Need help dealing with donation requests?
Updated for 2026
It’s time to revisit the donation requests topic. Many retailers find them overwhelming and dislike saying no, but you simply cannot afford to fund every request. I continue to research and identify best practices from various types of retailers. Here’s what I have learned:
There are many reasons and benefits to donating locally. (I’ll put a specific list at the end of this newsletter.)
Clear guidelines are helpful when saying yes and particularly when saying no.
Requiring an online request form is the most efficient way to deal with donation requests. (Creating one is easy. Read how in a former newsletter on this topic.)
Follow-up is helpful for measuring success and for planning future donations.
A “Giving Back” page on your website reinforces the mission and values of your business and serves as a reminder of your commitment to your community. It also affords you the convenience of directing those seeking donations straight to your guidelines and online form.
There are ways to give generously to worthwhile organizations, while avoiding direct donations.
I know retailers who receive dozens of donation requests every month and others who only get a few, but I have never met a retailer who told me no one asks. I’ve written this newsletter post to help you streamline your process, maximize your efforts and introduce you to solutions or alternatives that you have not yet considered.
Continue reading for 16 things to include on a donation request form and best-practices ideas from more than one dozen retailers…
Important data to gather on a donation request form:
(In no certain order. I compiled this list from dozens of real-life examples.)
Get a contact name and all relevant contact info including their role/title within the organization