Fundraising - How to Approach Corporate Sponsors
Access to a new audience - all your members and supporters
Great public relations locally
Loyal customers - community outreach builds business
Inexpensive advertising
Potential tax advantages of donating to a non-profit organization
Turn it into a community effort to brainstorm about companies. Turn to the people inside your organization, including board members, clients, donors and volunteers. Ask everyone involved for ideas and also to approach the folks they are fully aware. Do your board members own businesses or work with companies that could be good partners? How about people in the community? In case your organization helps kids, ask their parents to obtain involved through their own companies or employers. Compile a list of companies along with the names of those to make contact with.
When it comes to the firms to approach, take into account the values of your group. What businesses share those values? Be creative about who you approach. For instance, for sports-related clubs, think beyond only the local sports store to include companies for example apparel companies, energy bar manufacturers, even grocery and discount stores.
Decide what your goals are and what you should ask from the company. Provide a range of financial commitments to select from, just as you'd a person donor. These options might include donating coupons or gift cards in addition to monetary donations. Would you like a one-time donation to have an event or would you like to develop an ongoing relationship using the company?
Also choose how you can acknowledge your donors, and let them know. A sizable logo in newspaper announcements and banners at your events may motivate businesses to donate a bigger amount. You can also recognize donors in your web site as well as in newsletters and e-mail messages.
Rather than asking only for a cheque, consider being a partner with businesses for that benefit of both. Inside a partnership, you help each other. For example, a business may have knowledge about marketing that the organization lacks. Ask for help in designing your communications and reaching your audience. In return, your organization has contacts locally with other non-profits that could help your business partner. Offer to assist with their marketing and outreach efforts.
When you have decided on the companies to approach, call the hr person to set up a brief meeting to speak about forming a partnership with your organization. Whenever you meet, be considerate of time and become as concise as possible. Briefly explain your business and it is mission, and become clear by what you need and that which you offer to the company. Be ready to leave some good info, including your background history, past fundraisers and testimonials from your clients along with other sponsors. Request their input - they may have great experience and ideas. Collaboration builds trust for any long-term partnership.
Remember to have a great time allow the passion for your cause show. Your excitement could be a powerful call to get involved.