[Monochron]

That certainly makes sense in that kind of situation. Unfortunately on many grant applications there is a form with a blank labeled "Amount Requested".

In this case I think you have to put in some kind of dollar amount. If you are having a less structured interaction with a company then yes, showing them your budget and plans and letting them choose is a solid approach.

I would actually go so far as to say that even then suggesting an amount for them to give can be beneficial. Something as benign as "with a donation of only $1,000 your company can help our team _____". In a less structured environment, giving the company structure can be helpful.