How to maximize getting a donation from a business
73The secret revealed
As a restaurant manager for over 8 years I have been asked numerous times for donations. It seems that this gets more and more frequent as nonprofits and organizations need to raise funds. This information is based on my 8 years of requests and what I looked for in who I would give to.
The first thing you have to know is that your time is what will get you the donation. I can't tell you how many letters, faxes or emails I have received from well intentioned individuals that I refuse to give donations to. You are probably wondering why? Well here is the simple secret: If you don't have the respect to come see me face to face, I am not going to give you a donation. Also forget about calling either and asking. Call for an appointment or to see when a good time is but you need to have a face to face meeting with the manager. This will let them see the passion you have for your group and also make it harder for them to tell you no. Keep in mind that they do have a budget for this, which can mean they might not be able to help you out if you aren't fast enough. First come first served is what you need to know. Remember it is very important for you to go into the business and not make it impersonal. I know some businesses will respond but you will get more items of greater value if you go in to see the General Manager. Also you will be setting yourself up for a long term relationship with that business. I just had a great 40 minute conversation with a customer in which I would graciously give to her event again.
The next thing you need to know is this: Ask for what you want and be brave. Be specific in what you want. Most businesses can give you Gift cards but don't be hesitant to ask for a basket. I was a store manager for a well known coffee company and I would donate my expired coffee beans as well as my discontinued retail items. These make great gift baskets. Some coffee shops (the one I worked for rhymes with Far Ducks) have already made donation kits. So don't be afraid to ask.
Another thing to know is: Just because they are a big company doesn't mean they won't help you out. Walmart is known for it's generous contributions and I have heard they even provide all the equipment and supplies for car washes in their parking lots. The bigger the company the more they will be picky about who they can give to. Religious organizations will have a harder time with certain businesses but don't let that stop you from trying. You really never know unless you ask. Just an FYI here, they budget this as marketing.
Understanding that all businesses would rather spend money giving you items to promote their businesses than spending that money on advertisement can help you maximize your donation request. Don't be afraid to ask and please don't be impersonal. You have to invest time to get something for free. Cause in reality you don't get anything for free. I hope this information helps you. Please leave a comment and share any stories you have.
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this is good but lets say that you can't see them in person because of various reasons. will giving them a straight-to-the-point letter work? and how can you go up to the manager and say can i have a donation? don't you have to make an appointment because it would be rude to disturb them in the middle of their work.
Lulu, face to face is the best way to not be rude. Mail is so impersonal. Think about this as well: If your organization is important to you then you should be there to show the passion. A letter is impersonal and I always would throw them away. I don't have time to read letters but I am paid to interact with you and give you the best customer experience. This is why it is so important for you to have the face time. The best times to go in are between two and four. These are the down times in a restaurant. You can always call ahead and get an appointment. That is the most courteous way to get in the door. Also this allows you to get the managers name. Use their name for your benefit. It makes it harder for us to say no if we are more personal with you. Letters may work here and there but the face time will most likely get you what you are looking for.
Also it is important to be prepared. Being a long-time employee of a certain large well known restaurant chain, I've seen what works also. When requesting donations from our restaurant, the person must provide a letterhead or flier also. This helps the company keep track for tax reasons.
Thank you, I am working with a small film group that is trying to find ways to get funding and support from local businesses in the area in exchange for advertisement, but none of us have experience looking for funding, it is pretty intimidating but this was very helpful!
I'm about to start asking for donations for a fundraiser I will have in about a month or so. My brother and his wife just found out that the baby they are going to have in about 2-3 weeks is going to need heart sugery once the baby is born. The baby is going to be in the hospital 2 hours from home for an estimated 2 months, maybe longer. Insurance doesn't cover all of the hospital bills. Not to mention their bills and the two other children they have to worry about. We are in such a state of shock. Thankfully they had decided to have the 3-D ultrasound done even though they had to pay for it out of pocket otherwise the child would probably have been born and died shortly after. In a way it's a blessing that we found out, but now with so little time to find the necessary funds I'm at a loss about how to go about it. This was helpful though.
Thank you very much for posting this. As a small non-profit, annualy we pick a community and have our "Back to School Festival" to bring in community vendors and give away brand new donated school supplies to school age children. It is with requesting and recieving school supply donations that has been a challenge. I look forward to using your words of wisdom to help have a better festival this year and from now on.
This was very insightful information. Thank you very much for posting!!!
Great ideas. We are looking for donations for our Relay for Life cancer walk and I just might stop by "far ducks" to ask, thanks!
Thank You very much! Very helpful insight :)
Thank you very much for such insightful information. I'm in the process of seeking donations from businesses similar to yours in the coming weeks for a sanitizing product line that would be marketable to restaurants and other establishments.
Thanks for the post on the topic. It's a great reminder to folks seeking donations. I referenced your post in my blog as well, http://wp.me/p1NaDz-6l.
http://www.Bundled.com has built an application to automate the donation request process.
Dave
I AM FROM OVERSEAS, I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA FOR MORE THAN 8 YEARS, LAST YEAR I WENT BACK TO MY HOME, ON THIER I MEET LOTS OF POOR WOMEN WITH MANEY KIDS BUT NO MONEY NO JOB AND NO HUSBAND, THEY HAVE LOST THIER HUSBANDS ON WAR. SO I DECIDE TO GO SHOP TO SHOP TO GET SOME DONATION, BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO START ? WOUOLD YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH SOME ADVICE. I AM STUDENT DON'T HAVE JOB AND DON'T HAVE ENOUGHT MONEY TO HELP THEM, THAT IS WHY I DECIDE TO MAKE A DONATION COMPANY OF MY OWN.
Whilst I'm still very nervous at the prospect of approaching businesses about them donating to our charity event, hopefully some of this will stick in my head and it may go smoothly! Cross my fingers and toes.
Roger Devine 4 years ago
Thanks! I'm involved with a LOT of fundraising auctions, and although this is not the first time I've heard this advice, it is always welcome - it always seems so much easier (and less scary) to just write a letter. But I know from personal experience that what you say works, and is by far the most productive way to go. I'm going to chair the auction at my son's school next year, and will ask everyone on my team to read this Hub.
Roger Devine
http://tofinoauctions.com