Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, community building, and giving back. For nonprofits, it’s a perfect opportunity to engage with local businesses and secure donations that can help make a significant impact
Local businesses are also welcoming such opportunities to advertise themselves and increase their business during festivals
Partnering with local businesses boosts your fundraising efforts and fosters a sense of community support.
Let us look at this perfect guide on effectively partnering with local businesses for Thanksgiving donations.
1. Identify Local Businesses to Approach
Start by making a list of local businesses that align with your mission. Search for companies that have community involvement or have supported charitable initiatives. These could be small businesses, larger retailers, or service providers. Consider industries like:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Retail shops
- Grocery stores
- Local service providers (hair salons, gyms, etc.)
Once you have your list, research each business to learn its values and how it engages with the community.
2. Craft a Compelling Proposal
When contacting local businesses, it’s important to present a strong reason they should partner with your nonprofit. Your proposal should include:
- Your Mission: Explain who you are and what your organization does. Share your mission statement and the impact of your work in the community.
- The Thanksgiving Initiative: Describe your campaign and how their support can make a difference.
It could be providing meals for those in need, supporting a local shelter, or funding educational programs. Be clear about the initiative’s
- Benefits for the Business: Highlight the benefits of partnering with your organization.
This could include increased visibility in the community, positive brand association, and the benefits of tax deductions on their donations.
You could also offer to promote their business through your marketing channels, which can enhance their visibility during the holiday season.
3. Let them know your requirements
Once your proposal is ready, reach out to the businesses on your list. You can do this through:
- Emails: A well-crafted email can be an effective way to introduce yourself and your organization. Include your proposal as an attachment or in the body.
- Phone Calls: Follow up your email with a phone call to discuss your proposal further. This personal touch can make a significant difference.
- In-Person Visits: If possible, visit local businesses in person. This builds a personal connection and makes your case more genuine
4. Offer Flexible Donation Options
When collaborating with local businesses, it’s important l to offer flexible donation options. Here are some ideas:
- Cash Donations: Ask for direct cash contributions to support your Thanksgiving initiatives.
- In-Kind Donations: Many businesses may prefer to donate products or services instead of cash.
For example, a local grocery store might donate food items for a community meal, while a restaurant could offer vouchers or meals.
- Promotions: Businesses could run promotions where a percentage of sales during a specific period goes to your organization.
GiveCentral provides a user-friendly platform for tracking contributions, whether they are monetary or in-kind.
This transparency can strengthen the relationship between your nonprofit and the business.
5. Show Appreciation
Once you secure donations, show appreciation to your business partners. Here’s how you can do this:
- Thank-You Notes: Send personalized thank-you notes expressing gratitude for their support.
- Public Recognition: Acknowledge their contributions on social media platforms, newsletters, and websites. This not only shows appreciation but also promotes their business to your audience.
- Engagement Opportunities: Invite them to participate in Thanksgiving events or activities, such as volunteering or attending a community meal. This can strengthen your relationship and encourage future collaborations.
6. Share Success Stories
After your Thanksgiving campaign, share success stories with your business partners. Let them know how their contributions made a difference.
For example, if their donations helped provide meals for families, share stories or testimonials from those who benefited.
This shows the value of their support and motivates them to work with you again.
7. Evaluate and Maintain Relationships
After Thanksgiving, evaluate the partnership. Consider what worked well and what could be improved for future collaborations.
Maintaining relationships with local businesses is important for long-term success. Regularly communicate with your partners, updating them on your nonprofit’s activities and inviting them to future events.
Partnering with local businesses is a proven strategy to generate funds during Thanksgiving. Make sure you offer them a proposal that suits them.
These partnerships may result in additional support and community engagement.
It should be a win-win situation for both parties. To grow partnerships with local businesses beyond Thanksgiving, it is important to focus on maintaining the relationships you have built.
At GiveCentral, we believe building strong community connections is essential for nonprofits to grow and survive.
Using our platform, you can efficiently manage donations, track partnerships, and share impact stories with your supporters and local businesses.
Let us help you create a personalized plan to partner with local businesses!
Together, we can make a difference in your community while generating the support you need.
Reach out today, and let’s get started!
Last modified: November 4, 2024
