How do you ask for a donation?

Question

My goal is to get everything donated for a big fundraiser. I want specific big items from retailers like His and Her Coats from a well astablished company.

Answer 1

Many fund-raisers of the sort you describe wind up sucking up a lot of time for the cash that's raised. Most people who'll pay an unreal amount for the coats (as in lots more than they'd cost at the store) would give you the difference and buy exactly what they wanted. That values your time and their time.

If you want money, explain what you want it for, why it's important and that you'd rather save everyone time (more valuable to many that money) and skip the party/fund-raiser. Stick out your hand, look at the person you're talking with, and be really slow to leave.

Answer 2

Well established companies are used to people soliciting donations for charities.  Many have their own budgets and procedures regarding them.  I suggest calling the local merchant, asking for the General Manager, and explaining

1)Who you are and who you represent

2)What do you do that is valuable to the community or such

3)What you want

4)How, if at all, you will acknowledge their contribution.  

Give them plenty of time, as processes may take some time.  If they make charitable contributions, the manager will tell you what, if anything you need to do, or what forms you may need to fill out.