What works in fundraising from local businesses?

Summary:

Tips for contacting potential supporters.

Steve Freedkin wrote to soc.org.nonprofit about fundraising letters on
16 May 1995. Someone had written earlier requesting ideas for securing
gifts from local businesses to complete a soccer field complex.
Responding to your request for help with writing letters to corporate
officials seeking sponsorship/funds for youth sports teams:

A couple of tips re fundraising to corporate sponsors:

1. Phone first. Find out specifically who to ask *and* whether they give
   to this sort of stuff. Check your local library; ask if they have grant
   info or if they or some nearby library is a local Foundation Center
   repository. You can look up which corporations give to what.
   
   
2. Can you get the letter signed by a VIP? Mayor, school principal,
   local TV news anchor/print news editor, Chamber of Commerce person?
   
   
3. Approach the Chamber of Commerce president for suggestions -- who to ask
   and how to ask.
   
   
4. Be straightforward and to the point -- the point being why the READER
   wants to give (doing good, good p.r., turning around troubled youth,
   community recognition, etc