A successful fundraiser relies on the generous contributions of its donors. Corporate sponsorship is an effective way to raise money for a cause or host a successful fundraiser. Whether corporations donate money, goods or services, their contributions are key. Seeking out corporate sponsorships is a must for nonprofit directors and volunteers hosting a fundraising event.
Instructions
1. Assess local businesses. Look for businesses that relate to your fundraiser. For example, if you are hosting a fundraiser for an animal shelter, then animal-friendly businesses like pet bakeries, veterinary clinics and pet stores are obvious targets for corporate sponsorship. Build a list of corporations that have a vested interest in your cause.
2. Send a fundraising letter to establish a relationship with potential corporate sponsors. Start your letter by describing the fundraiser, talking about the cause you are supporting. Explain your fundraising goals. Identify ways that the corporation can sponsor the event, either by donating money or providing a good or service. Wrap up the letter with a call to action -- offer to meet with the corporation to further explain your fundraiser and its needs.
3. Contact corporate marketing managers about advertising opportunities at the event. Corporations will be more willing to participate in the fundraiser if they see something in it for them. Offer to include the company's logo on the fundraiser program or name a table at the event after the corporation in exchange for a donation. If the corporation provides food for the event, offer to set up signs with the company's information on it throughout the fundraiser.
4. Follow up your fundraiser letters with phone calls or in-person meetings. Corporations might receive dozens of fundraiser letters in a given month. Make your sponsorship request stand out by directly contacting potential corporate sponsors a week or two after sending the fundraising letter. Talking to a live person might motivate the corporation to ask questions about the fundraiser and seriously consider signing up as a sponsor.
5. Host a fundraiser information night for corporations. The more corporations learn about your event, the more likely they will be to participate. An information session that explains to potential sponsors what will take place at the event, where the money will go and who will attend can sway corporate sponsors to donate. Offer incentives for corporations who sign up to sponsor at the event, such as an advertisement in the fundraiser program.
Tags: corporate sponsors, your fundraiser, fundraiser letters, fundraiser program, fundraising letter, potential corporate, potential corporate sponsors