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10 Tips for Getting (and Keeping)
Sponsors
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- DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!!
The #1 reason why groups or businesses don't participate
and give $$ is that no one ASKED them. 9 out of 10
groups you approach may say "no" but it is that one
"yes" that counts!!
- DON'T BE DISCOURAGED BY A "NO"
Play detective and investigate if "no" means "not
right now". This could be an opportunity to start
building a relationship with a potential funder to
find out more about their philanthropic objectives,
policies, and the key gatekeepers with whom you need
to stay in touch.
- "PITCH" TO THE BOTTOM LINE
When compiling your sponsorship levels, remember you
are not just asking the sponsor to cover the cost
of your event's budgeted items such as t-shirts, banners
etc. Rather, you are selling a sponsorship package
that is worth much more - a direct affiliation with
the community; the greatest and most in-demand resource
for a corporate sponsor. When possible, specify the
projected number of attendees and emphasize the anticipated
number and types of impressions that the sponsorship
will achieve for the sponsor. For example, if your
event draws 500 participants, the sponsor can anticipate
500 impressions by placing its logos on the event
programs.
- PLAN AHEAD
Most businesses and groups have a finite grants/sponsorship
budget that they distribute according to a set giving
cycle. You should also remember that your organization
is most likely competing with other organizations
for those funds. It pays to plan ahead before your
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL event will take place to confirm
the potential sponsor's giving cycle in order to meet
the set deadlines.
- BAND TOGETHER
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL is a great opportunity to team
up with other local organizations to compete for sponsorships
or grants. This team approach will benefit both you
and the sponsor: lower costs for maximum exposure.
- WHAT'S IN A NAME…
Attract potential sponsors with creative media-savvy
ways to publicize a partnership with your organization
and to increase the number of impressions for the
sponsors. See our list of 32 Ways to Give Sponsors
Exposure at your Lights On Afterschool Event for ideas.
- DO THE LEG WORK
Offer to do the leg-work to generate media i.e. press
release for print, radio and TV to publicize your
sponsor's role. Visit the Afterschool Alliance's website
for media outreach tools at: www.afterschoolalliance.org/media_main.cfm
- DON'T FORGET YOUR THANK YOUS
Be sure to personalize your thank yous! For example,
instead of just sending a thank you card, create an
"afterschool champion" award ceremony to honor your
sponsor's corporate citizenship and include your organization's
children in the ceremony to present the award. Another
example of making the thank you more meaningful is
by having the children create their own thank you
cards to the sponsor.
- ALWAYS STAY IN TOUCH
Be sure to keep the door open for future asks by sending
your sponsor periodic updates on your organization.
- ASK AGAIN!
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