Fundraising 1.4: Corporate Gifts and In-Kind Donations
Checklist for Corporate Gifts
Corporate Grants & Matching Gifts
In Kind Donations
- Create a corporate prospect list – businesses give based on relationships, so go with your closest personal connections
- Do your homework – review the Girls State Fact Sheet and take time to learn about each company you are approaching to ask for support
- Practice your elevator pitch - We’ve created a snazzy pitch deck Powerpoint for presentations. Just download, practice and present!
- Be Prepared! Take a copy of a donation letter explaining what the program is, what the GSAF does to support the program, and how the fundraising money will be used. Include the GSAF website link incase they want to do their own research. Make sure to include GSAF’s Tax ID number 20-3187027 and tell business that their donation is supporting a non-profit 501(c)(3)
Corporate Grants & Matching Gifts
- Many companies give matching grants to their employees’ donations - find out your company’s policy and procedure. It’s an easy way to double your donation!
- Some companies also have grant programs for nonprofits their employees are involved in. Find out the application procedure,
In Kind Donations
- In Kind Donations are simply gifts of goods and services rather than cash. Decide in advance how you might use in-kind donations and how you’ll recognize companies that sponsor you.
- For example, “If you would be willing to donate two one hour massages, I’ll feature them in the silent auction portion of my Girl’s Night Out fundraiser and will include your company logo on the silent auction table and in my thank you letter to all the event attendees.”
- In some cases, in-kind donations may be tax deductible.
- Always thank your in-kind sponsors – not only is it the right thing to do, it will also pave the way for future mutually beneficial partnership with the company!