Looking for Financing for outreach Sport program?

Question

How would I go about looking for donation for a local outreach education/sporting program for inner city teen in the greater Cleveland. Please help with any idea

Answer 1

I've had experience fundraising. I've raised 12,000 $ at a time, more than once for local events. This is how I do it.

Write a letter to local businesses and universities/colleges.
Write a general letter but be professional stating who you are and what you are doing. At the end make sure to say you will write them a receipt for their donation so they can write it off with their taxes and that you will promote them in some way. At the end of the letter or on a seperate sheet of paper provide an itemization of expenses (list your expenses and their approximate costs) be sure to state that any donation would be accepted.
Tips: the more letters you send out the more money you will make, the earlier you send them the more money you will make, universities are a great source of money but be sure to send to all departments in the university, start with local businesses (the home grown type) then branch out to more well known places, start with businessed pertaining to your need, ask for things besides money (always include money but you can ask for other things as well such as sports equipment), if you know the manager of the store address the letter to them although this is not necessary, follow up in person if you have the resources although this is not necessary.
I'm telling you this really really works. And copy shops will usually donate copies to you so that you don't have to pay the expense of copying your letters. If it is an annual event you can usually depend on regular contributers after the first year so be sure to send out thank you letters.

Answer 2

http://www.grants.gov
http://www.cfda.gov