Top Companies that Donate to Silent Auctions

Companies that Donate to Silent Auctions: Our 25 Top Picks

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Charity auctions offer a powerful way for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to raise funds while engaging donors and supporters in an interactive and enjoyable experience. One of the keys to a successful silent auction is securing enticing items that will attract bids and maximize proceeds. Thus, partnering with leading companies that donate to silent auctions⁠—whether products, services, gift cards, or more⁠—can significantly enhance your event’s appeal and success.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of top companies that frequently donate to silent auctions. From popular retail brands to travel companies and beyond, these businesses are known for their philanthropic efforts and willingness to give back to events like yours.

Whether you’re planning your first silent auction or looking to add fresh contributors to your donor roster, these companies are excellent prospects to consider. Let’s begin!

How to locate the best partners for your upcoming event

Finding the right sponsors for your silent auction is crucial to ensuring you secure high-quality donations that will excite your guests and drive up bid amounts. Here are some strategies for locating the perfect partners for your silent auction:

1. Research Companies with a History of Supporting Auctions

Start by identifying businesses that have a proven track record of donating to charitable events or silent auctions (such as the ones listed below!). Many companies are actively involved in corporate social responsibility programs and regularly support fundraising efforts. These businesses are likely to be more receptive to your request.

Additionally, companies that already partner with other nonprofits or have participated in auctions in the past may be more willing to contribute to your event. Many businesses list their philanthropic efforts on their websites or through social media, so be sure to research these opportunities to target the best-fit donors.

2. Leverage Your Donors’ Employment Data to Identify Potential Partners

One often-overlooked strategy for locating silent auction partners is utilizing the employment data of your existing donors. After all, this information can reveal companies that have overlapping audiences with your nonprofit, or that may share a vested interest in supporting your cause. Many times, your donors may be employed at companies that would be interested in supporting your silent auction, either through donations of products or services or by sponsoring the event as a whole.

Start by examining your donor database to identify where your supporters work. If you have a workplace giving database tool on your donation forms or volunteer pages, you may already have this information. If not, donor surveys, manual research, or data append services can go a long way in uncovering these insights!

3. Engage Local Businesses and Retailers

While large corporations often make up the backbone of silent auction donations, local businesses can also be an excellent source of unique items and experiences. Not to mention, businesses in your area may have a personal connection to your nonprofit and be more inclined to contribute, especially if the event serves a community they care about.

When reaching out to local businesses, make sure to explain how their participation in the auction will benefit both their business and your cause. You might want to emphasize the exposure they will get through your event’s promotional materials, social media, and on-site recognition.

4. Consider the Interests and Demographics of Your Audience

Finally, when searching for silent auction partners, it’s crucial to keep the interests and demographics of your event attendees in mind. Look for companies that offer products or services that will appeal to your audience, whether they are tech enthusiasts, foodies, travel lovers, or fitness buffs. By securing donations that resonate with your guests, you can ensure higher engagement and greater success at your event.

Companies that donate generously to silent auctions

While any business might choose to support your fundraiser through a silent auction donation, some are more well-known for their willingness to do so. Here are several companies known for donating generously to auction fundraisers, providing items such as gift cards, products, experiences, services, and more:

1. Albertsons

  • Business Type: Supermarket chain offering groceries, pharmacy products, and household goods.
  • Donation Type: Albertsons has a history of supporting community initiatives. They typically donate gift cards, grocery baskets, and sometimes local goods or specialty items like wine or gift baskets.
  • Affinity to Give: Albertsons is known for engaging in community-driven philanthropic efforts, especially supporting local nonprofits. They also offer up to 8 hours of paid volunteer time off for employees, making it an ideal opportunity to garner volunteer support.

2. American Eagle

  • Business Type: Clothing and accessories retailer primarily for teens and young adults.
  • Donation Type: American Eagle is likely to donate gift cards, apparel, or accessories.
  • Affinity to Give: The company supports charitable causes and may donate to silent auctions that target youth or fashion-related causes. They also offer matching gifts for full-time employees, up to $2,000 per year!

