How to Get a Sponsor

Sponsors are a vital part of fundraising, whether you're looking for charitable contributions, advertising revenue or start-up capital. Despite the fact that providing sponsorship is a standard part of business operations, many beginning fundraisers are intimidated by the prospect of asking for a sponsorship. The truth is it's not very difficult to get a sponsor as long as you know what questions to ask and who to ask them of. A systematic, methodical approach is the best way to look for sponsors.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set your fundraising goal. Base your goal on your needed budget. Include a deadline for reaching your goal, which may or may not correspond to a fundraising event.

    • 2

      Compose a letter detailing the funds you need, what you'll use those funds for and what services (if any) you will provide in return.

    • 3

      List every business and organization with which you already have a personal or professional relationship. Contact your source within that organization and get the name and contact information for whoever makes sponsorship decisions.

    • 4

      List local businesses that are related to your sponsorship. For example, a runner seeking donations for a charity run might list fitness clubs, sporting good stores and local running clubs. Do phone and Internet research to identify your point of contact within each organization.

    • 5

      Revise your form letter to customize it for each of the businesses and organizations. Add the business name and address the letter specifically to the decision maker. Insert a paragraph detailing how sponsoring you or your business will benefit the potential sponsor.

    • 6

      Send the letter via snail mail or email to each point of contact. Make phone calls one week after sending the letters to confirm that your letter got there. Continue to follow up every two to three days until you've gotten a firm "yes" or "no" from everybody on your list.