Donation Request Letter
When soliciting donations from companies, it's customary to have a letter from the organization explaining what you're asking for. The letter should be on official letterhead and be signed by officers or board members. Things to include in the letter:
- Who is asking for the donation?
- What are you asking for? ( Be specific- not just clothing but infant clothing, or cookies and cupcakes for 50 people rather than baked goods)
- Why are you asking for this donation?
- Who will the donation benefit?
- What can the donator gain from donating to your group, club or project? (free advertisement by your posting a list of all the donators, recognition in the community if the event is in the local area and/or printed in the newspaper, a tax deduction, and donations to local groups, clubs, or projects are good for public relations and business.)
- Thank the business in advance for considering donating to your group, club, or project.
- The name and phone number of a contact person (from the group).
- Signatures – all group members, or the contact person, or “major” group members (i.e.: president, Vice President, Chairman, Board Members etc. )
This page explains request letters and includes a sample letter: http://www.wright.edu/~jenny.alexander/donation_guide.htm
Solicitation Strategy
The general approach is to get in touch with a manager, briefly pitch the Node and what we need, hand off the donation request letter, answer any questions, and hope for the best. Companies like Home Depot have a budget for giving to communities groups like us. The home depot website says to approach store managers directly to ask for small grants (sub $1000).
Companies to approach for donations
This is a real hodgepodge at this point. Some better leads are needed.
- Home Depot
- Lowes
- Ace Hardware
- Giant
- Safeway
Here is a list of local companies that might throw us a bone if they are willing to support local community groups.
Letter Text
...todo...
