I have a question, does anyone know how to go about asking companies in the local area about donating items for a fall fundraising event for my son's school? I've never done this before so I was hoping someone has and could guide me in the right directon. We are looking to do some baskets so maybe like donations from a movie theatre, book stores, etc. Any advice would be great! Thanks!!!
I wrote letters to various stores on letterhead with my name, phone number and position. The letters stated the event, and that there would be a poster naming the company as a contributor. I also let it be known that this was on top of what the parents or classrooms were donating to the basket.
Hi J.. I was on the donation committee last year for our fall festival and was asked to do it again this year. You really just need a letter (on school letterhead) about your function that answers the Who, What, Where, When and Why questions. Almost all of the restaurants around me are more than happy to give gift certificates or BOGO for schools. I also contact all of the St. Louis sports leagues--Cardinals, Rams, and Blues. Most places are more than happy to donate when a school is involved. Good Luck to you!
S.
Many companies have policies already in place about who and what they will donate to. Check and see if the companies you would like to ask already have a public policy (either in the store or online). Then figure out a way to make it a very attractive thing for the companies to do. For example, if there is a program, you can thank the companies in the program and provide contact information for them (like a Web site or phone number); thank them from the stage; encourage the people at the fundraiser to stop by and thank the companies in person... etc. Let the companies know what you will be doing/how you will be thanking them so they will know what they can expect for their generosity.
Also, maybe check out some out-of-the-ordinary stores... maybe a paint-your-own pottery place, a photo processing store, a bookstore, a framing shop, a flower shop, etc.
Good luck!
Welcome to the art of fund raising. I have found if I was purshasing something from a store if I asked the manager for a contribution I had better luck. I often got a gift certificate of buy one get one free or reduced from stores. These can be placed in baskets. Sometimes a card store would give items to make the baskets with.
Good luck!
