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Is it illegal to use a business's logo when they donate to your non-profit?

I am receiving donations for a fundraising event from various local businesses and franchises. I am going to make a booklet exhibiting each donation and I wanted to put the patrons business logo on the page. Is this legal? For instance, Chili's Restaurant made a donation, can I put the logo at the top of the page??

Public Comments

1. It all depends on if you have premission to use their logo. In this case I would assume they would be glad to give you that permission...but, you have to ask. Just a hint I would get a release form signed.
2. Its not illegal and most non-profits do it in this situation. One of the reasons that businesses donate to fundraising events is because its a feel-good way of marketing their business. You may have already found out that the marketing department often handles donations, for just that reason. Also, if this is a recurring event acknowledging your contributers early, often, and publicly is the best way to ensure that you get repeat donations. Ask your contributors for digital images of their logos. That way you get the best quality, you display the logo the way they prefer it, and they know exactly how you plan to acknowledge their contribution. Good luck with your event!