How Do I Get Product Donations?

A spa might donate a massage as a product donation.

If you are helping with a charitable cause, a fundraiser or a nonprofit organization, consider product donations as a way to raise money. Product donations are products or services given by an organization for a cause that it wishes to support. The products or services can be donated directly to those in need or used to raise money through auctions and benefits. Large organizations and corporations often have people who deal with product donations directly, while smaller businesses might be less organized. Either way, when you are raising money, product donations are a good way to begin the process.

Instructions

1. Write a donation request letter to send to local and national businesses and organizations. Do research online or by calling the businesses to find out the person you want to address the letter to. Personalize your letter with this individual's name and title when writing the letter. Be specific about your needs and the reasons you are requesting a donation of a product or service. Keep the letter positive, upbeat, short and simple.

2. Visit businesses in your area to ask for product donations. Smile, be friendly and ask to speak with the person who handles donation requests. Explain to this individual what you need and the importance of the donation. Bring a letter that you can leave with the business if the person you need to speak with is not available.

3. Visit websites of large corporations to find information on the donation request process. Most large organizations have online request forms or a policy about how to send requests for products or services. Follow the directions that the organization provides for best results in soliciting donations from the company.

4. Network with people you know who are employed by or own local businesses. A request coming from a trusted employee might be better heard by a business owner than a request from a stranger. Do not be afraid to ask for small favors from people who you know, but be prepared to repay them at some point in the future.

5. Contact your local newspaper to see if it would be interested in providing a small write-up of your fundraising efforts. Tell the newspaper that you are accepting product and service donations if people want to help your cause, and it might include that information in a short story.

References

• USA Fundraising: Donation Request Letters: Do's and Dont's
• National Assembly on School-Base Health Care: Fundraising Tips