Guidelines for Requesting Donations

We are proud to donate to to qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in need of raising funds or to help offset travel expenses. In order to ensure that we have the proper information to evaluate and process your request, please follow these guidelines.

  • Requests must be submitted a minimum of 45 days prior to a print deadline or rsvp date if given or your event date.
  • If you have a print deadline or rsvp date, please allow until that date for a response. Otherwise, an answer will be sent at least 30 days prior to your event.
  • A copy of your group's 501(c)(3) determination letter is required at the time your request is submitted. A sample IRS determination letter can be found here.
  • Requests and materials are only accepted electronically through this application (not by e-mail or fax), and you may add images and/or attachments such as letterheads, 501(c)3 copies, etc. on the site.
  • Please allow up to 45 days for a response to your request.
  • If granted a donation of tickets, please know that the tickets are valid only on Southwest-operated flights within the continental United States.
  • We ask that only one request per group be submitted in a calendar year.

In order to make best use of our resources, and provide the greatest impact to the communities we serve, Southwest places an emphasis on supporting the following areas of charitable focus:

  • Organizations that aid Families Facing Serious Illnesses
  • Programs and organizations that provide support for our Military and their Families when separated by duty
  • Organizations focused on developing Youth Leadership through programs that involve them in the community and encourage them to give back
  • Organizations that assist in Disaster Preparedness and Response
  • Programs that will foster action and create ideas to benefit our planet

Please also note that we are unable to support the following types of requests:

  • Individuals independently raising money for the non-profit. This includes racers or bikers needing pledges or money raised for charitable organizations.
  • Pageants and the individual contestants for any part of the event or process.
  • Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction events.
  • Individuals seeking assistance for personal travel to conferences, training or learning programs, reunions/anniversaries, mission trips, races, contests, competitions.
  • Team travel to competitions, tournaments, playoffs, etc.
  • Any preschool or nursery schools.
  • Federal or Corporate United Way campaigns.
  • Online auctions.
  • We ask that you NOT request donations for Incentive or Appreciation events where tickets will be given to individuals in recognition of goals met or to encourage higher participation. Examples include, High School Graduation or Prom-related events, door prizes at conferences, membership drives, etc.
  • Clubs, groups, and smaller organizations within a school will qualify as that public or private school’s one request per year. For example, booster clubs, athletic departments, or academic groups.