Charitable Giving FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Charitable Giving

What is your criteria for donations?

We are happy to consider donation requests that meet the following criteria:
• Donation will be given directly to children who need the comfort of a teddy bear hug
• Recipient organization is a nonprofit organization defined by IRS Code 501(c)(3) or a registered charity in Canada, the United Kingdom or Ireland
• Project/program/event is at least 90 days after application date
• Organization has not received a donation from Build-A-Bear in the last calendar year
• We are unable to provide donations for fundraising purposes including raffles, auctions, tricky trays, tombolas, etc.

Can Build-A-Bear become a partner for my organization?

Inquiring organizations must be non-profit organizations with a national presence in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom that directly align with the mission of Build-A-Bear Foundation — to add a little more Heart Illustration to life by sharing hugs and making the days a little brighter for those in need. Partnership opportunities at Build-A-Bear do not include sponsoring or acting as a vendor at events, creating custom furry friends, or guaranteed annual product donations. Please direct national partnership requests to giving@buildabear.com.

Why does Build-A-Bear donate in multiples of 20, with a limit of 1,000 bears?

Our bears live at our Bearhouse in cases of 20. To ensure no bear gets left behind, we donate in multiples of 20. In order to help as many deserving organizations as possible, we have a maximum request limit of 1,000 bears.

What if I need more than 1,000 bears for my organization?

To request more than 1,000 bears, please contact giving@buildabear.com with your inquiry. If your organization would like to learn about bulk pricing or purchase a particular style of furry friend, please contact our Corporate Sales Department by submitting an inquiry here.

What types of donation requests do not qualify?

Build-A-Bear does not provide donations to organizations requesting coupons, promotional material, gift cards, monetary support, or un-stuffed or un-stitched furry friends. We are also unable to donate to raffles, auctions, silent auctions, door prizes, tricky trays, benefits, fundraisers, or sponsorship requests.

What types of organizations do not qualify for donations?

We do not provide donations to individuals or families (including those requesting furry friend donations for charitable organizations), political or partisan organizations, churches or religious organizations for religious purposes, organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, or labor organizations.

Can Build-A-Bear donate a prize for my fundraiser?

We are unable to provide donations for fundraising purposes including raffles, auctions, tricky trays, and tombolas.

Does Build-A-Bear Foundation offer grants?

Build-A-Bear Foundation is committed to furthering its mission to add a little more Heart Illustration to life by sharing hugs and making days a little bit brighter for those in need. To reach as many children as possible, Build-A-Bear Foundation does not offer grants, focusing on in-kind donations to provide teddy bear hugs to children who need them most. To learn more about our in-kind donations program, please click here.

Can Build-A-Bear sponsor my event?

Build-A-Bear and Build-A-Bear Foundation do not engage in sponsorship or marketing opportunities where promotion of our corporate name and identity to potential consumers is the primary consideration.

Can Build-A-Bear be a vendor at my charitable event or fundraiser?

We do not donate any portion of furry friends or cash contributions for off-site events. If your organization is interested in purchasing an off-site experience, please contact our Corporate Sales Department by submitting an inquiry here.

Can Build-A-Bear provide support for someone I know affected by tragedy or illness?

We extend our well-wishes to all impacted by illness or tragedy and to those who support them during difficult times. As a public company, neither Build-A-Bear nor Build-A-Bear Foundation may provide product donations or cash contributions to individuals or families. Donations must be to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or registered charities.

Can Build-A-Bear donate an in-store experience so we can build our own furry friends?

We are unable to provide a donated in-store experience or gift cards for organizations to visit our Workshop stores. All donations are fully stuffed and stitched furry friends.

Can Build-A-Bear donate non-furry friend items such as clothing, shoes, hearts, condos, stuffing or birth certificates?

We are unable to donate any amount of non-furry friend items, for any reason. If your organization is interested in purchasing large quantities of non-furry friend items, please contact our Corporate Sales Department by submitting an inquiry here.

Can Build-A-Bear donate custom furry friends or T-shirts for my organization?

Build-A-Bear is unable to donate custom furry friends or bear tees for your organization. If you are interested in creating and ordering a unique furry friend for your organization, please contact our Corporate Sales Department by submitting an inquiry here. Please allow at least 8 weeks for the development and production of custom t-shirts.

Can I alter or modify the furry friends I’ve received?

Because Guest safety is our top priority, we cannot allow organizations to modify or alter furry friends in any way, for any reason. This includes but is not limited to sewing on logos or patches, attaching non-Build-A-Bear items to the furry friend, altering the fur, or adding items or weight to the inside.

Does Build-A-Bear have a fundraising program?

We do not currently have fundraising programs available.

Can I raise funds or awareness for my cause in your Workshop store?

Guest satisfaction is our top priority. To ensure the best Guest experience, we are unable to have any organization solicit funding, distribute information, or set up a table at our stores.

Can Build-A-Bear donate a portion of proceeds to my organization?

Build-A-Bear is committed to supporting as many organizations as possible through in-kind donations and national partnerships. We are unable to provide donations from a portion of our sales. We are happy to consider support through product donations.

Does Build-A-Bear do anything specifically for St. Louis?

Build-A-Bear Workshop and Build-A-Bear Foundation are committed to our hometown of St. Louis, and we are honored to support local organizations that celebrate the accomplishments of our President & CEO, Sharon Price John, as well as our Founder, Maxine Clark, and other associates.

Additionally, each year we offer associates at our World Bearquarters in St. Louis paid time off to volunteer through the Build-A-Bear Associate Volunteer Program to add Heart Illustration and make an impact locally. Associates can participate in a diverse selection of pre-organized group activities; from volunteering at the YMCA Annual Book Drive to Park Beautification, there is something for everyone!