Does anyone have a list of the companies that donate? I would really appreciate any help as I am kind of a one man band! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
raptordad reminded me when he mentioned stick-ee note. When signing the letters, I always ad a little personal handwritten note on the letter. Something like... "A gift certificate would be great. Love your restaurant (store, etc.). Many thanks!
We are on year five of our Silent Auction, and it keeps growing by leaps and bounds. I've learned a lot about donations from companies - and the best thing is to send letters of request on a letterhead that pops with color and specifically lists your event and school name. (Businesses feel comfortable donating to a school). Add a sticky note to the letter if you know someone personally. If you don't hear anything in a few weeks, give a follow up call - and keep notes on the responses.
They people who don't donate, who you are able to contact, will give you specifics on what they are willing to support, and what their time line is for support. Some people need things at the beginning of their business year, others operate on a case by case basis at any time of the year.
In talking with a manager of a WalMart, he said that each store receives a monthly budget for donations. Most managers try to get rid of this budget as soon as possible so as not to have to worry about it later in the month. So your best option is to hit them up on the first of the month. And hit up each store in your region. Some stores also have a matching program with your fundraisers up to an amount of $1000.00.
The auction is one of my favorite times of the year. And parents and teachers just love to get in on the bidding war. Last year, it was a pillow that was whipped together by a furniture manufacturer in our state that was the fought after item. What might seem like a minor donation to you can really get the juices flowing on bidding.
By the way, one way to follow up with and hit up people in the same letter is to send out a "thank you for your donation" letter near the end of the year. This sort of gets to them while they are thinking about taxes and sends out a gentle reminder for the coming year.
We've had our major fundraiser in the fall and in the spring. I've noticed donations were much better in the fall. We started to ask for donations in July (before school starts and everyone else starts asking). We were very successful last year in this regard. This year is OK but seems a little slow as we're having our fundraiser in the spring. We started in November for March and we rec'd many letters than said either they've reached their quota or they specifically give only to their own charities. It could be the economy but I really think starting your endeavor before school starts is the key.
Great to hear about the build-a-bear...can't wait to try my luck!
njmom-I got a wonderful donation from Build a Bear just by talking to the manager at the store I was visiting. I wasn't looking for a donation, but I told her that I was purchasing for a silent auction basket that my family was donating and she matched me $ for $. My kids love BAB and I can't say enough good things about their merchandise and their employees! :cool:
