Make a list of local businesses that may be able and willing to donate product or services to the school fund-raising program.
Write out a descriptive paragraph that details what the school financial need is, the amount needed and the theme of the raffle.
Phone or visit your business contact and make an appointment to see the public relations representative. Meet with the business owner if you know him personally.
Describe the school's need as you have written in the descriptive paragraph. Look the person in the eye, speak clearly and state your case. Ask for a donation and let the person know how the school will promote and advertise the raffle and what publicity for the business will result.
Politely thank the person for a donation that is given. If the person turns you down, also thank them politely. Businesses get countless requests for donations. They have monthly, quarterly and yearly donation quotas.
Make a list of friends, businesses and organizations that you feel may be willing to donate to the school raffle.
Write a letter that describes the school, the specific program for which the funds are needed and a brief request for a donation. You need to sell the person on the fact that the school needs her donation. Be sure to address the letter to the person by name.
Include a contact phone number or email address so that the donor can arrange to have a pickup of a donation if needed.
State that you are a volunteer, parent or staff member. Let the potential donor know how you feel about helping the school in need.
Thank the donor for his time and potential donation.