1.

Start local.
We can't emphasize this enough. Just about every group has members that own small businesses or are in positions to make these types of decision in their workplace. Start with them. They already know about the great things your group does – are they willing to make a donation in support of the fundraiser? This one is easy!

2.

Start small.
You don't have to go after $1,000 every time, because the chances of your success are somewhat slim. Instead, consider this: if you get a $100 gift from 10 businesses, you just got $1,000! The best part of it is that for businesses, $100 is a pretty small amount; therefore, the likelihood of you getting that gift is higher than with a bigger request.

3.

Ask for an appropriate amount.
Wal-Mart can afford to make a $1,000 gift. Hilda's Bakery probably can't. How do you decide what to ask for? Well, obviously a smaller company will be more likely to give a smaller gift. That's a start. The next thing to consider is there's nothing wrong with approaching a business, telling them that you intend to write a letter requesting support for the campaign, and asking them what an appropriate amount might be. Once you get that figure, write a formal request using the amount they said would be appropriate.

4.

Use proven sources.
Did you know that many larger companies will often match money that is raised in their community? It's true! You could potentially double your earnings just by approaching the manager of these stores. Here are some guidelines for  Safeway Foundation's Community Caring Program and Kroger's (QFC's parent company) Charitable Giving Activities. To learn about Wal-Mart's Community Support Program, visit their foundation's web page and click on "Community" (the third link from the left).

The corporate guidelines are just a start – don't be afraid to walk into the store and ask for a manager or community relations person.

5.

Offer something in return.
Maybe the small business could benefit from a bit of free advertising or positive exposure. Having a sign at your tables thanking them for their contribution could be all it takes. Other groups hold an appreciation luncheon and send out certificates of appreciation. Find out what your sponsor might want and find a way to give it to them.

6.

Sell your group.
You're probably involved in other things that benefit your community in addition to Play it by Ear. Show your potential sponsors that they are not just giving money to some random group of people – you already build parks, give kids glasses, and sponsor families at Christmas. Prove to them that you're an integral part of the community and that you do great things in your area! Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

7.

Approach those who already help.
Does the local hardware store already sponsor a baseball or softball team? That sort of involvement shows that they care about their community, so they might be more willing to help.

8.

Be professional.
This is common sense, really. If you write letters to businesses, make them look professional by typing them. Proofread them so you don't have spelling mistakes. As your levels of professionalism and credibility rise, so does the likelihood of companies believing you'll be responsible with their money. That's a good thing.

9.

Ask the person who makes the decision.
Go directly to the source of funding. Store managers or owners are the people who can make important decisions, so it's best to just start there.

10.

Be unconventional.
Ask for challenge or matching grants. Offer unique recognition methods. Perhaps you're working on a project requiring materials to be purchased. Can those materials be donated so you can roll the money saved into the fundraising total? Anything works!

11.

Cater to individual needs.
Personalization goes a long way. If you're writing letters to store managers, use their names and titles instead of "To Whom It May Concern." Also, in direct talks with these people, find out what appeals to them about your group or the Northwest Lions Foundation. If your person is really impressed with how we help kids, run with it! Maybe they'll like our global impact; if so, talk about it! As always, call or e-mail at the Foundation to ask any questions you have.

Finally, find out how your supporters would like to be thanked. Some people think that sending cards or flowers is not a good use of a non-profit's money. If they prefer not to have any recognition, respect their wishes. On the other hand, if you think a letter from the Foundation would be perfect, let us know.

12.

Water those seeds!
It's great that the owner of the travel agency gave you a donation for your campaign. It would be even better if she did it again next year. How are you going to accomplish that? Cultivation! Invite her to a lunch meeting. Ask her to stop by your next fundraiser. Tell her about the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the new park you helped build. Pretty soon, you know her on a first-name basis, and she has a huge amount of respect for what you do. You might even get a new member in your group!

It all boils down to this: you can't grow corn without giving it water and fertilizer. The same goes for your donors – let them know how important they are to you.