Funding Sources: Local Businesses
Why should I ask local businesses?
Because these are the people with a vested interest in your community and the well being of the people in it. Often the employees themselves will be residents of your town (or a nearby town). For businesses, working with an organization like RIF helps them improve their public image and gain positive publicity.
How do I approach them for a donation?
The best way to approach a business to get the result you want is to first send a letter to the business owner or manager. A week or so after you send the letter, follow it up with a phone call. Ask to speak to the owner or manager and check to see if they received your letter. You can find sample letters in the Fundraising Resources section.
What do I say to them?
When you make the call to the store, make sure you are prepared with facts and details about your RIF program. You need to be specific with the business—tell them what you want from them and what they will get out of this. Some things to remember when you are preparing for this conversation:
- How many kids your RIF program served last year
- Where the children are from (especially if they are from a few towns)
- How many books you distribute yearly
- Average book cost
- Other activities you do with the RIF kids
- What you have noticed in the kids that participate in the RIF program (ie what they enjoy about RIF, if test scores have improved, if more kids are reading for fun, etc.)
- Facts about national RIF.
If they ask you any question that you don’t know the answer to offhand, tell them that you will check on the information and get back to them.
What do I ask for?
Be specific when you ask for a donation—don't expect them to offer a certain amount. If you need $50, ask for $50. If you need $1,000, tell them how much you need total and then ask for either the whole amount or a specific dollar amount. If they don't want to contribute financially, ask if they are willing to donate goods. For example, if your local grocer may not be able to give you money, but they can donate drinks and snacks. Be persistent and don't be afraid to ask for what you need. Also, give them a specific date by which you need the donation.
How long will it take to see results?
In the letter, tell the businesses that you will call them in one week. The length of time from when you talk to the manager/supervisor until you get your donation can take as little as one day to as long as a few months. So be sure to send out the letters well in advance of when you actually need the money.
How should I thank them?
Be sure to thank the person you talk to for their time, even if they aren't in a position to help your program at the moment—they may be able to in the future. When you do receive a donation, be sure to send a prompt thank you in writing as soon as you get the check. Acknowledging donors is discussed in more depth in Communicating with Donors.
What else do I need to know?
There will be people who say no—don't take it personally, and don't get discouraged. If you can, invite the local newspaper to attend your next book distribution—and tell the businesses that they will be there. While their desire to help their community is commendable, they will be even more likely to contribute when they know that it will help their public image.
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