How To Get Donations From Local Restaurants

When it’s time to get money for your fundraising cause, restaurants can be a great source of charitable funds and gifts. It is important to note the best way to approach a local business, as well as the best time of day to visit when looking for a donation.

When trying to locate a suitable restaurant from whom to solicit donations, first target the restaurants that are most likely to give. For example, a restaurant that is popular with families would be likely to donate towards a benefit for one of the local schools. Additionally, focus on how you are asking these restaurants by making sure you offer them an incentive to agree to your fundraiser. By being aware of the time of day that you visit, you can ensure that you will be meeting with someone who has the authority to give a donation.

• Ask a local restaurant to donate a portion of one night’s sales to your cause. Try and make it a success for the restaurant by encouraging your friendsand aquaintances to dine on the special night. Hopefully, that will give an added incentive for the restaurant to open their coffers for your fundraising efforts.


• See what restaurants have been featured as charitable givers in the media. For example, the American Red Cross will often have press releases about what restaurants donated money to their cause. Those restaurants listed in the press release might be some good places to start your fundraising search.


• When you go to a restaurant to ask about a donation, go before the crowds start to come in.  Make sure to go either an hour or two before lunch or dinner to make sure the manager is not busy and has time to hear your proposal.


• Have a plan for how the restaurant will be acknowledged. Present the restaurant manager with a sample of a flyer, poster or event program that will feature their name as a sponsor of the event. Many restaurants are happy to donate a gift certificate in exchange for free advertising of this kind.