Looking for charity event help/advice (TV raffle)

[Robert Caffyn]

Was thinking of raffling a flat panel TV (42"-46") and (2nd prize) a Blue-Ray disc player for our charity fund at the Masonic Lodge. Anybody have any experience/advice on maybe getting one donated? We desperately need to raise some cash for scholarships, charity relief fund, etc. Anybody? Bob

 

[MikeSondra Grossen]

I run a school carnival every year and need to do requests for donations for raffles and silent auctions. You need to write a solicitation letter asking for donations and why you need them. Then go talk to people who have the authority to donate such items. Be sure to get a raffle license if you are required to do so. Also, it helps if their donation is tax-deductible! :supercool:



Sondra

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Echo what svt says. I assume your lodge has tax exempt organizations status. You will want ot show a copy of the form that gives you that status to any would-be donors as then their donation is tax deductible. Also, make it clear to the possible donor that their business name and the donation will be displayed prominantly in all your raffle tickets, the day and at the event drawing, etc. Also, offer to provide or hand-out any flyers or coupons the donor might have.



Businesses will donate if they think they can get something back. Some will donate because they like the cause or the charitable org, but all will donate if they are convinced they will get back more than they give.



TJR

 

[Bill V]

Agree completely with SVT and TJR. Would also recommend that if you're trying to request charitable contributions, and you're requesting them from people/organizations unfamiliar with your Lodge, it'll definitely help your odds if you go with a detailed summary of what your charitable fund funds. People are far more likely to give to "help victims of Disaster X", or "provide funds to Homeless Shelter X", or "provide healthcare services to kids in country X", than they are to simply give to "the Lodge charitable fund".



Put a face on the recipient--it makes it harder to turn down.



Good luck! Be sure to let us know how it goes!