How to Request a Donation At The Merc we are deeply committed to our community. We respect and support the many organizations, schools, and churches that help make Lawrence such a strong and vibrant place to live. Each year we receive hundreds of requests for donations from these organizations – all with valid and pressing needs. Due to the volume of requests we receive, we have created a procedure for requesting a donation. Following the steps outlined below will make it easier for your organization to make a request and will allow us to more fairly consider each request we receive.
Donation Request Guidelines • • •
All Donation Request forms must be received at least three weeks prior to when the donation is needed. Submissions made via fax or e-mail will not be considered. Mail your Donation Request form to: The Merc Co+op, 901 Iowa Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044, Attn: Nancy O’Connor. After you have given us several days to receive and review the letter, make a follow-up call. Ask for Nancy O’Connor. She will be pleased to talk with you about your donation request at that time.
1. Our focus is to give support to local organizations who work directly in our community rather than national organizations. Please let us know if you are a 501(c)(3) organization. 2. If your organization has several committees working on one event, we ask that you consolidate your requests. It is confusing and inefficient to have two or three people from one organization calling or writing letters to ask for different donations for the same event. 3. It is very important that the requesting organization makes timely and clear arrangements with Nancy O’Connor for when and who will pick up the donation.
4. Keep in mind that we receive requests for donations almost daily. Our goal is to help as many people as possible – this generally means more smaller-sized donations. 5. Donations from The Merc are usually in the form of gift certificates or product. Donations such as gift baskets or deli food are labor-intensive for us and therefore not always practical for us to donate. We do not give cash donations. 6. We are not in a position to assist individuals. Rather, we support the organizations established to help individuals in need.
It is our wish to help in our community as much as we are able. We donate thousands of dollars each year in merchandise and gift certificates as well as hours of staff time required to respond to requests in the best way possible. We will carefully consider your donation request and will do the best we can to support your organization. Thank you for thinking of The Merc and for helping make this community effort a positive experience for all involved.
901 Iowa • Lawrence, Kansas 66044 • 785.843.8544 • www.TheMerc.Coop
Donation Request Today’s Date _______________ Date of Event _______________ Organization __________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person ________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________ Name of event _________________________________________________________________________ Anticipated number of attendees ______________ Explanation of what the event is and who it benefits: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ What are your requesting from The Merc? Please be as specific as possible (e.g. one case of apples, a gift card for a prize) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ How will you acknowledge The Merc for supporting your efforts? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Submit a hard copy of your completed form to The Merc Co+op at least three weeks prior to the event. Mail to: The Merc Co+op, 901 Iowa, Lawrence, Kansas 66044, Attn: Nancy, or drop completed form in the Class Registration Cart. Allow several days for your request to be processed. Follow up with a call to Nancy at the co-op at 785-843-8544.
901 Iowa • Lawrence, Kansas 66044 • 785.843.8544 • www.TheMerc.Coop