How would I go about finding companies to donate products or money?

Question

I am trying to launch a place where the poor could come and get items that they can't get with food stamps, or at the pantry most often. Example: diapers, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, paper products, etc...

I live in Madison, WI

Answer 1

I am a volunteer/director at an NGO and I have to find products for fundraisers all the time. Its not fun.

First, start in your community. Whatever town you are in, pick up the yellow pages and start calling. Start with BabiesRUS, they have a program for such donation. They might send you to the corporate office.
Next call the activity director (might be under diff name) at Walmart. They will help you for sure.
Next call all the local grocery stores. They have programs already setup so work with them.

Finally go to "local spots" that support neighborhood projects. Meaning they aren't part of a chain, but are looking for advertisement and trust from the community.

Make sure you have a form for tax-deduction. They will all want it. Make sure you explain your idea thorougly.

Email me if you want more information, I'm really good at this.
[e-mail]

Good luck!

Answer 2

The first step is to create a plan and write a grant request. This is like a business plan you submit to people to get funding for your business.

A grant is done for non-profits, and to succeed, such a venture will need to be a not for profit organization. As the person running it, you can take a salary, unless you want to work for free. That is allowed, but the business itself can't be for profit.

Remember, you'll need cash, in addition to stuff, to pay for a place to store things, phone lines, utilities, possibly staff, insurance, and the cost of getting the word out that you exist. You will also have to consider how you get donations to your place.

Then you should pound the phone, or hire a staff of telemarketers (this is often cheaper than doing it yourself, or you might be able to find volunteers) to start calling places that either sell or make what you need.

It sounds like a wonderful idea. You can take classes in how to fund non-profit organizations through your local community college or community education. In some cities there are small business associations that will also offer some coaching.

A great concept is a start, but you still need to run it like a business and that needs a plan.

Another idea just came to mind, you may well be able to start this by working with a local church, preferably one that runs a soup kitchen or shelter. They already have the right people coming for services, and will likely teach you anything you need to do to help their mission. Then you can do the grant process and set up separately if you need to after you've learned the ropes.

Best of luck.

BTW...I've spent a lot of time in New Orleans since Katrina and while looting is illegal (and will land you in jail), it sort of broke my heart to look through windows and see perfectly usable stuff that could be redistributed to people who really need those things. I saw one apt (right across from where we were staying) that had several brand new packages of diapers just sitting in the living room. This was a second floor apt so they were still sealed in the package, good as new.

If that's near you, I wonder if you could get the city to allow you to claim such things as those building get gutted for rebuilding? The property owners might let you once they've met the legal burden to allow the owners to reclaim their stuff.

Answer 3

First you should be sure you have followed state guidelines for running a non-profit organization in the state of Wisconsin. This is outlined rather well by Marquette University at their website "Funding Information Center" the link is below.
This will keep you from legal trouble as well as establish you as a legitimate group for seeking solicitations and for fund raising.

Next you will want to send letters of inquiry to local businesses asking for assistance. You can ask for cash donation or product donation. Be sure to follow up with a thank you letter for their time and consideration of your group. You may be able to set up face to face meetings with some of these people as well. Also ask to speak to groups like Rotary, Optimist's, Lions and Professional organizations. You will also want to apply to places like The United Way for funding. Also you can ask local groups to do item drives for your needs. Local churches and service groups and scouts, Local schools are all good places to check out for assistance. You can then also do a public interest interview with local papers, radio and so on.
Look for bulk suppliers of the item in question where you maybe able to purchase at significant savings.(sysco dollartree bulk sales for example) Once you have your non profit status and EIN you will be able to do a lot tax free.
Be sure to thank anyone you speak with and to recognize all donors that are not anonymous.
Good Luck.
People at the local food pantries should be able to give some pointer on storage, distrubution, eligibility and so on, call and try to get appointments to speak with them. They may have a grant writer that can help secure other financing.
Good Luck.

Answer 4

Years ago I wrote letters to companies asking for donations and had a response of about 15%. Since then, I have found fewer companies willing to donate because of limitations to their "PR" budget. Instead of laying people off, the companies are "trimming" where ever they can to keep people's jobs. I would contact the major companies but you should, in return, give them "Free" advertising. This may make them more willing to donate.

Answer 5

The only way to do this is by establishing a company wth tax free credits or duty free formate that can store used furiture from homes when people get tired of their furniture which is still in great shape.

Answer 6

You would register as a non profit, and basically, that is your main job, to find people willing to donate. You can send out letters, have volunteers (or yourself) go knocking on doors (business doors). Get alot of publicity and gain respect in the community and it won't be as hard after that. But it is a challenge getting people to open their wallets.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Not only do you have to markket the products, you have have to be unique in promoting yourself, which will attract the companies with the money. Can you do it? Yes you can if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

Answer 9

also check with Salvation Army & Red Cross

Answer 10

try companies that use recycled goods. they are more likely to want to help you.