How to Partner With Local Businesses to Boost a FundScrip Fundraiser

Local businesses are often eager to support community causes, especially ones that align with their values and customer base. By forming partnerships with local businesses, FundScrip fundraisers can receive a significant boost. From promoting a campaign to making direct contributions, their support can help increase gift card sales and reach more potential supporters.
These collaborations don’t just benefit fundraisers, they also offer visibility and goodwill for participating businesses. With the right approach, a local partnership can be a win-win for everyone involved.
Why Partner with Local Businesses
- They’re invested in local success: Business owners often live where they work. They care about local schools, teams, and non-profits because they or their families are connected to them.
- They want to give back: Community-minded businesses are always looking for opportunities to support good causes, especially when it helps promote their brand in a positive light.
- It’s mutually beneficial: A campaign can receive more awareness, more supporters, and potentially more gift card orders. The business receives additional visibility, community goodwill, and increased foot traffic.
Ways Businesses Can Support a Fundraiser
- Display FundScrip materials: A flyer or poster at the counter, on the window, or in a waiting area is an easy way to spread awareness.
- Mention the fundraiser online: A quick post on their social media or a mention in their newsletter can introduce the campaign to a wider audience.
- Place a gift card order: Businesses can use FundScrip gift cards as employee gifts or customer rewards, helping the campaign earn more.
Tips for Approaching Local Businesses
Approaching a business may feel intimidating, but preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Be clear and professional: Explain who you are, what FundScrip is, and exactly what you’re asking. Keep it concise and respectful.
- Emphasize mutual benefits: Let them know what they’ll gain from helping, like community recognition or promotion.
- Bring ready-to-use materials: Flyers, social media graphics, or email blurbs make it easy for a business to say yes.
- Start with existing relationships: Approach businesses your group already supports or where someone has a personal connection.
- Always follow up and say thank you: Whether or not a business agrees to help, show appreciation for their time and publicly thank those who contribute.
Best Types of Local Businesses to Approach
- Grocery stores and cafés with high customer traffic.
- Boutiques and salons that love to support local causes.
- Fitness studios and sports shops tied to active community members.
- Service providers like car washes, garden centres, or dry cleaners that may have visible storefronts or bulletin boards.
Partnering with local businesses is a great way to amplify a FundScrip campaign. These businesses want to support meaningful initiatives, and they’ll appreciate the visibility a fundraiser can offer in return. Combine their help with other offline promotional efforts and social media posts, and your campaign will be well on its way to reaching fundraising goals while strengthening community ties.