Know-How Exchange : Other

Almost every brand has a wholesale pricing program for their products.

1.Make a list of the brands you want to sell,

2. Go to their website, send them an email (and keep sending emails until you get to the right person). You may want to call the main number for the compnay headquarters as for the "Wholesale Purchasing Department". You will most likely end up dealing with a salesperson because larger volumes will reduce pricing, but nonetheless, they will help you. Make sure you have all your non-profit Tax ID#'s and related info handy. You may get them to supply product for free in exchange for a profit share! Go to CocaCola.com and find their youth/charity program area. They are VERY active in the communites for enriching children's lives...especially athletics.

This is where I would start. Before you do so, make sure you have some kind of informative packet about your organization prepared. The packet should contain pictures of the kids, lists of activities, current enrollment, future goals, etc.

Offering "association" with big brands in exchange for merchandise is a great way to build relationships with large corporate sponsors. They have a LOT of money to write-off every year and if they can use it to help children versus paying taxes, they will do so.

I hope this helps!