Need Help...

GAmomof2

So I am hoping to come here and hopefully get some suggestions from you lovely nesties.  I am trying to help a friend of mine raise money for his b'day because he wants to give to the HIV/AIDS fund in ATL. 

The problem is I dont work so I am having a hard time networking.  Where can I go to try to get tax deductible donations?  I mean I have posted it on my blog, but I dont know how much that helps...

Thanks for your help!

Two*True

This is what I do for a living - fundraise for an HIV/AIDS non profit.  So here are a fw questions...

- is he having an event to raise money? or is he just trying to get companies to donate?

- does he know what ATL agency he wants to give to?

- does he have a $ goal?

- what type of donations are you seeking - cash or inkind? or both?

Here's my two cents...throw a b-day party but instead of gifts have individuals make donations to the chosen charity.  Wrap a big box to look like a present and all the guests can put their money in there.  At the b-day you can raffle off a few things, or hold a small auction to raise more money, although this adds an additional layer of planning.  To be honest, most companies are not going to just give you money to give to a nonprofit.  Companies will give to the nonprofit directly so that they get the write off.  What companies will give you is goods.  Gift certificates, clothing, wine, etc.  But, you need to have very clear and professional material.  XX event is happening on XX and will raise money for XX.  Hope this kinda makes sense.

GAmomof2

is he having an event to raise money? or is he just trying to get companies to donate?

No, he has not asked ONE company to donate.  He has been raising funds for a month.  He is an entertainer at a local bar and asks for donations all 5 days that he works from the individuals there plus gets tips for entertaining (he does drag) and adds those (at least half of them thus far) to the pot as well

- does he know what ATL agency he wants to give to?
He is planning on splitting the money between 2 agencies or non-profits in the area.

- does he have a $ goal?
He has a HUGE money goal of 20K

- what type of donations are you seeking - cash or inkind? or both?
He is saying that any type of donations are fine.  He is offering a way for people to make the checks directly to the funds and mail them to the collection site.  he is giving tax deductible reciepts.

I think it's just comming to the wire and he wants to get as much as possible before the end of the time period in two weeks.

 

Two*True

Well it sounds like your friend is doing everything right.  The only thing I'd suggest to have the chosen agencies send him some brochures, free condoms, etc that he can have at his gigs.  Then stick a bowl next to the condoms for donations.  It might collect a few more pennies.