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Event Planning Kit

The Basics -Who, What, When & Where -Light Bulb Art -Event Checklist -Involving Youth -Email & Print Invitations -Lights On At-A-Glance -Afterschool Facts Event Ideas & Activities -Case Studies -Issue a Proclamation -Sign on to Project 2010 -Lights On In an Election Year Policy-Makers -Invitation -Proclamation Getting Press -Ten Steps -Media Timeline -Save the Date -Media Alert -News Release Using Lights On to Raise Funds -10 Tips for Getting Sponsors -32 Ways to Give Sponsors Exposure at Your Event -Sample Letter to Potential Sponsors Artwork & Materials -Light Bulb Art -Graphics & Logos -Newsletter Article -Lights On Buttons & Other Items -Poster -Radio Announcer Copy -Web Banners -Afterschool Fact Sheet -Lights On! Fact Sheet Sample Materials -Email & Print Invitations -Save the Date -Media Alert -News Release -Policy-Maker Invitation -Policy-Maker Proclamation -Other Proclamation

1. Print sponsor's name on all clothing (i.e. on the back of t-shirts).
   
   
2. Print sponsor's name on invitations and event materials. You can use a self inking stamp on your invitations.
   
   
3. Print sponsor's names on all promotional material i.e. save the date cards, entry or registration forms, posters, tickets.
   
   
4. Include displays encouraging attendees to support or frequent the sponsor's business.
   
   
5. Print sponsor's logos on banners and podium signs.
   
   
6. Set up tables for sponsor's product samples/materials at your event.
   
   
7. Give the sponsor the opportunity to distribute coupons for products.
   
   
8. Lend sponsors time at the podium to talk about their company's commitment to afterschool.
   
   
9. Distribute sponsor's advertising materials to participants as inserts in programs or newsletters.
   
   
10. If hosting a reception, offer the sponsor the opportunity to name a table.
    
    
11. Display sponsor's logo on your organization's website.
    
    
12. Add a hotlink from your organization's web pages to the sponsor's website.
    
    
13. Include photos of participants, staff etc. wearing sponsors' logo in media packets.
    
    
14. Include sponsor's name in an advertisement in your local or community newspaper inviting the community to join you both for Lights On Afterschool.
    
    
15. Display a poster or flier about the event with sponsor's logos on bulletin boards in your organizations' entry way or offices.
    
    
16. Print sponsor's logos on event giveaways such as cups, medals and ribbons - or let the company produce them and hand them out.
    
    
17. Print sponsor's logos on name badges.
    
    
18. Promote sponsor's name and products on the PA system during the event.
    
    
19. Lend sponsors use of photos of the event for their own publications and promotions.
    
    
20. Include sponsor's name or logo in your organization's newsletter article about the event.
    
    
21. Set sponsorship levels whereby sponsors at higher levels have additional, distinct benefits and visibility.
    
    
22. For high levels of giving, offer a sponsor category exclusivity guaranteeing that you will not recruit any of their competitors as sponsors.
    
    
23. Adapt any of the ideas here as part of long-term sponsorship package that launches at Lights On and is carried out for the next year via visibility in your publications, on your web site, at events.
    
    
24. Develop an awards ceremony as part of your event, and honor the company for its leadership. Issue a press release about the award, and be sure to send a picture of the company rep receiving the award to your local papers.
    
    
25. Include a number of tickets or seats at tables for your Lights On Afterschool event as part of sponsorship package.
    
    
26. Acknowledge the sponsor in all media materials - media advisory and press releases - about the event.
    
    
27. For higher donors or "Presenting Sponsors" of the event, include a quote from the company in your news release.
    
    
28. Develop a way for the company's product to be used at your event.
    
    
29. Give sponsor products, coupons or discounts away as a door prize to give the product exposure in the community.
    
    
30. Bring your sponsor up on stage and present with a giant thank you card decorated by children; be sure to get a photo for your publications, web site and to send local media.
    
    
31. Make a sponsor's contribution to your program the focus of your event or program, and in a news release.
    
    
32. Members of your organization can participate in the sponsor's own promotional activities i.e. the sponsor can feature the youth and parents served by your afterschool program as "special guests" at company board meetings, and other appropriate events to profile their community giving.