Help asking companies donations for nonprofit org?

Question

How can i ask companies, businesses, and people to donate for the non profit organization that I work for. I'd really like to write a letter that I can hand out as well but I have non idea how to go about doing so! Please...any tips?

Answer 1

What does your nonprofit do? How does it benefit the community? Why does your nonprofit matter? How many people or animals or whatever did it benefit last year? What activities does your nonprofit engage in? How many volunteers are involved at the organization? What are its operating costs every year, and what costs do you have? (staff salaries? rent? equipment?)

Your letter should provide answers to all of those questions. You should talk about why someone should support this nonprofit in order to help the community, animals, whatever. Don't talk about need for funding. Don't talk about desperation for funds. Talk about this as an investment opportunity. Include quotes from clients or partner organizations, saying why your organization is so great.