How to Get Auction Items Donated for a Non-Profit Organization Fundraiser

This article will tell you the nuts and bolts of obtaining donations to auction off at fundraiser events for non-profit charity organizations. Follow the steps of this article and it'll add thousands of dollars to the revenue of your event!

Things You'll Need

• A 501(c)3 status non-profit organization
• A tax-exempt identification number
• A computer and printer
• A willing representative of your organization

Instructions

1. 

   Identify the retailers and businesses that you'd like a donation from. Your event might have a specific theme making certain donations more appropriate. For example, if the theme of your event is athletic, you might want sports memorabilia or game tickets donated. Even if you have a theme, it's nice to have some variety in your auction item selction because different people like different things. Gift certificates to a spa, wine, art, and event tickets are always appropriate at auctions. Don't forget you can also auction off your own service or product. If your cause provides team building exeriences, auction a 3 hour team building event for a group.

2. 

   Write a letter addressed to each business that you'd like a donation from. This letter should be written on your organization's letterhead and should include a little bit about your organization, the "when, what, and where" of your fundraiser event, and what you want donated. Be sure to close the letter with gratitude and your tax exempt identification number.

3. 

   Have a representative of your organizaton take the letter to the business. This is a good task for volunteers. Your representative should talk to the manager when asking for the donation and presenting the letter. You may get a donation on the spot, or they may ask you to return for the donation. Don't get discouraged if they're busy or deny the donation request, you won't get one from every business you solicit.

Tips & Warnings

• Call ahead to get the name of the manager and to be sure that person is there before you go.

• Business owners and managers prefer to accommodate customers, it might help if you do this while shopping as a customer.

• Make sure you always keep the name of the manager who authorizes donation requests. You should always follow up with the same person.

• Retailer and business managers are often very busy, make sure you have time to wait in case they're attending to other things at the time of your visit. Remember, selling is their 1st priority, not giving. So don't be surprised if you're not treated like a valued patron.

• If they give you the option to return another day when they're not as busy, it's better to opt for waiting. They can't predict when they'll be busy, and chances are, they'll still be busy upon your next visit.

• These can take some time to process for some businesses, make sure you start this process 4-6 months before your event.