The Nonprofit FAQ

What works in fundraising from local businesses?
Steve Freedkin wrote to soc.org.nonprofit about fundraising letters on
16 May 1995. Someone had written earlier requesting ideas for securing
gifts from local businesses to complete a soccer field complex.


Responding to your request for help with writing letters to corporate
officials seeking sponsorship/funds for youth sports teams:

A couple of tips re fundraising to corporate sponsors:

  1. Phone first. Find out specifically who to ask *and* whether they give
    to this sort of stuff. Check your local library; ask if they have grant
    info or if they or some nearby library is a local Foundation Center
    repository. You can look up which corporations give to what.

  2. Can you get the letter signed by a VIP? Mayor, school principal,
    local TV news anchor/print news editor, Chamber of Commerce person?

  3. Approach the Chamber of Commerce president for suggestions -- who to ask
    and how to ask.

  4. Be straightforward and to the point -- the point being why the READER
    wants to give (doing good, good p.r., turning around troubled youth,
    community recognition, etc


Hope this is useful!

Steve Freedkin
Email [email protected]
Berkeley, CA
 
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Reposted with corrected address, 2/7/00; minor changes 4/11/01 -- PB