Does Chicago Cubs donate to fundraisers?

The Cubs donate team merchandise and collectible items for fundraising auctions and raffles; for now they say they are only able to donate autographed items.

Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a valid Tax ID number (EIN).

All requests go through the Cubs' online donation request form. Phone, letter and email requests are no longer accepted.

Requests must arrive at least six weeks before the date you need the item, and each organization may receive one donation item per year.

Items are for charitable use only, such as auctions and raffles, at an in-person event that complies with local law. Online auctions and raffles are not eligible.

The Cubs do not provide sales incentives, corporate gifts, donations to for-profit entities, or bulk quantities for door prizes or goody bags.

The Cubs cannot accept personal items to be autographed by players or coaches.

Submitting a request does not guarantee a donation. If a request is approved, the Cubs choose the most appropriate item from their inventory, so a specific item cannot be promised.

Tips from the program page: Submit early: six weeks before the date you need the item is the minimum, not a target. · Attach your 501(c)(3) determination letter to the form, as the Cubs recommend. · Ask for an item for your live auction or raffle, not for a door prize or goody bag. · Fill in the post-event reply form with the amount the item raised; the Cubs use it when considering your next request.

What Chicago Cubs donates

Chicago Cubs donates item.

Chicago Cubs has typically donated: Autographed items.

Who can apply

Chicago Cubs donates to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Chicago Cubs does not support events run for profit.

How to apply

Chicago Cubs asks every request to include the following.

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and a valid EIN associated with it
• A copy of your federal 501(c)(3) determination letter (recommended by the Cubs)
• An in-person charitable event, such as an auction or raffle
• A completed online donation request form, submitted at least six weeks before the item is needed
• After the event, a completed online reply form that reports how much the item raised, to be considered for future requests

What Chicago Cubs will not fund

Chicago Cubs states in its own published guidelines that it will not fund the following.

• Sales incentives, corporate gifts and donations to for-profit entities
• Online auctions or raffles
• Bulk quantity items for door prizes or goody bags
• Personal items to be autographed by Cubs players or coaches

This covers only what Chicago Cubs states. A request can still be turned down for reasons a company does not publish.

When to ask

Chicago Cubs states a lead time of 6 weeks. 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 Chicago Cubs?

Yes. Chicago Cubs' 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.

Can a school, team, or individual apply to Chicago Cubs?

Chicago Cubs states that it will not fund: Sales incentives, corporate gifts and donations to for-profit entities; Online auctions or raffles; Bulk quantity items for door prizes or goody bags; Personal items to be autographed by Cubs players or coaches. Check your organization and your event against that list before you apply — those are the restrictions Chicago Cubs publishes itself.

How far ahead should we ask Chicago Cubs for a donation?

Chicago Cubs' stated lead time is 6 weeks. Work backwards from your event date: count back that far from the day of the event and send your request before that point.