I am having a terrible time getting companies to donate. We are a small preschool, but need fundraising to keep our cost low and to keep ours doors open. I am assuming I am getting no's because we are a preschool. Any one have any ideas or a sample letter that has brought big success?
with the help of this thread and my own searching I have a list of over 245 company contacts. I have started sending out our requests and just wanted to say thank you to those of you who have posted ideas.
for those who are having problems finding other companies not listed in here, I suggest searching for your town chamber of commerce, using the wikipedia page for your town or your state. I searched for companies based in my state and found a lot more than I expected to. I also searched for companies who make/speacialize in items that I know the people in our town would love (scrapbooking, hunting gear, golf club makers, ect.) I also searched for authors, making a smaller list with best sellers from the last couple of years and sent each one an e-mail. Searching is a great tool!
Last edit: 12 years 10 months ago by mamain06. Reason: misspelled word
Lori - They take a break at the end of the year. I am not sure when they start back up again but resend when they do. They send beautiful items and materials to help display them, business cards, etc. It is very professional.
Pam, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is the email address that I used, and I received a decline very quickly. =( I sent a letter to them yesterday. Perhaps the new year will bring better luck.
IF your school does a craft fair before the Holiday Season you have all potiental donations. Even if you make them give you an item for a raffle they would also be willing to donate to a silent auction. All you have to do is ask.
Everyone needs to Look Outside of the Box! I just got a donation of $1000 from a local landscaper. He was happy to Donate! Does anyone know why???? Let me tell you!
He has children who attend our school. He's been to numerous events and silent auctions. Not Once has anyone ever asked him for a donation. Now people know that he's a landscaper and has even done work for the school. But No one ever thought about asking him. People will stay Quite until you ASK! Letters will only get you so far, if you want things you need to ask.
Other area's to think, your local electricans, plumbers, dog walkers, barbers, sitter services/ nanny serivces, carpet cleaners, car detailing places, pool companies, children's music classes,cup cake decorating places, face painters, ballon artists. All of these companies are forgotten because people don't ask them. People only want to get the "Big" items to auction off. But think about your very own backyard and community! You all have great companies in your local yellow pages! You just need to open the book and your mouth. You'll be surprised what you'll find when you ask.
Also another important must know must do. When your done with your silent auction, please remind the winners to thank those companies for donating to your childs school. We as fundraising chairs do alot of work to get these donations, and yes we send them a thank you note afterwards. But the winners need to thank them as well. An owner of a business like's to hear thank you!
