What is a fundraising merchant plan?
A merchant plan is a step-by-step outline covering the development of a mutually beneficial relationship with area merchants.
Local businesses are an excellent fundraising resource. They should be part of every non-profit group’s fundraising strategy.
When asking local merchants to get involved with supporting your organization by donating goods or services to your cause, think like a business owner.
Make sure it’s a win-win situation!
- How to get started:
Build your relationship gradually
Nobody wants to be “used.” Whatever you do, try to give the merchant something of concrete value in return for their assistance.
Don’t ask them for anything (yet)
Offer to help promote their business at no cost to them. How do you do that? By partnering with them in ways that will increase their customer traffic, while at the same time providing benefits to your supporters.
Check them out
Find out what ads they are paying to run. Incorporate those same promotions into a free giveaway flyer that’s handed to everyone who’s a participant, supporter, buyer, and even a prospect of your fundraiser.
Help them out
Give the flyer away to your supporters as a way of saying thanks. The merchant gets a free ad campaign. Your group gets to make a positive impression on everyone they contact by giving something of value.
Broaden your horizons
Approach all merchants within a five-mile radius. Have a sample contact script written out. Make sure your script clearly communicates what your organization’s goals are and what’s in it for the merchants.
Click here to read more about setting up a school fundraiser merchant plan to get more donated goods and services for your next silent auction fundraiser.
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