We’re working on a lot of solicitation these days, including donations that aren’t “funds,” but still play an important part of a successful fundraiser. In-kind donations, including event materials and auction items, limit costs for fundraising events and expand the circle of those with a stake in the event. For individuals and organizations who can’t afford that $400 ticket but still care about the cause and want to contribute, in-kind donations provide an alternate means.

Event fundraising requires a system and just a few tweaks takes a sponsor solicitation strategy to an approach for in-kind donations:

• Create a wish list of contacts.
• Research the best way to contact them.
• Write compelling correspondence that includes:
- reasons to get involved
- ways to contribute
- benefits for in-kind donations, just as you would a cash sponsor, such as seats at the dinner or an ad in the journal
• Call to follow-up.
• Take notes during every conversation.
• Consider their input and adjust your outreach based upon those conversations.
• If they offer something that you didn’t ask for but that costs you nothing, say yes!

And remember, this kind of outreach raises awareness and opens doors for further communications and donor development!