How to Get Sponsors for Your Comedy Event

You can use a comedy event to raise money for worthy causes.

A comedy event relies on sponsors to provide high-quality entertainment. A sponsor is an individual or business who gives money to help pay for an event, generally with the expectation of receiving advertising benefits. While a comedy event is an entertaining presentation, you must consider the business side of it to ensure success. This includes finding sponsors and providing them with the information they need to make their decision.

Instructions

1. Determine the total amount of money you need to raise. Include the price to rent a venue, the initial investment for food and drinks, and the money to pay people to work -- and perform -- at your event. Also, include additional fees for advertising and promotion, including printing pamphlets, putting up a sign or purchasing time on a radio station.

2. Divide your total budget by the number of businesses you believe you can persuade to sponsor your event. Remember that some business may not have the financial ability to do so, and others may already have sponsorship commitments.

3. Prepare a sponsor package, including a list of performers. If you intend to use the event to raise money for a specific cause, include information about your cause in the package. Include your sponsorship price, the date you wish to host the event, and a deadline for sponsors to sign up.

4. Visit businesses in your area, leaving each a copy of your package, and ask if they are interested in sponsoring your event. Stay relaxed and positive during your initial visit, and offer to call each company back after they have time to think about your event. Make a list of each business with whom you leave a sponsor package.

5. Consider alternate ways businesses in your area can help your event, such as asking a business to allow you to use its lobby for the event or asking restaurants to supply food or drinks to your audience.

6. Provide ample advertising opportunities, such as cups with your sponsor’s information displayed, information on your signs or a special recognition on the website for your event. Mention your sponsors on stage during the event, and thank them personally during the evening between performer introductions.

References

• Entrepreneur; Tips for Event Sponsorship; Kim Gordon; March 2006
• Entrepreneur; How to Attract Corporate Sponsors; Eve Gumpel; February 2010
• Comedy Sponsors: Main
• Inc.: Corporate Sponsorship