Introduction
Schools depend on community partnerships to support student programs, field trips, technology upgrades, sports teams, arts education, and classroom supplies. Finding places that donate to schools can dramatically reduce costs and increase the success of raffles, auctions, carnivals, and school-wide fundraisers. In November 2025, more organizations than ever are searching for reliable places that donate to schools to secure gift cards, products, event passes, sponsorships, and teacher support supplies. This guide highlights the best places, how to contact them, and how to increase your approval rate.
Why Schools Need Places That Donate to Schools
Fundraising fills the financial gaps that school budgets cannot cover. Working with places that donate to schools helps:
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Reduce expenses
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Provide high-value raffle and auction items
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Support academic programs
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Build strong community relationships
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Increase event participation
Strong partnerships with places that donate to schools empower students and teachers with the resources they need.
Top Places That Donate to Schools in 2025
✔ 1. Big-Box Retailers
Walmart, Target, and Costco are among the most reliable places that donate to schools. They often provide:
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Gift cards
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Event support
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Product donations
✔ 2. Grocery Stores
Publix, Safeway, H-E-B, Wegmans, and local chains frequently support schools with gift cards or food donations, making them great places that donate to schools.
✔ 3. Restaurants
Local restaurants and national chains like Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Olive Garden, and Texas Roadhouse donate meal vouchers. These are popular places that donate to schools because food prizes always attract interest.
✔ 4. Entertainment Venues
Movie theaters, trampoline parks, zoos, and museums often donate free passes—excellent items for raffles and silent auctions.
✔ 5. Local Small Businesses
Small businesses are some of the easiest places that donate to schools because they love supporting their community. Examples include:
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Bakeries
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Craft shops
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Boutiques
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Salons
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Gyms
Small businesses respond well to local fundraising requests.
How to Approach Places That Donate to Schools
Your success depends on how you contact them. When reaching out to places that donate to schools, include:
✔ A Short Introduction
Tell them who you are and what your school needs.
✔ Specific Request
Examples:
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“We are requesting a $25 gift card.”
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“We request product donations for our silent auction.”
✔ Documentation
Schools should include:
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A letter from the principal
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A flyer
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Tax-exempt information
This builds trust with places that donate to schools.
Tips to Increase Approval
To get more donations from places that donate to schools:
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Apply early (4–8 weeks before the event)
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Personalize each request
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Offer recognition (posters, announcements, social media tags)
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Follow application instructions carefully
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Keep messages short and professional
These strategies significantly increase your approval rates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
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Sending long, unclear emails
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Last-minute requests
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Forgetting documentation
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Asking for large donations from small businesses
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Using a generic message for every company
Avoiding these mistakes helps you build strong relationships with places that donate to schools.
Conclusion
In November 2025, schools benefit tremendously by building partnerships with places that donate to schools. From big retailers to small local businesses, these partners provide gift cards, products, and event support that make school fundraisers more successful. With professional communication, clear requests, and thoughtful recognition, your school can develop strong, long-term relationships with the best places that donate to schools.
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