I need help getting Corporations to Donate for a Great Cause.?

Question

Let me say from the outset that I'm NOT looking for online donations but, rather, HELP from someone familiar with how to go about contact corporations for donations. With that being said, here's why I need help:

We're in the process of developing a computer learning center that will focus on teaching those in our community (most of whom are in the lower income bracket) basic to advanced computer skills. These will include basic computer and Windows operation, Microsoft Office, and, depending on a skills assessment, multimedia presentations.

Without these basic skills it's hard for people to get a decent job (sometimes even then). The classes will be totally FREE of charge.

While we have the support staff to teach them and the facility in which to do so, we are a smaller church who cannot afford the number of computers we expect to need.

Any info would be appreciated.

Rev. Lonnie Honeycutt

Answer 1

Get a list of larger companies in your area, and look them up on the web. Find the public relations department, and send them direct correspondence requesting a contact. Most corporations look for community donations for old computer equipment, since they can take a write off. You will have more luck dealing directly with a corporate contact than a local one for hardware. For monetary needs, this may be a route as well, but your best bet is local- often there are community dollars allocated to each business location.

Regards, and good luck.

Answer 2

Go on the major corporations websites. On the websites they sometimes list the contacts names for people requesting donations. They then send you a form, which you have to fill out and return to them. This process can take several months. Also, most corporations have a quarterly or annual budget for donations (so once the money is committed it is gone) so don't be too disappointed if you miss one cut off. The other thing (that worked for a friend of mine) was to go to the local major retailers and request a form to make donations or in some cases just talking to the store manager can get some donations. good luck.

Answer 3

Contact EDS - they have a wonderful donation program for computers that are 3 years old (too old for corporate use, but probably good for your system) - they'll come with an O/S only.

I'm sure other corporations do this, but I KNOW that EDS does this. You may also try Hewlett Packard, IBM, or any major computer manufacturer who is in your town.