Airline Donation Requests for Nonprofits
Get donations from American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and more for your next fundraiser.
As a nonprofit event planner, you're always searching for creative ways to fundraise for your organization. A lesser-known resource that you might not have considered is airline donations. Many airlines are dedicated to giving back to the community and are more than happy to support your cause. In this blog post, we'll explore a few that donate, who they donate to, and what they donate. Also check out our blog post with even more companies with online donation requests.
Do Airlines Give Donations?
The answer is a resounding yes! Many airlines have charitable giving programs in place, offering various forms of support for nonprofit organizations. These can include monetary donations, free or discounted flights, and even in-kind donations like airline merchandise or travel vouchers. Below are a few airlines that have in-kind donation programs.
What airlines donate to nonprofits?
American Airlines Donation Request
Locations: Phoenix (AZ), Los Angeles (CA), DC, Miami (FL), Chicago (IL), Charlotte (NC), New York City (NY), Tulsa (OK), Philadelphia (PA), Dallas/Fort Worth (TX)
What they donate: AAdvantage® mileage certificate(s), monetary donations
Preferred recipients: 501c3 organizations, and causes that support children, communities, and military service members
Request 90 days in advance
Spirit Airlines Donation Request
Locations: All states
What they donate: Airplane tickets
Preferred recipients: 501c3 organizations, and organizations that make a meaningful social impact on the lives of children and families, service members, and the environment
Hawaiian Airlines Donation Request
Locations: Phoenix (AZ), CA, Orlando (FL), HI, Boston (MA), New York/Kennedy (NY), Portland (OR), Austin (TX), Seattle (WA)
What they donate: HawaiianMiles/Ticket(s), monetary donations, merchandise
Preferred recipients: 501c3 organizations, and organizations focused on culture, education, environment, and health & human services in the communities they serve
Request 45 days in advance
Alaska Airlines Donation Request
Locations: All states
What they donate: Donation depends on request
Preferred recipients: 501c3 organizations, and children, education, environment & sustainability, military, poverty & hunger, and justice causes
Request 44 days in advance
Frontier Airlines Donation Request
Locations: All states except DE, KS, MS, NH, WV, WY
What they donate: Flight vouchers
Preferred recipients: 501c3 organizations
Request 42 days in advance
Cape Air Donation Request
Locations: IA, IL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MO, MT, NH, NY, PA, TN, VT
What they donate: Plane ticket(s)
Preferred recipients: 501c3 organizations
Request 30 days in advance
Allegiant Air Donation Request
Locations: All states
What they donate: Monetary or other donation depending on request
Preferred recipients: Supports education, health, and social justice causes
Request 30 days in advance
JetBlue Donation Request
Locations: All states
What they donate: Plane ticket(s)
Request 90 days in advance
Read our United Airlines Donation Request blog post for more information about United Airlines' charitable giving.
Final Thoughts
Airlines can be a valuable resource for nonprofit event planners looking to enhance their fundraising efforts. By reaching out to airlines like American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, you can access donations that will not only support your cause but also create memorable experiences for your event attendees. So, don't hesitate to explore these opportunities and give your fundraising events the wings they need to soar!
Frequently asked questions
Do airlines donate to nonprofits?
Yes. Many airlines run charitable giving programs that support nonprofit organizations with monetary donations, free or discounted flights, and in-kind items like airline merchandise or travel vouchers. American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Cape Air, Allegiant Air, and JetBlue all have donation programs.
Which airlines donate flight vouchers or tickets?
Spirit Airlines, Cape Air, and JetBlue donate plane tickets, and Frontier Airlines donates flight vouchers. Hawaiian Airlines gives HawaiianMiles and tickets alongside monetary donations and merchandise, and American Airlines gives AAdvantage mileage certificates and monetary donations. Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air decide the donation based on the request.
How far in advance should I request an airline donation?
Lead times vary by airline. American Airlines and JetBlue ask for requests 90 days in advance, Hawaiian Airlines 45 days, Alaska Airlines 44 days, Frontier Airlines 42 days, and Cape Air and Allegiant Air 30 days.
Do airline donation programs require 501c3 status?
Most do. American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Cape Air all list 501c3 organizations as preferred recipients. Allegiant Air describes its giving by cause instead, supporting education, health, and social justice.
Which airlines donate nationwide?
Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and JetBlue list all states. Frontier Airlines covers all states except DE, KS, MS, NH, WV, and WY, while American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Cape Air limit giving to specific cities and states.