Courtney - I use in-peron visits, fax, email, phone calls and regular mail - it depends on who I'm trying to contact, if they prefer one mode over another and what contact information is available. It's too expensive to mail everyone a letter. Plus for really local businesses, it's good to stop in, in person. Some organizations have a required way to contact them.

Marie MD- for church fundraisers suggest local businesses and contacts are the way to go. Many national organizations donate to specific charities but, more importantly, have a list of guidelines for the types of charities they do and do not contribute to. Often, political, religious organizations do not qualify. You can usually look up that information - google the company and donation request, or donation guidelines.

I usually fax or email. Saves a stamp and it seems faster. They often reply back if you need to mail it in and give you the person and address to send it to.

Do you guys find you have more success when you email or mail the donation requests, if there is no specific donation information on a companies website?

Thanks Crusader! Sorry, I didn't see that you had a Never Heard Back from list, I thought they were all just No's! I am definitely going to try a follow up though.

jreck,,, I never heard from anyone on my never heard back from list. I requested all at the beginning of Jan. I did send a follow up email to most of them. It never hurts to try.

Has anyone had success in getting donations for church fundraisers? If so, I'd appreciate more specific help on this, since I know many businesses do not support religious organizations. Were most of the donations from local businesses or were there specific national organizations?