Freebies & discounts for non-profits?

[NYEmomma]

I'm either a google reject today or there just isn't a lot of good info out there on this subject.

I'm involved with our local mothers of multiples club -- a registered non-profit. Our fundraising hasn't been stellar the past couple of years (something I'm hoping to fix this year!) and our budget for our club activities has dwindled significantly. So we're looking to maximize whatever benefits of being a non-profit we're able to get in order to still hold our events.

Does anyone know of any discounts or freebies we can utilize as a non-profit? We were able to sign-up for a discount card with GFS, we get significantly discounted cookies from Eat'n Park for our Easter event & I've heard we can get that awful orange "drink" from McDonald's for cheap or free if we're a non-profit (though I haven't confirmed that). We're always in need of food, paper products, craft products... anything kid & family related.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I've had local grocery stores donate all kinds of things before. I have had car washes for different athletic teams and they would donate all the supplies. We'd sell water and sodas and they would donate a couple cases.

Write a letter, explain who you are to different grocery stores and see what they say?

 

[jmac323]

I run a non-profit in California and there are a ton of places that offer discounts, donations, grants and freebies. Unfortunately, I've come to find out that handling all those things is like my third (unpaid) job. It is a ton of work but you can get a great deal out of it if you are willing to take the time to write letters, talk to people, read websites, and learn the non-profit fundraising rules. Good luck to you!!