Im new. I have a podcast. I hope to use it to help charity.

[WatchersDigitalNetwork]

Hi, I am a wrestling fan. Lapsed mostly, but I keep up with it. In my off time I have a paranormal podcast. I am heavily influenced by Art Bell and present a show similar. Tonight for instance I am interviewing Rev. Shawn Whittington from Eli Roth Presents: Legion of Exorcists. I have had other names such as Preston Dennett. 

The show is called SasqWatchers Paranormal Podcast. I will wait to post links until I see that I am permitted to by admins. 

I am highly considering trying to create a charity drive via live stream for the holidays, but I have never done anything close to it. Have any of you done this/can offer advice about doing it?  My idea was to reach out to businesses and have them donate like a t shirt or hat or gift card. Then I would have my live stream and when someone donates to the charity add them to raffles to raffle off the swag. 

Is this possible?

[jason1980s]

I have done non profit volunteer work on and off. I think the best thing to do would be start close to home. Look into local non profits and places that fit your interest in donating. Try to get them involved and they can help with advertising.
It may be very difficult to get people donating at first. You may find people interested but the ones who actually follow through will be few and far between. Start small, even if you want to go big. Build on trust you already have with people and keep going. Your idea is great but may take some work and while this page has a lot of viewers/posters their interest may not extend to your ideas/forum. Find like minded people with your podcast and your charity goals, go from there and it should be successful.

[Baldobomb-22-OH-MAN!!!]

Whatever you do, don't just inexplicably sit on the money you raised for 10 years and hope nobody will notice

[Urn Anderson]

I have never done it via a podcast, but I raise funds for a children’s charity for a living.

Have you looked into creating a 501c3? I can tell you that while you might find some small businesses who will do it just to be nice, the majority of businesses will want a donation request on letterhead and/or a receipt they can turn in on their taxes, and you’ll have a lot more luck that way.

While products aren’t too hard to get donated, It’s like squeezing blood from a stone to get monetary donations or sponsorships in the post-covid economy. So if you have a tough time with it, don’t give up, it’s definitely not just you who’s having trouble.

[WatchersDigitalNetwork]

I am curious what the letterhead must look like? IS there a standard I should be using or is it simply something I type up and sign?