Anyone here have luck getting donations for a nonprofit?

[englishteacha]

My husband and I are on a planning committee for a non-profit summer camp. The camp runs a couple of trip camps. Our tents are worn out and we need some replacements, as they've had heavy use for years, and many were secondhand to begin with. We were wondering if we'd have any luck writing to Coleman, or LL Bean, or other outdoors company and seeing if they would consider donating any gear. Anyone have luck with something like this? Any suggestions? The camp doesn't have a lot of extra money.

We'd also considered posting an ad in Craigslist/local classifieds asking for gently used gear. We're hoping someone thought, "Hey, I'd LOVE camping!" But then changed their mind.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Karenj2]

I'm certainly no expert, but I think you might have better luck if you go to a store nearby and talk with the manager at that location. (They might only be able to do something via corporate, but you might get a real name & contact info to use in your correspondence.)

Be prepared with the non-profit ID number (i.e., a group I'm in is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational group, and we have an ID number), brochures/flyers, or other info that better explains your group, and don't ask for the moon. (All companies are hurting right now, and just might not be able to help - if you ask for 20 brand new, really expensive tents, you'll probably get nothing. But if you ask for a donation of one or two, or to buy them at cost or company discount, you might have better luck.)

Other places to try are your local Freecycle or even camping enthusiast sites (like the camping board here?). There might be people willing to donate their gently used tents if you can provide a receipt for tax purposes.

Good luck!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

One thing that you would have to do in the letter is state the exact name of your organization and include the statement that you are a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the IRS. Most companies will not even consider donation, either cash or in-kind, to an organization to which contributions are not deductible.

Also, do your research to see if there is any person at the Vice-Presidential level with a title of Community Relations or similar; if so, address it to that person, if not address it, by name, to the company President. They will make sure it gets to the correct office.

 

[mrsksmithvt]

You need to visit each company website and see how they do charitable giving and donations. Anyone on your board do grant writing? I would look at Reny's, Cabella's, also Walmart does grants by state. Good luck below is the information from LL Bean.

http://www.llbean.com/customerService/aboutLLBean/charitable_giving.html

 

[englishteacha]

Thanks for the info!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I sent you a PM and then had another idea. Could you post something on the camp's website. (If it's the one I think it is, I thought at one point there was a "wish list" there?) Also (again if it's the one I think)- state wide organization has an email that goes out to member groups every week, put a wish list post on that?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I would try people like the local Kiwanis Club.
2) They are in the business of helping children, worldwide.
3) Also, look at other charitable organizations.

 

[dclfun]

I know it would be a hassle, but could you sell raffle tickets and raffle off other types of donated items? For instance, I know American Girl will donate a doll every few years to a nonprofit organization for these purposes. Maybe other local businesses would donate products to raffle and you could earn the money for the new tents.

 

[AintGonaGrowUp]

Contact your local Boy scout troop. Alot of times they will have extra suplies, colections to get things, or atleast some advice.

 

[DawnM]

I doubt they would be of help, most BS groups need to raise support/money themselves.

We are constantly trying to find ways to raise funds.

OP, our scout troop sells things (not my favorite thing) but we also have huge yard sales with all the proceeds going to our troop.

My husband works with the BoyScout local (large) counsel for volunteer work and they have all sorts of things they do. One of the largest fund raisers is a golf tournament.

Dawn

Contact your local Boy scout troop. Alot of times they will have extra suplies, colections to get things, or atleast some advice.