A resource for PTA and parent involvement project ideas

Donations from local businesses

Does your unit visit local businesses to obtain donations?

Do you approach them with a letter?

What does you letter include?

How do you handle rejection from a business? Do you approach again at a later time, or just move on from them?

What incentives do you offer them in exchange for their support?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kathryn Taylor on December 19, 2011 at 6:45am

We do approach local businesses. I usually approach in person and let the owner or manger know what we need. If we get rejected we might approach the business again; it just depends on why they said no. You can tell which ones said no because they needed more time or it was just the wrong time of the year and which ones just will not donate. The only incentive we offer for donations is a "thank you for being a sponsor" on all of our flyers and signs. If you have to give anything else for a donation then it is not a donation. Also be careful that you don't endorse the business; just thank them. I hope this helps!

Permalink Reply by Marie Solla on December 19, 2011 at 11:31am

Thank you Kathryn. I think our unit should go out and try to obtain gift cards or service donations to prepare for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Permalink Reply by Kathryn Taylor on December 19, 2011 at 3:38pm

I have found that restaurants are sometimes willing to donate a meal for the teachers. I have had very little luck getting gift cards donated. Good Luck!!!

Permalink Reply by Toni Connell on December 20, 2011 at 10:07pm

I usually send out letters with the PTA logo at the top and then the school info at the bottom. I add some stuff about what the PTA is/does, etc and what type of things we are looking for and what it will be used for. Be sure to tell them you are non profit and it is a tax write off for them.

If I get a rejection, depending on what it is for, I may do it again later. If it was to a place I was just hoping to get something but not keeping my fingers crossed, I may or may not do it again later.

If you are having a special thing (like our art gala) then you can tell them that their info will be included in the flyers, etc or you can invite them to one of your events.

One thing that is fun to do, have an event (like we did at fall festival) and get some vendors (jewelry, tupperware, etc). We charged them $15 for the booth space (they brought their own tables/chairs) and then also give them a PTA membership when they pay. Take out the price of your membership (ours is $6) and use towards their membership and use the rest for PTA funds. You are increasing your membership and you still profited $9 and they get the membership and the discount card that we offer to various businesses around town. Also, when applying for assistance, send to twice as many as you hope to hear from.

Permalink Reply by Marie Solla on December 20, 2011 at 11:11pm

Thanks Toni. I like your fall festival event. I might bring up the idea of a Saturday garage sale, and we just charge for the space like you did! Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Toni Connell on December 21, 2011 at 6:26am

let me know if that works! At the fall festival we got pizza to sell but if you don't want that expense, just have some games and craft tables. We had a mask making area that was a hit. Also, if you do face painting be sure to have several who do it as that line is always long. I don't know the ages of your students but see if you can get some teens to help. Contact the teacher over the national honor society, they have to have so many community service hours.