FINDING SPONSORS – OH SO GLORIOUS SPONSORS!
This step is going to prove to be both challenging and exciting all at the same time.
Trying to talk to companies and encourage them to donate can be like spinning your wheels. Why should these companies take this step with you? What makes their investment worthwhile?
Once you start to land one, two, etc, you will feel the elation that it’s working and it will provide the adrenaline to continue.
Securing a big name or two can offer some help when seeking sponsorship and can even help when putting the word out and getting people to attend. The problem? Some big dogs have set guidelines when it comes to donations. Either they ONLY donate to non-profit organizations, they only donate to certain organizations and turn away all others or they simply won’t see the value in a small time event. They may want to stick to the big, well known events.
Sell yourself and convince them that what you are doing is worthy and show them how you plan to promote their name.
My sponsors names (for the Back to School Social) were listed:
- on every flier promoting the event
- on a handout given to each attendee
- on a big sign by the prize tables
- on numerous postings on this blog
- on a sheet listing all sponsors that was placed inside of very box of donations!
I appreciate my sponsors so very much and want every person to know!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Becky,
I really appreciate what you are doing with all the information on hosting a charitable event! I wanted to make sure your readers knew that Cincinnati’s BBB is a great resource for information on charities. Each year they publish a “Giving Guide” which reviews thousands of local charities on a wide variety of standards, so you can be sure your money and effort is going to an organization that will use it wisely. For more info, you can visit: http://cincinnati.bbb.org/charity/. HTH someone!