Every non-profit needs funding or revenue generation to achieve its goals. If corporate sponsorships aren’t one of those avenues for acquiring funds for your non-profit or are not as large a source of funding as it has the potential to be, it’s time to develop your sponsorship package.
Corporate Sponsorships for Non-Profits
Whether it’s a large national employer or a small business on Main Street, companies large and small regularly support philanthropic efforts in their communities.
The first step to becoming one of their beneficiaries of choice is to show the value of what the money will accomplish for your organization’s mission, vision, and goals.
The second key component is demonstrating to the potential sponsor how your organization can help recognize their support.
Ideas include a webpage with sponsor logos, signage at fundraising events thanking the sponsor, joint press releases highlighting the sponsorship, and photo opportunities like a check presentation ceremony.
Sponsorship Packages for Events
Having a sponsorship package for your organization’s events is critical to maximizing the revenue-generating opportunities.
Whether it’s a gala, a speaker series, a concert, or any other type of event, having well-defined sponsorship opportunities will allow you to approach sponsors quickly and confidently.
Corporate entities and grant-issuing foundations are always monitoring events in their communities where non-profit sponsorships or association sponsorships could be mutually beneficial.
One of the great things about events is that tickets to the event can be built into any sponsorship package to increase opportunities for the sponsor to attend and make a personal connection to your non-profit.
Event sponsorships can be divided into tiers, making it easy to present to sponsors and sort them for recognition at the event. Individual aspects of the event should also be part of your package, such as a dessert sponsor, an official media partner, or a sponsor for each entertainment element.
AJA Marketing has planned more than 250 events, including identifying the best avenues to attract sponsorship revenue.
Designing a Sponsor Packet
Your actual sponsorship packet doesn’t need to be long. Important items to include are:
- The non-profit’s mission, goals, and vision
- A brief historical synopsis
- Strategically selected photos for visual appeal
- Clearly defined sponsorship opportunities
- Contact information
Make sure the packet is as easy to read in a digital format as a physical one, and optimize it for email. While a tangible hard copy is good for in-person meetings or mailing, it can easily become buried on a desk or tossed in the recycling.
An emailed version of your sponsor packet is more likely to be passed around and shared by the stakeholders within an organization.
Who Do I Send a Sponsorship Package To?
Depending on the size of your non-profit, you may not have the resources in your development team to spend lots of time prospecting. Start with companies you think are a natural fit with your organization’s mission.
If it’s an environmental non-profit, look for sponsors with proud track records of conservation and recycling initiatives. A non-profit for legal services could start by contacting law firms.
Utilize your board members and volunteers. If any of them have a preexisting connection to a potential sponsor, ask if they can assist with making an introduction or even send the sponsorship package themselves.
Professional Services to Help Develop a Sponsorship Package
Many non-profits outsource certain aspects of operations they don’t have the resources to operate in-house.
An experienced marketing firm that works with the non-profit sector can help with everything from conceptualizing sponsorship levels to the graphic design layout of your packet.
If you are ready to explore the possible benefits of an experienced marketer in your corner, contact us today.
You can book a complementary 30-minute marketing discovery session or call us at 609-807-1721.
