So I've had quite a few people contact me for help with my contacts for donations. I have to tell you it's no secret at all.

It's called Super Pages. It's a free book that's dropped off in my yard once a year. If it has a working number I call. Not only can I talk to a real live person but they also get to know my school and my reason for asking for a donation. I pick at least 5 business's from each letter to call.

Example-
A-Auto Detailing Place
AA-Truck Towing Company
A-- Locksmith
Airport Discount Parking
A-Cab Company

All related to the same thing. But that's how easy it is.

People just forget that "easy" money that's in your own town or surronding communities. Many companies that are out there will give if you just ask. The local attorney can give your free services such as writing a will for a couple. Your local cab company can donate free cab rides when you host a mom's night out. Your local print shop can give free business cards. Your local landscapers can give free grass cutting or even snow removal. Your local vet can give a free grooming for your pet. Your public accountant can do a free tax filing. Local painters can do a room for free. Ask your local transporation department/train/subway rail line to give you free passes. The donations are there, you just need to ask.

Keep trying! Some businesses don't say it, but they do a lottery system. Some years I get it, some I don't. I have finally hit on some this year and it's my 3rd year. It just depends......and in smaller, more local companies, they change their policies, or you get some new marketing people in there who are more responsive, and budgets change yearly. Disney has turned me down the last 2 years, and Southwest and JetBlue this year...but they do give - I figure it is just the luck of the draw!

One thing that I have had much success with is sending out what I call an 'inquiry' email for comapnies that have no donation info on their websites. Find a basic e-mail from their contact us section. I just ask if they do donations for PTA groups doing fundraising, mention we are 501c3 and ask for the formal application process if they do. Short and sweet. Some offer me a donation right away and just ask for an address, Others tell me how to apply or forward the e-mail for me.

Another obnoxious thing I do is scan the websites of other schools in my area who have online catalogs. I don't try and steal...just see who in my area is clearly open to donating. It also says a lot about who does not. Most of the schools have the same stock donations from the same donors.....it also lets me know what the 'flavor of the year' is....last year it seemed to be a live-auction wine cellar around here. Some had each teacher donate a bottle, some each family, etc..... It's fun to see how other schools do it!

I love this message board! Lots of great info!! Thanks to you al I have donations from Stampin' up! and Pink Calyx...had never even heard of them before

I wish there was some way to quote text, bold, or italic on this board ... LOL

Anyway, for me, it depends on who the no is from before I completely write them off.

American Girl has turned us down, but I know many others who have been successful, so I'll try again.

Stampin' Up said no, but try again .. so I will.

Panera turned us down, but they also say yes a lot, so I'm asking again.

Many I don't fool with, though.

No's usually mean a: they do not donate; b: they have run out of donations; or c: your cause is not on their dashboard.

I will only re-ask if told to do so or if they have just run out of donations.

If I get a flat out "nice try, but no" or worse yet - a form letter, I move on.

No's usually mean a: they do not donate; b: they have run out of donations; or c: your cause is not on their dashboard.

I will only re-ask if told to do so or if they have just run out of donations.

If I get a flat out "nice try, but no" or worse yet - a form letter, I move on.

Sorry for anonymous post, system hasn't recognized my login yet.

First off -- thanks to all of you for this thread.

I'll post more, but have a question first. If I'm turned down by an organization, vendor, or retailer, is it really worth it to keep trying them year after year? Would it be better, instead, to concentrate on untried sources? What success rate have you had with repeat tries?

Thanks!