Well lets see we ask both local businesses and corporations in the area and out. But mostly focus on local area. In our letter we ask for donations by gift cert, monetary, or product whichever there preference is.
To get addreses I basically went through our phone book and did it that way.
We just sent our letters out and have gotten some donations already.
If you put auction in the search for the message boards you will come up with a lot of ideas of where and where not to send. One of my posts I listed all the types of companies we solicit.
You should probably be getting those letter out now for a March Auction though.

Just hollar if you need anything else.

Cindy

Hi, I'm Jan from children's country day school in NY state. I'm the PTO president for a small school of 40 students (and growing). The board is doing their major funding auction March 18th.
We are trying to successfully expand our sources of contributions/donations from local businesses and corporations. It has been brought to my attention that many companies are willing to contribute, but need letters sent in advance to get the ball rolling. Do we send these letters to the local branches, or to corporate headquarters? Can someone supply us with a list of places to send to?
Can someone send me a sample letter to send?
Can someone suggest what local businesses would be the most helpful?
Should we ask for monetary donations, or ask for paid advertising for our auction journal, or ask for donations of goods and services?
If you have been successful with organizing and executing the above, could you send me an idea of the steps involved to help me get this done efficiently and effectively?
My e-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks so much! Jan