Maximizing Community Impact: Successfully Soliciting Donations for Non-Profit Auctions
Sunday, August 11, 2024
(0 Comments)
Posted by: Administrator
By Donna Blum, PTW Omaha Chapter Co-Chair and Software Sales Director, BHMI From 2014 to 2021, I transitioned from the payments industry to non-profit development and had the opportunity to organize several silent and virtual auctions. Recognizing the potential of the PayTech Women 2024 Virtual Auction to raise funds for local meetups, educational workshops and leadership development, I utilized my experience to solicit donations.
Soliciting donations from local businesses is often easier than expected. Many businesses have annual budgets for charitable donations, meaning they have funds earmarked for such purposes. The key is to ask early before these funds are depleted. Doing Good is Good For Business Statistics show that 85% of consumers view companies that donate more favorably. Charitable giving also boosts brand awareness. PayTech Women, with nearly 6,000 members, provides significant exposure for donors through its auction website, newsletter and direct emails to over 10,000 payment professionals. The Role of Small Businesses Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting local non-profits, donating 250% more than larger businesses and giving an average of 6% of their profits annually. Around 66% of small businesses donate to local charities, reflecting a strong community focus. Streamlined Process for Soliciting Donations Here’s a simplified process to solicit items without leaving your office: - Write a Donation Letter: Use the non-profit’s letterhead to detail the auction and its community benefits. For example, PayTech Women (PTW) is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting women in the payments space, aiming to create a stronger and more diverse industry. Include the non-profit’s EIN Tax ID number or IRS letter. Download PTW's Auction Donation letter here and customize it.
- Identify Potential Donors: Choose donors that have products or services that will appeal to your audience.
- Search for Online Forms: Look for local businesses with online donation request forms using search terms like “Donation Request [CITY].”
- Reach Out Early: Businesses typically need 30+ days to respond.
- Email Requests: Visit potential donors' websites for contact information and send a donation request via email.
- Receive Donations Via Mail: Most businesses will mail gift certificates; occasionally, you may need to pick them up.
- Enter Donors: Input donor details into the auction software, including their logo and donation value. PTW's Auction site for donor and items is here - it's easy to use!
- Enter Items: Create more value by combining individual items into packages, such as a “Date Night For a Year” including 12 restaurant gift certificates.
- Encourage Member Participation: Invite local members and your peers to donate or solicit donations. PTW's Auction is open to the public so share it with friends, family and colleagues!
I spent approximately six hours reaching out to local businesses and received over $2,800 in donations for the upcoming PayTech Women Auction! Simply asking can yield significant results. Proceeds will enrich the PTW Chapters’ educational initiatives and networking events. The PayTech Women Auction is accepting donations now through Noon ET on September 24; bidding opens on August 13 and closes on September 24 at 1:45 PM ET during the PayTech Women Leadership Summit. Join the fun and check out the amazing items up for bid: bit.ly/PTW2024Auction |
Email to a Friend