Question : Contacting businesses for donations?
I am currently a full time college student w/ little income and I am interested in attending a week long success seminar where college students learn valuable skills involving goal setting, becoming leaders, planning a career path, etc. I need to earn $ 2000, however, to attend. I am not a non-profit org or anything like that, but as a student can I approach businesses for financial support/funding? And if so, can they write it off in their taxes, like a grant?
financial planning seminar

Best answer:

Answer by Z and Glory’s Mama
I’ve never known of a person asking businesses for donations, but anybody who wants to give you money may do so and yes, it is a gift, which the giver uses as a tax deduction. If you can get past the person you first speak to to get to the owner there’s always a chance you can get lucky and the owner respect you for asking. I think that you will either be warmly received or told to go away. It sounds kind of like homeless people standing on corners asking for help, but people are free in the US to help whomever they wish. You will either luck out or strike out! First you might call the police department to ask if it’s illegal to ask for donations for yourself, because some cities have laws about asking. Good luck!