Donation for Upcoming Auction

Forgive me if this has been posted/answered before, BUT I have been asked to donate a gift certificate for a local dog rescue fundraiser. I'm looking for ideas/suggestions on what to donate, whether it be a discounted sitting fee, prints, complimentay teaser disc, etc. I don't want to just GIVE away my services but I DO want to get my name out in the community more.

I appreciate any suggestions!

Sell it, rather than donate it, they can raffle it

I donate sitting fees for this kind of stuff all the time. Then the 'winner' of the raffle will still have to buy digital files or prints. You make less overall because of donating the sitting fee, but it gets your name out there in a very positive way.

Dermit wrote in post #10325879
I donate sitting fees for this kind of stuff all the time. Then the 'winner' of the raffle will still have to buy digital files or prints. You make less overall because of donating the sitting fee, but it gets your name out there in a very positive way.

Are you assuming that they will purchase? I was thinking the same, to donate sitting fees and once they see the finished images, they'll buy.

deirdreann wrote in post #10325922
Are you assuming that they will purchase? I was thinking the same, to donate sitting fees and once they see the finished images, they'll buy.

I have found that people feel cheated to "win" something and then have to spend additional money to actually get anything for it. When I participate in such things, I donate both the session and a complimentary gift print (an 11x14).

The point of participating in these things is not particularly to make a profit on the gift/prize itself, but to become known to the participants of the event. You should have an opportunity to set up a display, put out business cards and lift cards, et cetera.

RDKirk wrote in post #10330796
I have found that people feel cheated to "win" something and then have to spend additional money to actually get anything for it. When I participate in such things, I donate both the session and a complimentary gift print (an 11x14).

The point of participating in these things is not particularly to make a profit on the gift/prize itself, but to become known to the participants of the event. You should have an opportunity to set up a display, put out business cards and lift cards, et cetera.

I agree, your helping a cause, not just your cause. free sitting fee and free 11x14 is the way I would go and plan to once I find some local ones that are worth while.

In my experience around here, most people will want to buy regular sheets anywase so I havent really caused a loss in print sales by giving the 11x14 away.

Ive even thought about contacting the local libaries and offer them a free group staff picture. That will then be displayed in the library with my name on it. and then hopefully get some individual sales from the library staff.

If you are going to donate something, donate something of value or just decline. A free sitting without prints is just giving someone the chance to admire the photos you took of them. It doesnt have to be anything of great value, but get in the spirit, or decline to participate.

I've been asked to do the same before and I just donated a print I framed in a $15 frame from Target. Not out much money and it makes you feel good.

I provide services to Make A Wish. The purpose is to help a charity I strongly believe in, It's not to profit off of them. This has led to paying work outside of the chartity.

Mike R wrote in post #10336780
The purpose is to help a charity I strongly believe in, It's not to profit off of them. This has led to paying work outside of the chartity.

I have donated to non-profit organizations in the past. It helps get your name out into the community. Most clients see that you are willing to help out XXX organization and are more willing to do business with you. I usually donate sitting fee and 8"x 10".

Ive even thought about contacting the local libaries and offer them a free group staff picture. That will then be displayed in the library with my name on it. and then hopefully get some individual sales from the library staff.

One of my best "givaways" has been a family portrait I did for my hair stylist. I call him my "barber," but he also does women's hair and has some of the highest-end clients in the area (it's uncanny how many people he knows).

He put the portrait on his shop wall and points it out to his other clients while they are in his chair--and have no choice but to listen to him. I've gotten a lot of referrals from him.

I just donated to an auction for a cause that means a lot to me.

I added a few prints to the package because I wanted the client to receive an actual physical item instead of just getting a sitting fee. The point is to donate a package that is complete so that they don't have to spend a huge amount more money for since they did just purchase the auction item.

So I'm out my cost of prints, about 20 bucks out of my pocket. Not a big loss especially since the organization I support made some money, and the potential new client may tell all their friends/family about how beautiful the prints came out.

Besides, I can write off the prints next year (and I think the value of the portrait package if I'm not mistaken).

In the US, you can only deduct your actual expenses.

RDKirk wrote in post #10337403
In the US, you can only deduct your actual expenses.

If the organization is a non-profit, then I do believe that either the value of the package or the amount the item sold for would be deductible. Many organizations will have a form they will give you that can be filled out if requested. The cost of prints can definitely be deducted though.
Although, one should check with their personal CPA for accurate details. I'm not an accountant.

noxcuses1 wrote in post #10337821
If the organization is a non-profit, then I do believe that either the value of the package or the amount the item sold for would be deductible. Many organizations will have a form they will give you that can be filled out if requested. The cost of prints can definitely be deducted though.
Although, one should check with their personal CPA for accurate details. I'm not an accountant.

If you are a business donating your own product, you can only deduct your cost to produce the product, never for what it might have sold for.