Introduction
Fundraising success depends heavily on knowing the best places to ask for donations, especially in November 2025, when nonprofits, schools, sports teams, and community groups are actively seeking support for holiday events and year-end campaigns. Whether you’re organizing a raffle, silent auction, school program, team fundraiser, or community project, choosing the best places to ask for donations can make the difference between a successful fundraiser and a challenging one.
The more targeted your outreach is, the better your response rate will be. That’s why identifying the best places to ask for donations should be the first step in any fundraising plan.
Why Knowing the Best Places to Ask for Donations Is Important
Most companies receive hundreds of donation requests each year. If you reach out randomly, chances are your request will be ignored. But when you focus on the best places to ask for donations, you increase the likelihood of approval because these businesses already have donation programs in place.
Here’s why knowing the best places to ask for donations matters:
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Saves time
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Increases approval rates
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Helps you target donor-friendly companies
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Provides access to high-quality items
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Makes outreach more organized
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Boosts fundraiser revenue
Selecting the best places to ask for donations ensures your efforts go toward companies that WANT to help.
Best Places to Ask for Donations in 2025
Below is a list of the strongest and most reliable best places to ask for donations for raffles, auctions, events, and school fundraisers:
✔ 1. National Retail Stores
Companies like Target, Walmart, Costco, and Sam’s Club often appear on every list of the best places to ask for donations. They regularly provide gift cards, school supplies, snacks, or event support.
✔ 2. Restaurants and Food Chains
Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Applebee’s, and local cafés are among the best places to ask for donations because they frequently offer food vouchers, gift baskets, or event hosting nights.
✔ 3. Grocery Stores
Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, and Safeway donate gift cards, baked goods, and food trays—making them some of the most reliable best places to ask for donations.
✔ 4. Experience-Based Companies
Zoos, museums, amusement parks, and theaters offer tickets that perform extremely well in auctions and raffles. These are often the best places to ask for donations due to the high value of their contributions.
✔ 5. Local Small Businesses
Small businesses are often overlooked but are among the best places to ask for donations because they love supporting the community and usually respond faster than large corporations.
How to Contact the Best Places to Ask for Donations
Once you identify the best places to ask for donations, the next step is knowing how to contact them effectively.
✔ Personalize Your Message
A generic message will NOT stand out. Tailor each request.
✔ Share Your Mission
Companies want to support meaningful causes, so highlight your impact.
✔ Be Specific
Mention exactly what you are requesting.
✔ Include Documentation
A professional request increases approval chances.
✔ Show Appreciation
Always thank the business—even if they decline.
Following these steps increases success when reaching out to the best places to ask for donations.
Conclusion
Finding the best places to ask for donations can completely change your fundraiser’s results. Whether you’re hosting a school raffle, a sports team booster event, or a nonprofit fundraiser, reaching out to companies that already support community causes gives you the highest chance of success. In November 2025, these best places to ask for donations remain the most reliable partners for meaningful fundraising outcomes.
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