Companies That Donate to Auctions

Companies that donate to charity auctions

You do not need connections to celebrities or exclusive vacation spots to run a successful charity auction. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007 to run auctions with donated items from local businesses, restaurants, and community partners. Many businesses want to support their community and accept cold requests for auction donations.

This guide lists companies that donate to charity auctions, organized by category. We also include easy item ideas you can obtain without special connections.

How to source auction items for procurement strategy. Silent auction item ideas for 200 plus ideas by category.

How to improve your donation request success

Many companies get hundreds or thousands of donation requests each year. They cannot say yes to everyone. Here are ways to improve your chances. Donation request letters covers structure, personalization, and best practices in detail.

Send your requests early. Most companies need at least 6 weeks notice. Some need up to 4 months. Do not wait until the last minute.

Match your cause to their priorities. Most companies only donate to organizations that support specific causes. Some do not donate to religious organizations. Check each company's guidelines before you apply.

Check your location. Corporations often prioritize organizations in areas they serve or near their headquarters. Make sure you qualify.

Go local first. National programs get many requests. Local franchise locations and local businesses care more about community exposure. They often have time to review your request personally.

Apply correctly. Some companies want you to contact the local branch. Others have online donation forms. Follow each company's process.

A note for schools. Corporate donation programs often require 501(c)(3) status. That may exclude school PTAs and PTOs. School groups can still reach out to local franchise locations. They often have more flexibility for school fundraisers.

Home goods

• American Eagle – Gift cards for programs that support teens and young adults.
• L.L. Bean – Conservation, outdoor recreation, health and human services, or culture and art.
• Signet Jewelers – Underserved women and children, or social change advocacy.
• Kendra Scott – Women and youth in health, wellness, education, or entrepreneurship.
• Wayfair – Organizations that foster safety, stability, and acceptance.
• GE Appliances – Nonprofits that support STEM education.
• Big Lots – Prioritizes requests from employees or organizations helping needy families.
• Build A Bear – Nonprofits assisting children. Limited donations per year.

Retail stores may have online donation request forms.

Groceries and food

• Albertsons – Ask your local store. Prioritizes hunger relief.
• Casey's General Store – Local level only. Education, hunger, community service.
• Gourmet Gift Baskets – Limited donations. Get your request in early.
• Kroger – Local nonprofits. Hunger relief, sustainability, health, education, youth.
• Publix – Youth, education, hunger, homelessness. Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, or Kentucky.
• Total Wine – Auction donations and beverage discounts.
• Heaven Hill Brands – Alcoholic beverages for nonprofit and school fundraisers.
• Winn Dixie – Gift cards or sponsorships. Hunger, military, disaster relief, inclusion.
• Wawa – Gift baskets for silent auctions.
• Trader Joe's – Reach out to your nearest store for silent auction donations.

For restaurants that donate, search for chain restaurants that do fundraisers in your region.

Sports and outdoors

• Major League Baseball (MLB) – Choose your team and see what they offer.
• National Basketball Association (NBA) – Team website, Community or Donation Requests.
• National Football League (NFL) – Team website, Community or Contact Us.
• National Hockey League (NHL) – Team website, donation requests.
• DICK'S Sporting Goods – Sports leagues, teams, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts.
• Academy Sports + Outdoors – Sports or outdoors safety, first responder programs.
• Callaway – Youth development, military, veterans, disability advocacy, health, wellness, golf.
• TopGolf – Education, military, golf, health, wellness, animals, disaster relief.
• Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's – Wildlife conservation, outdoor access, military and veterans.
• Harbor Freight Tools – Public schools, fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, veteran nonprofits.

Request game tickets or signed memorabilia from sports teams.

Theme parks

• Sea World – Each park location offers tickets. Must be local to that park. Requirements vary.
• Six Flags – Each park donates passes to local nonprofits. Check each location for guidelines.

Travel

• Best Western, SureStay, WorldHotels – Poverty and disaster relief. Contact local hotel for stay certificates.
• Hawaiian Airlines – Educational, environmental, or cultural understanding. Must be sponsored by an employee.
• Cape Air – Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, Illinois, Michigan, or Montana.
• Air Canada – Canadian organizations improving children's health and well being.
• Spirit Airlines – Children and families, service members, or environment. Not for online only auctions.
• Frontier Airlines – Nonprofits in cities Frontier serves. Excludes schools, religious, political, athletic groups.
• Hilton Hotels – Contact local hotel.
• Intercontinental Hotels – Contact local hotel.
• Marriott Hotels – Stay certificates and gift cards. Check nonprofit engagement guidelines.
• The Ritz Carlton – Hunger and poverty relief, child well being, environmental responsibility.

Where to send additional donation requests

The companies above may not fill your whole catalog. Use these sources too.

Local businesses. They care about local brand exposure. Reach out to restaurants, shops, and service providers in your area.

General donors and volunteers. Supporters can buy items from your wish list and donate them. Ask for specific items.

Risk free items. Risk free auction items – Consignment travel and experiences with no upfront cost. Add packages like Kentucky Derby First Turn VIP, Napa Signature Weekend, or Canadian Rockies by train to your auction.

Easy charity auction item ideas

Here are popular items that are simple to obtain.

Gift cards and certificates

• Gift cards to local restaurants and shops
• Online retailer cards (Amazon, Target) in small amounts. Ask general donors.

Local experiences and services

• Passes for local landmarks or attractions
• Wine tasting or beer tasting
• Tickets to local shows (theater, comedy, concerts)
• Movie theater passes
• Bowling, mini golf, or escape room passes
• Gym training or fitness class packages
• Massage, spa, or salon gift certificates
• Car wash or oil change vouchers
• Photography mini session

Gift baskets

• Coffee or tea lover's basket
• Movie night (popcorn, snacks, streaming card, blanket)
• Self care package (candles, lotion, bath salts, spa gift card)
• Pet lover's basket (toys, treats, groomer or pet store certificate)
• Gourmet food package (cheeses, snacks, seasonings)
• Game night package (board games, snacks)

According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, tricky tray events paired with a silent auction raise 30% to 40% more than standalone events. See gift basket ideas for fundraisers for 25 themed basket ideas with sourcing tips and pricing guidance.

Food and everyday items

• Liquor and wine
• Local bakery goods
• Cleaning or organizing service
• Flower arrangement or delivery

School themed

• School spirit package (merchandise from school store)
• Reserved seats to graduation or school events

Silent auction item ideas list for 200 plus ideas by category.

Next steps

• How to source auction items – Procurement strategy and wish lists
• Silent auction item ideas – 200 plus ideas by category
• Gift basket ideas for fundraisers – 25 themed basket ideas with sourcing tips and pricing guidance
• Silent auction software – Run baskets as auction lots or raffle prizes
• Risk free auction items – Consignment travel and experiences
• How to plan your auction – Full planning checklist
• Auction quick setup – Get your auction live fast
• Create your auction – No credit card required

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This guide is maintained by CharityAuctions. For auction item ideas, see silent auction item ideas list and risk free auction items. Questions? Talk to our team.