Introduction
Nonprofits, schools, sports programs, and community groups rely heavily on corporate support to host raffles, auctions, galas, team events, and seasonal fundraisers. Identifying the right companies to ask for donations is essential for maximizing fundraising revenue while minimizing expenses. In November 2025, with corporate philanthropy expanding across industries, organizations that understand which companies to ask for donations and how to approach them professionally are achieving significantly higher approval rates.
Why You Must Identify Strong Companies to Ask for Donations
Fundraising depends on securing:
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Gift cards
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Product donations
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High-value raffle items
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Event sponsorships
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In-kind support
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Financial contributions
Working with reliable companies to ask for donations ensures your event is successful, cost-effective, and attractive to donors.
These partnerships not only reduce expenses but also strengthen long-term community relationships.
Top Categories of Companies to Ask for Donations
✔ 1. Big-Box Retailers
Large retailers remain some of the most generous companies to ask for donations due to their community-giving programs.
Examples include:
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Walmart
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Target
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Costco
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Sam’s Club
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Kohl’s
They frequently donate gift cards and merchandise for raffles and auctions.
✔ 2. Restaurants & Food Chains
Restaurants are among the easiest companies to ask for donations, because they regularly provide meal vouchers.
Examples include:
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Chick-fil-A
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Chipotle
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Panera Bread
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Texas Roadhouse
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Local family-owned restaurants
These vouchers add value to any fundraising event.
✔ 3. Grocery Stores
Grocers support food drives, school events, silent auctions, and charity dinners.
Top choices include:
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Publix
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Safeway
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Kroger
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H-E-B
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Wegmans
They are dependable companies to ask for donations for gift cards and food items.
✔ 4. Entertainment Venues
These are highly desirable companies to ask for donations, as they provide exciting prizes:
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Movie theaters
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Zoos
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Museums
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Bowling alleys
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Trampoline parks
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Amusement parks
Free passes always increase raffle ticket sales.
✔ 5. Local Small Businesses
Local owners are often the MOST supportive because they value community engagement.
They include:
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Salons
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Boutiques
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Bakeries
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Gyms
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Auto services
These small businesses are excellent companies to ask for donations due to their high community loyalty.
How to Approach Companies to Ask for Donations
✔ Prepare a Professional Introduction
Be brief, clear, and formal.
Describe:
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Your organization
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Your mission
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Who benefits
Professional tone is essential when contacting companies to ask for donations.
✔ Include a Specific Request
Businesses prefer clarity.
Examples:
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“We are requesting a $25 gift card.”
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“We are requesting product donations for our silent auction.”
Specificity increases approval among companies to ask for donations.
✔ Explain the Event and Its Impact
Clearly describe how the donation will help your cause:
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Supporting students
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Funding athletic programs
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Helping local nonprofits
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Supporting veterans
Impact is one of the strongest motivators among companies to ask for donations.
✔ Attach Documentation
Documentation may include:
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School letterhead
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Nonprofit proof
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Event flyers
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Tax-exempt information
This helps businesses trust your request.
✔ Offer Recognition
Corporate donors appreciate visibility.
Recognition options include:
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Social media tagging
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Event banners
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Announcements
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Logo placement
Businesses that receive recognition are more likely to continue donating.
Mistakes to Avoid When Contacting Companies to Ask for Donations
Avoid:
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Long, disorganized emails
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Vague requests
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No verification documents
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Asking last-minute
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Unprofessional tone
Mistakes like these reduce your success with companies to ask for donations.
Conclusion
In November 2025, identifying the right companies to ask for donations and approaching them professionally is essential for hosting successful fundraising events. Big-box stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, grocery chains, and local small businesses offer tremendous support when properly contacted. With professionalism, clarity, documentation, and gratitude, organizations can build long-term partnerships with leading companies to ask for donations, ensuring successful fundraisers for years to come.
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