The short answer
To ask a company for a prize, introduce the cause, specify how they can collaborate, and explain how delivery will work. A concise, well-documented proposal lets them decide without having to guess what you expect.
You can ask for a product, an experience, or a service. If you’re not sure what to ask for yet, start with the guide to choosing prizes; here we focus on the proposal and the agreement.
In this guide
Choose companies with a genuine reason to collaborate
Start with local businesses, suppliers of your organization, or companies connected to the cause. Your own company could be the first. Research what they do to make a reasonable request.
You don’t need to reach out to a hundred businesses. A short list, with a named contact person and a clear reason for the connection, lets you prepare each conversation better. And don’t assume they should collaborate just because the cause is important: give them context and room to decide.
Explain what’s in it for the company
A company that donates a prize isn’t just helping out: it also gains visibility with an engaged community. You can offer them:
- Placement alongside the prize on the raffle page and in outreach efforts.
- A public shout-out when the raffle takes place.
- An in-kind donation certificate, if the raffle is held on Kukumiku, to deduct the value of what is donated.
- A simple way to engage their team and customers in a local cause.
Only commit to what you can deliver. Don’t promise sales, reach, or results you can’t verify.
Prepare a one-page proposal
Include who is organizing, the cause, the collaboration you’re asking for, the estimated timeline, and a link for more information. If any dates are pending, say so.
Separate what already exists from what you’re preparing. If you don’t have measured audience metrics yet, don’t present estimates as if they were results.
Send a clear initial message
Initial message
Subject: Partnership proposal to support [cause]
Hello, [company] team:
I’m [name], from [organization or initiative]. We are organizing a charity raffle for [specific need] and we are looking for a prize that fits our [community or audience].
We thought of you because of [actual reason]. Would you like to contribute [specific proposal]? Before announcing it, we would agree on the prize conditions, delivery, and how to present your collaboration, which would appear alongside the prize on the raffle page.
At [link] you can see who is organizing it and where the funds will go. Who could we speak with to tell you more about the initiative?
Thank you for your time,
[name and contact information]
Tailor it to each company. Don’t attach private documents of beneficiaries to add weight to your request.
Follow up without being pushy
Allow a reasonable amount of time. If you write back, provide context: what you asked for, the deadline you need, and how they can respond.
Follow-up message
Hi, I’m writing to see if you’ve been able to consider the proposal for [cause]. We need to confirm the prize before [date] to prepare the raffle. If it’s not a fit right now, thank you anyway for considering it.
If the answer is no, accept it. You can ask if they would prefer to collaborate in another way, but without turning the request into an obligation.
Agree on the essentials
| Topic | What to make clear |
|---|---|
| Prize | Description, condition, and availability |
| Usage | Expiration, reservations, restrictions, and extras |
| Delivery | Who handles it, where, and who pays for shipping |
| Communication | Name, logo, and images you can use |
| Documentation | How the contribution is recorded (and the certificate, if requested) |
| Issues | Contact person and how to resolve them |
Afterward, transfer the prize conditions to the raffle page. Don’t announce it while it still depends on internal company approval.
Say thank you and share the outcome
When finished, share the outcome and how their collaboration helped. Distinguish the total funds raised from the effect of the prize: without measuring it, you cannot state how much money it generated.
A thank-you note with useful information leaves the door open for future collaborations. For the rest of the campaign communications, check out our outreach tips.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to ask for something very valuable?
No. Ask for something that fits your audience, the company’s resources, and your ability to deliver it. A modest prize that the company promotes works better than an expensive one that no one shares.
Can I contact companies if I don’t have a campaign yet?
Yes, explaining that you are preparing the initiative. Do not announce final dates or conditions until they are confirmed. On Kukumiku, a raffle always supports a campaign: create it first and add the raffle later.
Can the company claim a tax deduction for the prize?
If the raffle is held on Kukumiku, the company can request an in-kind donation certificate and deduct its value. If there is an agreed advertising consideration, discuss it beforehand to handle it properly.
Where can I review the rest of the planning?
In the charity raffle guide. And if the company wants to get involved beyond the prize, show them Kukumiku for companies.
Keep preparing your raffle
Already have a company on board?
Create the raffle on Kukumiku and their collaboration will appear next to the prize. We manage the official rules and the raffle.