Here are strategies to help you request freebies and samples from companies and sponsors. You should be aware that the offers posted on many free stuff sites are not suitable for bulk requests. These sites list free stuff offered by corporations that use free offers to promote their products and services. Generally, these companies limit their samples to one per person, family, or an organization.

The best way to request multiple samples is to approach national and local manufacturers, stores, or companies directly. Visit their web sites and search for contact information of their corporate giving departments, public relations, or customer services. Then, email, write, or call to request the samples. You should consider writing letters using your organizations’ letterheads. In your letters, be sure to explain what you would like to request, why you need them, how you are going to use them, and how you would recognize the companies for their generosity.

When you contact large, national companies, you may want to find out if the companies have formal corporate giving policies. Use a search engine and search for the corporate giving or donation policies. Keywords to try are the company’s name and “corporate giving” or the company’s name and “donation.” Then, determine if your events or your organizations correspond to the policies, and compose your letter, following the instructions listed in the policies.

You may have better response rates from local companies. Try contacting companies that have target markets of your event or your organization. For example, I helped to organize a youth artwork contest. I contacted local fast food companies and youth clothing companies for the contest prizes. I was able to get a large duffle bag, a sweatshirt, and several gift certificates from local businesses.

When you are successful in requesting the samples, be sure to write thank you letters, including photos and videos to show how the samples were used and how the companies received recognitions.

Here are additional resources to help you request multiple free samples:

1. Read “Secret Ways to Get Free Stuff” to find more examples of contacting companies directly and asking for free stuff.
   http://freestuffpage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3469

2. Contact nonprofit groups such as Gifts in Kind International. These groups take extra inventories from manufacturers and redistribute them to other nonprofits. You may have to complete applications and wait to use these services.
   http://www.giftsinkind.org/

3. Visit fundraising sites for resources at Yahoo! Directory of Fundraising
   http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Issues_and_Causes...
   

4. Read books on fundraising. Visit the site below for fundraising titles that you are able to locate in your local libraries.
   http://govolunteer.ca/library/Search.do?keyword=Fundraising

Good luck and best wishes on your efforts in requesting multiple samples and donations.