3. American Girl

  • Business Type: Toy and doll company.
  • Donation Type: American Girl usually donates dolls, accessories, and exclusive collectible items.
  • Affinity to Give: Known for supporting causes related to children and education, they are likely to donate products to auctions focused on youth or family-oriented initiatives. American Girl (and its parent company, Mattel) also offers matching gifts for current employees, particularly for charitable organizations whose mission focuses on youth under 18.

4. Barnes & Noble

  • Business Type: Bookseller and retailer.
  • Donation Type: Books, gift cards, and educational products.
  • Affinity to Give: Barnes & Noble has a history of supporting educational and literacy-focused causes, making them a strong candidate for donations to auctions aimed at schools, libraries, or other education-based organizations.

5. Bath & Body Works

  • Business Type: Retailer of personal care, fragrances, and home products.
  • Donation Type: Bath & Body Works is likely to donate gift baskets, candles, lotions, and other beauty and wellness products.
  • Affinity to Give: The company supports charity events, especially those focused on health and wellness, and is open to donating in-kind gifts for silent auctions.

6. Best Western

  • Business Type: Hotel chain.
  • Donation Type: Gift certificates for hotel stays, often including a weekend or a night’s stay at a location of the bidder’s choice.
  • Affinity to Give: Best Western regularly supports local charity events, especially those involving travel, tourism, or hospitality.

7. Big Lots

  • Business Type: Discount retailer offering home goods, furniture, and groceries.
  • Donation Type: Big Lots often donates home goods, furniture items, and sometimes gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: Big Lots participates in community philanthropy and is open to donations that align with local causes and community events. Additionally, the company matches employee donations up to $1,000 per year!

8. Build-A-Bear Workshop

  • Business Type: Retailer of customizable stuffed animals.
  • Donation Type: Build-A-Bear donates gift cards and often offers unique, limited-edition bears.
  • Affinity to Give: Build-A-Bear is very community-oriented and tends to donate to family and children-focused events, including auctions for children’s hospitals or school fundraisers.

9. Carnival Corporation

  • Business Type: Cruise line company.
  • Donation Type: Carnival typically donates cruise vouchers, vacation packages, or shore excursion certificates.
  • Affinity to Give: Carnival is known for donating to travel-related charity events, particularly those targeting tourism and leisure causes.

10. Costco

  • Business Type: Membership-based wholesale retailer.
  • Donation Type: Costco may donate gift cards, food baskets, or exclusive membership deals.
  • Affinity to Give: Costco supports numerous charitable causes and is known to contribute items to auctions, particularly for events that align with community welfare and well-being.

11. CVS

  • Business Type: Pharmacy and healthcare retailer.
  • Donation Type: CVS often donates gift cards, wellness products, or health-related items.
  • Affinity to Give: CVS has a strong corporate responsibility program and supports health, wellness, and community health initiatives, making them likely to donate to silent auctions for similar causes. Meanwhile, CVS Health also offers matching gifts (including a peer-to-peer fundraising match), volunteer grants, and VTO for employees.

12. DICK’s Sporting Goods

  • Business Type: Sporting goods retailer.
  • Donation Type: DICK’s Sporting Goods typically donates sports equipment, apparel, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: As a brand that supports youth sports and community engagement, DICK’s is a strong candidate for donations to silent auctions focused on sports, fitness, and youth programs.

13. Disney

  • Business Type: Entertainment conglomerate, including theme parks, movies, and merchandise.
  • Donation Type: Disney is known for donating theme park tickets, merchandise, and exclusive experiences (e.g., VIP park tours or character meet-and-greets).
  • Affinity to Give: Disney is highly philanthropic, especially when it comes to children’s causes, making it a prime donor for family-oriented and youth-centered auctions. The company also offers matching gifts and volunteer grants as a way to get its employees involved in giving back.

14. Gourmet Gift Baskets

  • Business Type: Specialty gift basket retailer.
  • Donation Type: Gift baskets filled with gourmet food, wine, or themed products.
  • Affinity to Give: Gourmet Gift Baskets regularly donates to charity events, especially those that focus on corporate gifts, food, or upscale gatherings.

15. JetBlue

  • Business Type: Airline carrier.
  • Donation Type: JetBlue often donates airline tickets or travel vouchers.
  • Affinity to Give: As a company committed to community outreach, JetBlue is a frequent donor to silent auctions, particularly those focusing on travel, tourism, and family-oriented causes. Additionally, the company offers a unique volunteer grant program through which crew members are recognized and rewarded for community service by granting travel vouchers to their favorite organizations!

