Many companies and schools hold events throughout the year and must find a way to fund the events. Raising sponsorships is an effective method to fund events. Sponsorships include finding sponsors, such as large companies or associations that are related to the event. Sponsorships may also help further cover costs for marketing and supplies for your business. Although recruiting and retaining sponsors is challenging, creating a sponsorship is beneficial and helps your business create long-term contacts.
Instructions
1. Create a "sponsorship kit" in the form of a booklet or pamphlet that will promote the sponsorship, as well as inform potential sponsors about the program. Include relevant information such as a deadline for submissions, benefits for the sponsor participants and the financial levels available.
2. Determine and identify who is a potential sponsor. Your company or association's board of directors, as well as committee chairs are an efficient way to obtain ideas for potential sponsors. Obtain the contact information of potential sponsors.
3. Contact the potential sponsors by sending them letters. Ensure that the letters are personalized and include each person's name. Include the purpose of the letter and detail about the sponsorship such as the program and its goals. Mention your intentions to follow up within a specific time frame. Send the sponsorship kit with the letter.
4. Follow up with to the sponsors by phone to answer specific questions about the program and give any requested information such as benefits and objectives. Describe the advantages of sponsorships in general, such as positive recognition sponsors have received in the media.
5. Build relationships with your sponsors by following up regularly during and after the program. Ask for feedback and ideas about the sponsorship program. Mention sponsors in public forums and send thank-you letters when necessary. Invite the sponsors to the events for advertisement. This also allows the sponsors to get involved in the program.
6. Schedule meetings and briefings with the sponsors to ensure a continuous sponsorship and to obtain involvement from your sponsors. Involving the sponsors is the key to a successful sponsorship, according to the Change Management website.
