Live Auctions and Silent Auctions require one major thing in order to be successful…actual items to auction off. Everyone wants the best auction items, items that get the crowding going, creates buzz and generates revenue for their charity. But, before the doors open to the event someone needs to solicit the items and get them donated. Having the right tools in place when you begin soliciting donations will assist you tremendously.

Three part series on solicitation tools

Today we kick off a series on solicitation tools. We’ll have letters and contracts you can use for your own soliciting needs.

Part 1: Donation Solicitation Letter

Take this Donation Solicitation Letter and make it your own. You can use this letter in soft copy or hard copy when making an initial ask. Include links to your organization’s website, any past press you may have had from previous events, and don’t forget to include your organization’s logo.

A donation solicitation letter includes all the who, what, whys of the event in a condensed form.

Personally I always make my initial ask live in person or over the phone and I follow-up with this letter so they have something that shows the event is legitimate. The donation solicitation letter also helps as many larger businesses/brands need it for their files.

For companies that need more information than a letter, check out our post that includes a donation solicitation PowerPoint.

Part 2: The Donation Solicitation Contract

What tools do you use when soliciting donations?

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