16. Kendra Scott

  • Business Type: Jewelry retailer.
  • Donation Type: Kendra Scott frequently donates jewelry, accessories, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: Known for supporting women’s and children’s causes, Kendra Scott is a great partner for silent auctions focused on fashion, women’s initiatives, or empowerment events. Additionally, the company offers up to 16 hours of paid volunteer time off for employees to get involved with volunteer events and more.

17. L.L. Bean

  • Business Type: Outdoor clothing and gear retailer.
  • Donation Type: L.L. Bean typically donates outdoor gear, clothing, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: As an advocate for outdoor activities and environmental conservation, L.L. Bean is likely to donate to events related to nature, sustainability, or outdoor exploration.

18. Macy’s & Bloomingdale’s

  • Business Type: Department store chains.
  • Donation Type: Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are known to donate high-end fashion, home goods, or gift cards.
  • Affinity to Give: Both brands have a strong tradition of supporting charity events, especially those targeting fashion, luxury, and community development. The companies also offer matching gifts, volunteer time off, and volunteer grants as a way to inspire team member involvement in charitable causes.

19. Marriott Hotels

  • Business Type: Hotel and resort chain.
  • Donation Type: Marriott often donates hotel stays, vacation packages, and travel experiences.
  • Affinity to Give: Marriott is heavily involved in community outreach and is likely to donate to silent auctions aimed at tourism, leisure, and hospitality causes. Not to mention, employees are eligible to take up to 8 hours of paid time off for volunteering each year!

20. Oriental Trading Company

  • Business Type: Party supplies and educational toys retailer.
  • Donation Type: Oriental Trading often donates event supplies, party favors, or educational materials.
  • Affinity to Give: Ideal for auctions that focus on youth, education, or event planning, Oriental Trading frequently supports such causes with in-kind donations.

21. Publix

  • Business Type: Grocery chain.
  • Donation Type: Publix is likely to donate gift cards, food baskets, or grocery items.
  • Affinity to Give: Publix has a history of supporting local communities and nonprofits, often contributing to charity events in the form of gift cards or food donations. Additionally, the company gives back through its matching gift program, where employees are encouraged to donate (and get their gifts matched) to their favorite causes.

22. SeaWorld

  • Business Type: Amusement park and marine-life theme park operator.
  • Donation Type: SeaWorld donates tickets to their parks, experiences like animal encounters, and VIP passes.
  • Affinity to Give: As a company with a focus on wildlife conservation and education, SeaWorld is open to supporting causes related to animals, education, and family activities.

23. Six Flags

  • Business Type: Theme park operator.
  • Donation Type: Six Flags typically donates tickets or season passes to their parks.
  • Affinity to Give: Six Flags often donates to family-oriented and youth-focused events, making them a good fit for auctions aimed at children and entertainment.

24. Total Wine

  • Business Type: Retailer of wine, spirits, and beer.
  • Donation Type: Total Wine donates wine baskets, gift cards, and alcohol-related experiences.
  • Affinity to Give: With a strong focus on community support, Total Wine is likely to donate to auctions related to food, wine, and gourmet events.

25. Winn-Dixie

  • Business Type: Supermarket chain.
  • Donation Type: Winn-Dixie may donate gift cards, food baskets, or grocery items.
  • Affinity to Give: Known for supporting local communities, Winn-Dixie is likely to contribute to silent auctions focused on community well-being and food insecurity.

Final Thoughts & Additional Resources

Silent auctions thrive on variety and value, and securing contributions from generous companies can make all the difference in reaching your fundraising goals. By leveraging your connections as well as the opportunities outlined in this post, your organization can create an engaging event that appeals to a broad audience while forging meaningful partnerships with businesses that care about giving back.

As you plan your event, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your donation requests. Many companies are eager to support worthy causes, especially when approached with a thoughtful, compelling pitch. With the right strategy, your silent auction can become a memorable and impactful event that drives both funds and community support for your mission.

Ready to learn more about charitable companies and how they can support your cause? Check out these additional resources:

Identify companies that donate to silent auctions and more with Double the Donation.