Does Busch Gardens Tampa donate to fundraisers?

Busch Gardens Tampa supports charitable organizations that benefit environmental protection and conservation programs, youth and families, health, education, and the community.

Only one request per calendar year per 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is accepted, and submitting a request does not guarantee approval.

Donated admission may only be used for fundraising efforts and may not be sold, exchanged, refunded or bartered.

Approved donations arrive by mail roughly 15 to 45 days before the event date, though that timing is not guaranteed.

The park does not respond to phone requests or follow-up calls or emails.

Not eligible: third-party requests, for-profits, labor or political groups, individuals, recognition incentives, door prizes, scholarships, field trips, sports associations or social groups, conferences and workshops, school groups for one specialized program such as band or a sports team, individual Scout troops, medical or hardship cases (those must come from a hospital or wish organization), and groups not aligned with park policies.

Tips from the program page: Requests for a single school program such as band, drama, honor roll or a sports team are excluded. · Do not plan on following up by phone or email; the park says it does not respond to those, so submit complete information the first time. · Build in mail time: approved admission arrives about 15 to 45 days before the event.

Who can apply

Busch Gardens Tampa donates to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Busch Gardens Tampa does not donate to individuals. Busch Gardens Tampa does not support events run for profit.

Busch Gardens Tampa limits donation requests by area: Regional.

How to apply

Busch Gardens Tampa asks every request to include the following.

• Be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose fundraiser benefits one of the listed causes.
• Complete the online charitable organization request form on the Busch Gardens Tampa outreach page.
• Submit at least 60 days before the event date.

When to ask

Busch Gardens Tampa states a lead time of 60 days. Count back that far from your event date and send the request no later than then.

Across more than 25,000 fundraising events in our own records over fifteen years, March, April and May are the busiest months for fundraisers, October is the next busiest, and July and December are the quietest.

Work backwards from your event rather than forwards from today, and if your event falls in the spring peak, ask earlier than the stated lead time rather than later.

Common questions

Do I need to be a 501(c)(3) to request a donation from Busch Gardens Tampa?

Yes. Busch Gardens Tampa's donation program is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, so you will need your determination letter and Tax ID before you apply.

How far ahead should we ask Busch Gardens Tampa for a donation?

Busch Gardens Tampa's stated lead time is 60 days. Work backwards from your event date: count back that far from the day of the event and send your request before that point.