Gift sets allow merchants to showcase a variety of products.
Fundraising is an essential, but sometimes overwhelming reality for non-profit organizations and charities. Many fundraisers, including silent auctions and raffles, depend heavily on securing donated goods. To successfully persuade store owners to donate goods for your fundraiser, you should implement strategic fundraising principles. For example, when soliciting for donations, it is important to effectively communicate your organization's cause to garner support. To increase the likelihood of receiving donated goods, target specific merchants and offer incentives for those who donate merchandise.
Instructions
Make your case
1. Write a brief statement explaining the purpose and goals of your organization. According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the case for support is the keystone of fundraising efforts. Once completed, you will use your case for support to persuade store owners to donate merchandise.
2. Develop a list of reasons merchants should want to donate goods for your fundraiser. Your list will illustrate how the money raised during your fundraiser will directly impact your organization's ability to reach its goals. Give specific examples and provide relevant statistics.
3. Create a list of incentives available to merchants donating goods to your fundraiser. For instance, offer free advertising in fundraiser promotions or provide donating merchants complimentary admission to your fundraiser. Considering the needs of your donors is important and may help attract more donors, according to "Fundraising Management: Analysis, Planning and Practice," by Adrian Sargeant and Elaine Jay.
Get donations
4. Identify potential donors using your local telephone book or online business directory. Search for merchants selling goods that complement your organization's mission. For example, an organization supporting the arts will add merchants selling music, instruments and art supplies. Also, target well-established merchants in your community. These merchants are likely members of your chamber of commerce and are often very civic-minded.
5. Write a donation request letter. Include your case for support and provide information about your fundraiser. Describe how the funds raised will help your organization accomplish its goals. Respectfully ask the merchant to donate goods for your fundraiser and describe available incentives. Include contact and delivery or pickup information. Mail your donation request three to six months prior to your fundraiser.
6. Visit or call merchants two to three months prior to your fundraiser to follow up with those merchants not already donating. Always be courteous, direct and brief. Ask store owners to consider donating goods and offer a value range. Making a specific request, as opposed to just asking for help, is a more effective approach to soliciting donations, according to "The Ask: Ask Anyone for Any Amount for Any Purpose," by Laura Fredricks.
7. Write thank-you notes to merchants for every donation received. This small gesture will show your appreciation, enhance your relationships with merchants and lay the foundation for your next request for donated goods.
