Would you like to donate to our function?

Randomly through the year my store will be approached by various organizations hoping we will contribute items or money to their little ventures. This is not really a bad thing, nor is it largely all that unappreciated.

Increasingly however, it seems like organizers will pull together to round up as much as they kick loose from businesses without any return consideration. Some prefer to keep who donated what a secret, drawing up a list of equally understated sponsors. Others give the distinct impression that if not pressed for any particular action, will simply swallow up whatever has been given into anonymity.

If not falling into that category, some groups are completely unprepared for any sort of response. They will have no suggestions as to what would work best. They will have no idea who or when they will collect.

Alright, businesses are partially interested in donating because it gets their name out. If you give them the cold shoulder, they are going to be less inclined to contribute. If you deny them from checking out your venue and seeing what sort of turn out as well as what the organization is really like in action, they are going to feel less like contributors and more like they were harvested. But regardless, be consistent and professional.