A successful wreath fundraiser isn’t just about selling beautiful holiday decorations—it’s about building strong community connections. Partnering with local businesses, schools, and organizations can significantly increase your fundraiser’s visibility, reach, and sales. By working together with local partners, you can expand your audience, reduce costs, and create a sense of community support that encourages long-term donor engagement.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to effectively leverage local partnerships to boost your wreath fundraiser’s success and maximize your fundraising potential.

1. Why Local Partnerships Matter

Local businesses and organizations are often looking for ways to support their communities while also benefiting from positive brand exposure. By forming partnerships, both your fundraiser and the local businesses involved can achieve a win-win outcome.

Benefits of Local Partnerships for Wreath Fundraisers:

🤝 Increased Sales: More exposure leads to more buyers.
🎯 Expanded Reach: Local businesses help promote your fundraiser to their customers.
💰 Reduced Costs: Some businesses may offer free promotion, sponsorships, or discounts.
🏆 Stronger Community Ties: A local focus builds trust and goodwill among supporters.

When you involve the local community, you create a shared mission that strengthens both your fundraiser and the businesses that support it.

2. Identifying the Right Local Partners

Not every business or organization will be the right fit for your fundraiser. It’s essential to choose partners that align with your cause, target audience, and fundraising goals.

Types of Local Businesses & Organizations to Partner With:

🏢 Local Shops & Boutiques – Great for displaying wreaths and cross-promoting products.
☕ Cafés & Restaurants – Offer a free coffee or discount to wreath buyers.
🌲 Garden Centers & Florists – Can help with supplies or co-host a decorating event.
🏫 Schools & Churches – Built-in networks of families and supporters.
🏒 Sports Teams & Clubs – Perfect for themed wreath sales (team colors, mascots).
🏦 Banks & Credit Unions – Often sponsor community fundraisers.
🛍️ Grocery Stores & Supermarkets – Provide high foot traffic for in-store promotions.

By choosing the right partners, you enhance your fundraiser’s credibility and reach while also supporting local businesses.

3. Creating a Win-Win Partnership

The best partnerships are mutually beneficial. When approaching a local business, highlight how the partnership will help them as much as it helps your fundraiser.

Ways Local Businesses Can Benefit:

🌟 Positive Brand Exposure: Community involvement improves their reputation.
💼 Increased Customer Traffic: Fundraiser promotions bring in potential new customers.
🎁 Loyalty Building: Customers appreciate businesses that support local causes.
📢 Marketing Opportunities: Social media, press coverage, and shared promotions.

When pitching your fundraiser to local partners, emphasize the marketing benefits and goodwill they’ll gain by supporting your cause.

4. How to Partner with Local Businesses

Once you’ve identified potential partners, it’s time to reach out and propose a collaboration.

Steps to Build Local Partnerships for Your Wreath Fundraiser:

✅ Step 1: Prepare Your Pitch

• Clearly define your fundraiser’s goals and mission.
• Highlight the potential benefits for the business.
• Offer multiple ways they can get involved (see next section).

✅ Step 2: Reach Out to Businesses

• Call, email, or visit in person with a friendly and professional proposal.
• Use an introductory letter or sponsorship package to explain details.
• Be clear about what you’re asking for and what they will receive in return.

✅ Step 3: Build the Partnership

• Set clear expectations and responsibilities.
• Promote the business in your marketing efforts.
• Maintain communication and express gratitude.

✅ Step 4: Evaluate and Strengthen Relationships

• Track the success of partnerships.
• Send thank-you notes or small appreciation gifts.
• Continue collaboration for future fundraisers.

Approaching businesses professionally and with a clear value proposition increases your chances of securing partnerships.

5. Ways Local Businesses Can Support Your Wreath Fundraiser

Businesses can contribute in multiple ways, depending on their resources and interests.

Creative Ways to Partner:

📢 1. Promotional Partnerships

• Display flyers, posters, or QR codes for online wreath sales.
• Include your fundraiser in email newsletters and social media.
• Feature your fundraiser on their website or storefront window.

🛒 2. Hosting Sales Locations

• Allow you to sell wreaths at their store (e.g., a table setup at a grocery store).
• Feature wreaths in-store with a portion of sales going to your cause.
• Offer wreath pickup locations for online buyers.

🎁 3. Offering Incentives

• Provide discounts or perks for people who buy wreaths (e.g., “Buy a wreath, get 10% off your next meal”).
• Donate small raffle prizes for fundraiser participants.

🎄 4. Sponsorships & Donations

• Sponsor the purchase of wreath supplies.
• Make a direct donation in exchange for promotion.
• Offer matching donations (e.g., matching each wreath sale with a set donation amount).

🎟 5. Hosting Special Events

• Co-host a wreath-decorating workshop at a local business.
• Organize a holiday kickoff event featuring wreath sales.
• Offer a special themed wreath giveaway for customers who participate.

Encouraging local businesses to actively participate creates a stronger connection and more enthusiasm for your fundraiser.

6. Leveraging Social Media & Local Marketing

Once partnerships are established, marketing is key to getting the word out. Utilize social media, email campaigns, and community connections to amplify your reach.

Best Practices for Promotion:

📢 Tag partner businesses in social media posts to increase visibility.
📸 Share photos and videos of wreath-making and sales events.
📧 Send joint email campaigns promoting the fundraiser.
📰 Get local news coverage by pitching the story to community newspapers.
📍 Use location-based marketing (Google My Business, community bulletin boards).

By cross-promoting your fundraiser and local businesses, you create a bigger impact and attract more supporters.

7. Maintaining Strong Partnerships for Future Success

Successful fundraising isn’t just about one-time support—it’s about building long-term relationships. Keep your local partnerships strong and engaged for future campaigns.

Ways to Keep Partnerships Thriving:

✅ Send thank-you gifts or recognition plaques to business partners.
✅ Share impact reports (e.g., “Your support helped us raise $X!”).
✅ Highlight success stories on social media.
✅ Invite partners to future fundraising events.

Maintaining good relationships with local businesses ensures their continued support and keeps your fundraiser growing year after year.

Final Thoughts

Partnering with local businesses is one of the best ways to increase visibility, boost sales, and strengthen community connections for your wreath fundraiser. By choosing the right partners, offering mutual benefits, and leveraging joint promotions, you can take your fundraiser to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

🎄 Build relationships with local businesses and organizations.
🎁 Offer mutual benefits to create a win-win partnership.
📢 Use social media and local marketing to amplify reach.
🏆 Keep partnerships strong for future fundraising success.

By working together, your fundraiser and your local partners can make a lasting impact in the community—all while spreading holiday cheer with beautiful wreaths! 🎀🌿

Looking for help getting started? Reach out to local businesses today and watch your wreath fundraiser thrive!