We are a 501 c3 school too. Based on the SW guidelines, I didn't hink any schools qualified. I think sometimes I interpret the guidelines too narrowly - what was the focus of your application? Did they donate a pair of airline tickets or a voucher for a certain $ amount? Thanks so much!
Wow. I work for a TINY non-profit in NYC that benefits youth in foster care and this resource appears as though it will make putting together our spring fundraiser much easier. I have raided page 359 of the old thread for national chain resources. I just want to say thank you and keep it coming! :-D
Obviously, if anyone has any local, NYC-specific advice, I'm more than happy to hear it. I am basically totally green to this and for the holiday social out of 8 solicitations to randomly brainstormed local businesses, I was able to get an autographed item from the NYC Ballet. I'm hoping to step up my game this time.
@Sally - I think it depends on your school population as well as the state of the economy in your town. We're a Title 1 school in a medium-sized city, and restaurants are struggling here. When I ask ANY business, I stress I will take whatever they are willing to give. If a manager is unsure of giving one large gift card or several smaller ones, I mention that with several smaller ones, I will spread them out among the different baskets -- which means more customers for them. Hope this helps....
This string has been super helpful!!! Our school has an annual auction however the prior committee has "retired" and we have a whole new group handling this year. I am primarily working on restaurant donations and many have asked us to include in our letter what we are requesting. When requesting gift cards from restaurants is it better to be conservative or instead should we ask for a larger amount? Have people had more luck asking for a $25.00 gift card? $50.00 gift card? $100.00 or more? Would like to receive higher amounts but do not want to appear greedy and receive nothing.
To have the Smiley cookies donated you do have to go to a store and pick them up. If you want to purchase them they can be shipped but are pretty expensive.
I would help if I hadn't already requested a donation of my own. Good luck!
