A direct ask is going to be best, but the most effective way for that ask to result in donations/donated items is to have someone who knows the business/owner you're approaching for the donation. Utilize your board members, connected volunteers, etc., and approach businesses that are related to your mission first…
Proof can be provided in the form of an official receipt or invoice from the receiving qualified charitable organization, but it can also be provided via credit card statements or other financial records detailing the donation.
The receipt can take a variety of written forms – letters, formal receipts, postcards, computer-generated forms, etc. It's important to remember that without a written acknowledgment, the donor cannot claim the tax deduction.
Once the item sells at auction, credit the asset acquisition side of the transaction and debit the donation revenue side to show that the item is no longer in your organization's possession. You should still make sure you have a record of the transactions that took place. Total all of your in-kind donation values.
Dear (Donor name): On behalf of (CHARITY) I would like to extend to you a sincere thank you for the (item(s)/package(s)) you donated to our recent (auction name) Online Auction. Your generous contribution will help (describe cause here).
Once the item sells at auction, credit the asset acquisition side of the transaction and debit the donation revenue side to show that the item is no longer in your organization's possession. You should still make sure you have a record of the transactions that took place.
Items donated for the auction, as well as the monetary contributions, should be eligible for deductions under IRS rules. One crucial aspect to consider is the items' fair market value (FMV).
Ing to the IRS, any kind of donation above $250 should require a donation receipt. The same applies to stock gifts/donations.
Write in the total fair market value of your donation. This value is determined by you, the donor. Goodwill provides a donation value guide to help determine fair market value. Please note: Goodwill employees cannot help determine fair market value.