This document provides guidance for wish granters at Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley on securing in-kind donations of goods and services from local businesses to help fulfill wishes. It outlines tips for identifying potential donors, approaching them for donations, following up, and properly documenting donations. The goal is to obtain at least one in-kind donation per wish to help keep costs down while enabling direct business involvement. Asking can be intimidating but most businesses expect requests and want to support the community. Proper procedures are outlined to work with national partners and avoid conflicts with existing sponsorship agreements.

1. Asking for In-Kind
Donations
 Wish Granter Webinar 

2. In-Kind Overview
 In-kind gifts are donations or discounts of goods or services
instead of cash gifts.
 By securing in-kind donations on the foundation’s behalf,
you help us keep the cash cost for each wish lower.
 In-kind donations enable vendors to be directly involved in
a wish. Most businesses expect to be asked for donations
and have budgeted for charitable giving. Donating
towards a wish gives them a very direct sense of
involvement.

3. Finding the Courage
 Asking for in-kind donations can be intimidating, so
remember…
 Make-A-Wish has a very recognizable brand and people
want to be a part of what we do. By asking a local business
to get involved, you are sharing the power of a wish. In-kind
donors are often thankful to have been a part of the
experience.
 The worst that can happen is that they say no. If so, they
may be able to offer a discount instead.
 Don’t let a few “no’s” discourage you and don’t assume it
will happen again!

4. In-Kind Goals
 Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley’s goal is to ensure that at least
every wish has some type of in-kind.
 As a wish granter, we ask that you aim to get at least one
in-kind donation per wish.
 Just because you have a budget for wish enhancements,
doesn’t mean you must use it. There is no limit on in-kind
totals!
 Take advantage of toys, and games that the Make-A-Wish
office already has in the toy closets!

5. Who To Ask
 National Partnerships: National partnerships may help you
secure in-kind for a particular wish! E-mail your Wish
Coordinator for us to guide you in the right direction!
 Local Businesses: Local businesses typically want to give
back to their community and won’t send you to their
corporate office. It is also usually easier to get in touch with
the manager or decision maker.
 Friends & Family: Many people are inspired by what you do
and want to help! Give them suggestions of exactly what
you need! 

6. Who Not to Ask
 Out of Territory Companies: Please do not reach out to
companies outside of our 8-county territory. If a local business
redirects you to a corporate office out of our territory, please
contact the wish staff so we can get permission from the
Make-A-Wish chapter in that area.
 National/Local Make-A-Wish Sponsors: Contact wish staff
before approaching any companies on our Sponsors List (next
slide), even if they have a local store in our territory. Due to
partnerships that already exist, there may be specific
procedures in place for requests.
 Sports Teams or Celebrities: Make-A-Wish has relationships with
the entertainment and sports industries already in place and
must follow specific procedures for all requests.

7. National Sponsor List












Toys “R” Us
Dunkin Donuts
GameStop
WWE
Cold Stone Creamery
Walt Disney, Universal Studios, SeaWorld
Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Lines
Applebee’s
Petland or Petco
Macy’s
Brooks Brothers
Things Remembered

8. Making the Ask
 Plan: Develop a list of items needed and identify vendors. Give
yourself time, as a business may need a couple of weeks to respond
to requests.
 Prepare: Prepare paperwork and identify the decision-maker. Ask
about non-peak times, so you can approach them when they’re not
busy.
 Introduce: In-person is always better than phone or e-mail. (Wear your
MAW button/shirt if in person.) Let them know you are a volunteer and
explain our mission with enthusiasm, but remember to keep it brief.
 Make the Ask: Always be professional and courteous. Offer to submit
the request in writing on foundation letterhead. Make sure you are
asking for a specific item/service and giving a specific timeframe. If a
vendor tells you no, ask when a better time to request a donation
might be or ask for the employee discount.
 Thank: Regardless of the answer, always say thank you! If they say yes,
be sure to complete paperwork and send a personalized thank you.
(MAW will send an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes as well.)

9. Reporting In-Kind
 It is important that you submit a
completed “In-Kind Donation List” to
the office for every donation you
receive. We need to track all
donations in our system and make
sure that donors receive
acknowledgement letters for tax
purposes. Please fill out the form
completely and submit no later than
10 days after the completion of the
wish.
 We know that some wish granters
make personal in-kind donations
during the wish. This is not required,
but if you do contribute, you must
also complete the form!

10. Common Challenges
 Finding the Right Person: Sometimes it can be tricky identifying
who makes the decisions when it comes to donations. It’s best to
ask upfront rather than repeatedly sharing your compelling story
with the wrong audience.
 Timing: Sometimes, companies have already given their allotted
donations for the year. If so, don’t be afraid to ask when their
giving will begin again, as it may still fit within the wish’s timeframe
or can be a resource for your next wish.
 Waiting Game: Sometimes, businesses will say they want to help
but it can be difficult to get a call back after the initial ask. Don’t
assume their busy schedule means they don’t want to help.
Continue to follow up and remind them of your deadline. Ask if emailing would work better.

11. Sample Solicitation Letter
View sample of the In-Kind Solicitation letter in the
Wish Portal section called Manuals & Guides.

12. Sample Thank You Note
 Please send a personalized thank you letter or handwritten
note to the donor within 10 days of receiving the donation.
 If you need Make-A-Wish letterhead, notecards and/or
envelopes sent to you, just let us know!
View sample of the In-Kind Thank You note in the Wish
Portal section called Manuals & Guides.

13. The End!
 Questions?
 Comments?
 Thoughts?
Contact me directly at aalmanza@hudson.wish.org