2006-09-03 17:24:01 · 5 answers · asked by David 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Corporations
The Foundation Center (a nonprofit organization) has a wealth of resources to help you do this! There is even a free searchable database where you can find funders based on company name or zip code.
see here: http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/
2006-09-03 18:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by Piggiepants 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the company, they may have a couple of options that can help you. Both of these involve going through the employees.
1. Some companies match employee contributions to 503c organizations. Have the forms on hand so that any time you get a donation from an empoloyee of a fortune 500, you can help them fill out the paperwork to get a match.
2. Some companies encourage their employee to give to charity through a yearly pledge drive. Employees typically sign up to have a few dollars from their paycheck diverted to this or that charity. The key here is to get your charity on the list employees choose from. At my company, any employee can submit a charity for inclusion on the list.
2006-09-04 01:07:48 · answer #2 · answered by Dan G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most importantly, show them how they will benefit. Is there advertising benefit? Will the community become a better or safer place to work? Will their employees gain anything? If there is a reason you are approaching only Fortune 500 companies, there must be a reason that they will benefit.
2006-09-04 00:29:48 · answer #3 · answered by WebfootOne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's in it for them? I'm assuming that you have your 503c papers in hand.
So you're going to knock on General Motors door and ask for a million dollars. They'll send you to United Way, and say that, 50 years ago we got tired of all of your charities bugging us, so we helped create United Way - get on their list and get some of our money that way.
That's how Fortune 500 companies do it (for the most part) - unless they are going to sponsor a particular event - like a fun run where they will have their product out (aka Nike), or employee participation (aka juvanile diabetes).
2006-09-04 00:27:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh man, we all wish we knew that answer.
The best way is not to seek a donation, but seek a grant. There are plenty of ways to apply for grants, tons of 'em.
They mostly donate to high profile groups because it's great advertisement for them.
2006-09-04 00:26:53 · answer #5 · answered by wrathofkublakhan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