If you own a small business, you’ve probably found yourself in one of these two scenarios:
1. You get asked to donate to everything, from school raffles to team fundraisers and silent auctions to church events. Your name magically appears on every donor list.
OR
2. No one has ever asked you to donate, and you wish they would…but you don’t know how to get involved.
Despite being in different groups, both scenarios provoke the same questions: What do charities and fundraisers actually need? How do you find donation opportunities? And what’s the easiest thing to donate that people actually want?
The good news is that donating is way easier than it seems, and the easiest, most effective donation is a gift card.
Why Supporting Local Causes Matters
Small businesses are the backbone of local communities. When fundraisers are hosted to support schools, sports teams, libraries, animal rescues, or nonprofits, they rely heavily on the local businesses that they know and trust.
For you as a business owner, giving back has two huge benefits:
1. It strengthens your community.
Your support helps fund equipment, events, supplies, scholarships, and essential services. These improvements create a healthier and more connected community.
2. It naturally builds trust and visibility.
Even if your motivations are purely altruistic, donations introduce your business to new people in a positive and memorable way. Your name shows up on the raffle tables, social media posts, and throughout various fundraiser promotions.
Supporting fundraisers is a double win. It’s generosity for the community and visibility for your business, benefiting everyone involved.
Donation Opportunities
If you have never donated before, you may not realize how many fundraising opportunities are happening in your community. Here are some of the most common ways organizations seek donations from local businesses:
- Raffles: Organizations collect donated items and sell raffle tickets. Gift cards are always a crowd favorite because winners get to choose exactly what they want.
- Silent Auctions: People bid on donated items throughout the event. Gift cards are easy to display and attract strong bids in comparison to low-value physical items.
- School, Sports, or Booster Fundraisers: These groups are constantly fundraising, as they need equipment and supplies. They almost always are seeking donations from local businesses.
- Holiday Drives and Seasonal Events: Donation requests from many charities and non-profits spike throughout October to December. The businesses who contribute are often publicly highlighted.
- Community Giveaways and Promotions: Some groups use donated gift cards to thank their volunteers, for contest prizes, or as participation incentives.
Once you understand the different opportunities that are available, finding the ones that are right for you becomes much easier!
How to Find Local Organizations That Need Donations
Finding places to donate doesn’t require a huge network of people. Here are a few simple places you can look:
1. Check with the local community groups you already know.
Think of the local community groups that are nearby you and check with them to see how you can get involved. Think of local animal shelters, libraries, nonprofits, etc.
2. Search your city online.
Try searching phrases like “donations needed in [your city]”, “local donation requests”, or “community causes near me.” You will be shocked at how many organizations need your support.
3. Follow community Facebook groups.
Facebook groups are one of the most common places where people share donation needs and community initiatives. It’s also a great way to stay updated on what is happening in your local community.
4. Ask your customers.
Bring the opportunities to you! Put a sign on your window or countertop that says, “Is your organization looking for donations? Tell us more! We’d love to support.”
You don’t need a giant program or network. A few small donations go a long way.
Gift Cards Are a Simple Donation with Mutual Benefits
Most first-time donors assume they need to create a basket, donate products, or give away a service. There is no harm in choosing one of these options, but they can also feel big and overwhelming. There is an easy solution for that: gift cards.
Some benefits:
- They are highly desirable. People love to discover new brands, especially local ones!
- They are simple and quick to put together.
- It’s a chance to bring in new customers. Even those who don’t win will hear about you and be interested!
- People usually spend more than the gift card amount, helping bring in additional revenue.
- It is an accessible way to give back to the community that has mutually positive benefits.
How to Make Your Gift Cards Stand Out as a Donation
Your gift cards deserve to look beautiful as they sit on busy raffle tables and silent auction displays. Presentation matters. Choosing the right material and vendor will solve this problem for you.
Choose a Premium Material, Like TESLIN®
TESLIN® cards are known for their:
- Vibrant and professional colors
- Durability through tough conditions
- Lamination that protects barcodes and artwork
- High-quality feel
The material you choose matters more than you think. Gift cards get tossed around and handled by multiple people. Low-quality PVC cards can easily scuff or become damaged. The material you use is reflective of the quality of your brand and products or services.
Work with a Reliable Manufacturer
Choose someone who provides:
- Sharp and reliable printing
- Durable materials
- Reasonable turnaround times
- Flexible design options, including an in-house designer
A well-designed card instantly elevates your brand, often before the customer ever walks through the door.
Giving Back Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Many small business owners assume donating means big baskets, expensive products, or hours of preparation that they do not have time for. However, most organizations are not looking for complicated gifts; they are looking for help. Gift cards really are the simplest way to give back.
They are easy for you and organizers. They’re exciting for attendees. They’re one of the least intimidating ways to support and give back to your local community. And they help promote your brand in a positive way. Whether you’ve been donating for years or have never even been asked to donate, a gift card is an easy and feasible way to make a difference.
