughly half cited boosting their restaurant's image, and two out of five said aiding in the recruitment of new employees were "very important" reasons for participating in community relations activities.
  
  
• Most restaurateurs reported that they receive more community relations-related requests now than they did five years ago and three out of five are participating in more community relations projects. While the number of requests and projects have increased, roughly half of the respondents said funding for community relations projects has increased compared with five years ago.
  
  
• The restaurant owner is the primary decision-maker when it comes to participation in community relations activities. However, roughly one out of five respondents said the store manager and corporate or division personnel also have decision-making authority.
  
  
• Close to one-third of the restaurateurs said they have one or more employees in their organization who focus on community relations activities.