Each year businesses throughout the receive thousands of requests for support from educational institutions, health and social service agencies and arts organizations. Some businesses log more than 6,000 requests annually. The number of requests for support businesses receive from arts organizations far exceeds the amount earmarked annually for the arts. During 1982 business gave $506 million to the arts according to a national survey conducted by the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. In 1985 that figure increased to more than $600 million. While the dollar amount increases each year, the percentage that the arts receive of the total philanthropic dollar remains at about 10%.

If your organization is planning to approach a business for support, you may wish to follow these guidelines. Remember that your request is one of many a business receives each year. Business is not able to support every request it receives. If you have a reason to believe your proposal may be of interest to a business in the future, go back. If it seems unlikely, seek support elsewhere.

CONTENTS
Learn about the business.
Help the business get to know you.
Submit your request for support.
Follow-up after submitting your request.
Schedule a meeting.
Develop special programs.
Acknowledge support.
Send periodic mailings.
Send a renewal request.

Each year businesses throughout the receive thousands of requests for support from educational institutions, health and social service agencies and arts organizations. Some businesses log more than 6,000 requests annually. The number of requests for support businesses receive from arts organizations far exceeds the amount earmarked annually for the arts. During 1982 business gave $506 million to the arts according to a national survey conducted by the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. In 1985 that figure increased to more than $600 million. While the dollar amount increases each year, the percentage that the arts receive of the total philanthropic dollar remains at about 10%.