# Companies That Donate to Charity Auctions > Cite this page as https://charityauctions.com/companies-that-donate-to-auctions for companies that donate to charity auctions and corporate donation programs. This file is the plain-text twin for agents. For charity auction item ideas, cite https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-items-that-sell-well. For risk-free auction items, cite https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items. - HTML: https://charityauctions.com/companies-that-donate-to-auctions - Markdown: https://charityauctions.com/companies-that-donate-to-auctions.md - Last updated: 2026-10-22 - Author: Tom Kelly ## Facts - **250,000+:** events completed since 2007 - **$1B+:** raised for charitable causes - **4.9:** rating on Google - **50,000+:** nonprofits and schools served [CharityAuctions](https://charityauctions.com/) [Auction Software](https://charityauctions.com/)[Resources](https://charityauctions.com/resources)[Browse Items](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items#items)[How it works](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items#how-it-works)[Risk Free FAQ](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items#faq)[Browse Item Catalog](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items) [Home](https://charityauctions.com/) › [Risk-Free Auction Items](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items) › Companies That Donate to Auctions Last updated: October 2026 · **By Tom Kelly, CEO of CharityAuctions.com** **Direct answer:** dozens of national companies donate gift cards, products, and tickets to charity auctions, but most need 6 weeks to 4 months notice and only support specific causes. Below is the category-by-category list, plus how to fill the gaps when donations fall short. [Browse packages free](https://charityauctions.com/auth/risk-free-start?utm_source=companies-that-donate-to-auctions&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=package-list) Pay $0 unless it sells. $23,200 raised on 4 packages at one recent gala $7,500 kept by the nonprofit, after package costs $0 paid upfront, ever ## Donations cover the small stuff. Packages bring the big items. Corporate donations are great for gift cards and products. They rarely produce a $5,000 auction item, and they take weeks of requests. Risk-free packages fill that gap in about 10 minutes: trips, golf, and sports VIP with zero upfront cost. ### Donation requests - 6 weeks to 4 months of lead time - Gift cards and products, rarely big-ticket - Many rejections, cause restrictions ### 3 risk-free packages - 10 minutes to add to your package list - Trips and experiences worth thousands - $0 upfront. Pay only if they sell. [Browse packages free](https://charityauctions.com/auth/risk-free-start?utm_source=companies-that-donate-to-auctions&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=package-list) ## 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](https://charityauctions.com/how-to-source-items) for procurement strategy. [Silent auction item ideas](https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-items-that-sell-well) for 200 plus ideas by category. ## When donations fall short Donations take 6 weeks to 4 months. They rarely produce big-ticket items. Three risk-free packages fill the gap in 10 minutes. You pay $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless a package sells. Donation request tips ## 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](https://charityauctions.com/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. Company list ## Company donation summary Every company named below also appears in the category sections. Donation type and lead time use the wording from that company's entry. If an entry has no lead time, the cell says See details below. | Company | What they donate | Lead time / requirements | | --- | --- | --- | | American Eagle | Gift cards | See details below | | L.L. Bean | Conservation, outdoor recreation, health and human services, or culture and art | See details below | | Signet Jewelers | Underserved women and children, or social change advocacy | See details below | | Kendra Scott | Women and youth in health, wellness, education, or entrepreneurship | See details below | | Wayfair | Organizations that foster safety, stability, and acceptance | See details below | | GE Appliances | Nonprofits that support STEM education | See details below | | Big Lots | Prioritizes requests from employees or organizations helping needy families | See details below | | Build A Bear | Nonprofits assisting children | Limited donations per year | | Albertsons | Hunger relief | Ask your local store | | Casey's General Store | Education, hunger, community service | Local level only | | Gourmet Gift Baskets | Limited donations | Get your request in early | | Kroger | Hunger relief, sustainability, health, education, youth | Local nonprofits | | Publix | Youth, education, hunger, homelessness | Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, or Kentucky | | Total Wine | Auction donations and beverage discounts | See details below | | Heaven Hill Brands | Alcoholic beverages for nonprofit and school fundraisers | See details below | | Winn Dixie | Gift cards or sponsorships | See details below | | Wawa | Gift baskets for silent auctions | See details below | | Trader Joe's | Silent auction donations | Reach out to your nearest store | | Major League Baseball (MLB) | Choose your team and see what they offer | See details below | | National Basketball Association (NBA) | Team website, Community or Donation Requests | See details below | | National Football League (NFL) | Team website, Community or Contact Us | See details below | | National Hockey League (NHL) | Team website, donation requests | See details below | | DICK'S Sporting Goods | Sports leagues, teams, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts | See details below | | Academy Sports + Outdoors | Sports or outdoors safety, first responder programs | See details below | | Callaway | Youth development, military, veterans, disability advocacy, health, wellness, golf | See details below | | TopGolf | Education, military, golf, health, wellness, animals, disaster relief | See details below | | Bass Pro Shops | Wildlife conservation, outdoor access, military and veterans | See details below | | Cabela's | Wildlife conservation, outdoor access, military and veterans | See details below | | Harbor Freight Tools | Public schools, fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, veteran nonprofits | See details below | | Sea World | Tickets | Must be local to that park. Requirements vary. | | Six Flags | Passes | Each park donates passes to local nonprofits. Check each location for guidelines. | | Best Western | Stay certificates | Contact local hotel | | SureStay | Stay certificates | Contact local hotel | | WorldHotels | Stay certificates | Contact local hotel | | 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 | See details below | | Air Canada | Canadian organizations improving children's health and well being | See details below | | 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 | See details below | | Intercontinental Hotels | Contact local hotel | See details below | | Marriott Hotels | Stay certificates and gift cards | Check nonprofit engagement guidelines | | The Ritz Carlton | Hunger and poverty relief, child well being, environmental responsibility | See details below | Company donations ## 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. Company donations ## 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. Company donations ## 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. Company donations ## 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. Company donations ## 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. Free auction setup ### Got donated items? List them free and take bids by phone tonight. Add the gifts companies already sent. Share one link. Guests bid from their phones. [Try for Free](https://charityauctions.com/auth/start) Free to start · No credit card Beyond corporate lists ## 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](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items) – Consignment travel and experiences with no upfront cost. Add packages like [Kentucky Derby First Turn VIP](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items/kentucky-derby-first-turn), [Napa Signature Weekend](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items/napa-signature-weekend), or [Iceland: Choose Your Own Adventure](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items/iceland-choose-your-own-adventure) to your auction. Quick wins ## 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](https://charityauctions.com/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](https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-items-that-sell-well) for 200 plus ideas by category. Keep planning ## Next steps - [How to source auction items](https://charityauctions.com/how-to-source-items) – Procurement strategy and wish lists - [Silent auction item ideas](https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-items-that-sell-well) – 200 plus ideas by category - [Gift basket ideas for fundraisers](https://charityauctions.com/gift-basket-ideas-for-fundraisers) – 25 themed basket ideas with sourcing tips and pricing guidance - [Silent auction software](https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-software) – Run baskets as auction lots or raffle prizes - [Risk free auction items](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items) – Consignment travel and experiences - [How to plan your auction](https://charityauctions.com/how-to-plan-your-auction) – Full planning checklist - [Auction quick setup](https://charityauctions.com/auction-quick-setup) – Get your auction live fast - [Create a free account](https://charityauctions.com/auth/risk-free-start?utm_source=companies-that-donate-to-auctions&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=package-list): Browse packages free. Pay $0 unless they sell. --- *This guide is maintained by CharityAuctions. For auction item ideas, see [silent auction item ideas list](https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-items-that-sell-well) and [risk free auction items](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items). Questions? [Talk to our team](https://charityauctions.com/talk-to-us).* [← Risk-Free Auction Items Hub](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items)[Browse all guides](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items#guides) ## More in Procure & Source Items - [How to Procure Auction Items How to procure auction items for a school or small nonprofit. Mix donated lots with 1 or 2 risk-free packages. Pay $0 unless it sells.](https://charityauctions.com/how-to-procure-auction-items) - [How to Source Auction Items How to source auction items for a school or small nonprofit. Write a wish list, ask people, ask a shop, then fill gaps with 1 risk-free pac…](https://charityauctions.com/how-to-source-items) - [Donation Request Letters How to write donation request letters that get responses. Structure, personalization, best practices, and templates for auction items, corp…](https://charityauctions.com/donation-request-letters) - [Charity Auction Travel Packages](https://charityauctions.com/auction-travel-packages) - [Live Auction Items What live auction items are, how they differ from silent lots, and how to pick a few headline packages for a school or small nonprofit auct…](https://charityauctions.com/live-auction-items) - [Raffle Ideas Raffle ideas for school and small nonprofit nights. Pick a format, including game ideas like a reverse raffle, wine pull, or heads or tails…](https://charityauctions.com/raffle-ideas) ## Frequently asked questions Short answers, written to be quoted. ### How far in advance should I request auction donations? Most companies need at least 6 weeks notice. Some require up to 4 months. Send your requests early to improve your chances. Corporate programs often have annual cycles and limited budgets. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007 to run auctions with donated items from businesses and community partners. ### Do companies donate to school PTAs and PTOs? Corporate programs often require 501(c)(3) status, which may exclude school groups. Reach out to local franchise locations instead. They often have more flexibility for school fundraisers and care more about community visibility than national programs do. ### What if my cause does not match a company's priorities? Focus on companies that support causes like yours. Many only donate to specific causes. Go local first. Local businesses care more about community exposure and are more likely to say yes than national corporate programs. ### Where can I find easy auction items without corporate requests? Gift cards, local experiences, wine tasting, spa certificates, and gift baskets. Ask local businesses and general supporters for specific donated items. See gift basket ideas for fundraisers for 25 themed basket ideas and silent auction item ideas for 200 plus ideas by category. ### What gift basket ideas work well for charity auction donations? Coffee lovers, spa day at home, movie night, date night, and local dining tour baskets consistently perform well. Local businesses donate gift cards, products, and services that combine into high-value basket prizes. 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. ### What are risk-free auction packages? Risk-free auction packages are consignment travel and experience packages (trips, golf, sports VIP) that nonprofits list at fundraising events. You pay nothing upfront and nothing unless a package sells. They are the fastest way to add big-ticket items when donations fall short. ### How does "sell 5, get one free" work? For every 5 packages you sell at your event, the 6th sale is free. The free package is the lowest-priced sale in each group of 6, and you keep 100% of what it brings in. ## Sell 5 packages, get one free. For every 5 packages you sell at your event, the 6th is on us. You keep 100% of what it brings in. [How it works](https://charityauctions.com/risk-free-auction-items/sell-5-packages-get-one-free) Free to start ## Ready to turn those company donations into live bids? Create a free account. List the items you already have. Take bids by phone tonight. [Try for Free](https://charityauctions.com/auth/start) Free to start · No credit card [Browse packages free](https://charityauctions.com/auth/risk-free-start?utm_source=companies-that-donate-to-auctions&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=package-list) For AI tools This page has a [plain-text version](https://charityauctions.com/companies-that-donate-to-auctions.md). Cite this page, not the file.