Insights from the EO: Utilizing Event Sponsorships

If you’re not already using event sponsorships to help alleviate your expenses, now’s the time to give it a try!

Event sponsors ensure the success of your event by subsidizing your costs through a gift of time, money or service.

And with the newly revitalized and fully editable Sponsorship Packet available on the Foundation’s website, your chapter now has all the tools necessary to launch your sponsorship outreach!

Here are my top three tips to kicking off an incredible sponsorship initiative:

1. Work your connections!
It always surprises me how many connections I actually have. And I’m certain you’ll be surprised to find out just how many connections your chapter sisters have too! And, when it comes to asking for Sponsorship money, the more connections the better.

Consider reaching out to businesses and people you already have a relationship with. Have a favorite nail salon you’ve been visiting each month for the past two years? The store owner is much more likely to sponsor you than someone they have no relationship with. Take advantage!

2. Make it personal
Potential donors love nothing more than feeling like you put a real, personal effort into asking them for help. Personal notes can go a long way, both when asking and when thanking your event sponsors. Take a look at the personal note templates on the Foundation’s site for some ideas.

3. Be the “squeaky wheel”
My mother would always tell me “the squeaky wheel gets the oil,” meaning if you pester her enough, she will cave and allow you to eat ice cream before dinner Probably not what she was hoping for. But as an adult, this phrase has become a staple for me in fundraising.

It is incredible what some follow up can get you, so be sure to ALWAYS follow up with any pending sponsorship proposals you have out there. If it’s been three weeks since you sent your sponsorship packets and there are a few people who have not yet responded, give them a quick call. Let them know you are following up on your sponsorship opportunity and that you’d be happy to answer any questions they may have. It’ll feel personal, while also giving them a reminder about your sponsorship. Being a “squeaky wheel” in this scenario can get you more than just ice cream.

Bonus tip: It is important to keep your timeline in mind. Sponsorship Packets can go out as early as six months in advance of your event, but should be distributed no less than four months prior. This will give people enough time to respond so you can budget appropriately and plan for any needed ad space.

I hope this information is helpful, but of course if you have any questions, please reach out to me at any time!

Happy fundraising!