How to Get Sponsorships for a New Organization
Acquiring sponsorship for new organizations is challenging because you must prove that your organization is worth the investment of sponsors. The lack of past financial information regarding your organization prevents you from convincing sponsors that your organization is financially healthy and viable. But ways to obtain sponsorship still exist. Sponsors want to believe in what they are supporting. Aligning your organization’s vision with the vision of your sponsors helps you garner the support you need. Whether your organization is a for-profit or nonprofit, you must understand your business thoroughly and effectively communicate your mission and goals to others.
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Instructions
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Develop a professional plan. Companies seek to sponsor organizations with well-developed plans because they are taking a risk attaching their names to the organization. Creating a plan shows the sponsor how your organization and their company can benefit from their sponsorship. A plan also shows a sponsor that although your organization is new, you possess the vision to accomplish your organizational goals.
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Research companies that stand to benefit from sponsorship. Some companies benefit from sponsoring your organization more than other companies. Companies that provide products or services that complement what your organization offers may benefit from providing sponsorship for your organization. Look for companies that possess the same vision and passion as your organization.
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Offer incentives for companies desiring to sponsor your organization. Even businesses that support your organization’s mission and vision desire to receive something in return for their sponsorship. Consider creating sponsorship packages that provide incentives to sponsors based on their level of support.
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Talk to small-business owners in your community. Many small-business owners understand the challenges of starting a new organization and trying to obtain support. Some small businesses may not possess the means to provide financial support, so you may want to remain open to in-kind donations.
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Meet with potential sponsors to talk about your organization. Develop marketing material you can give to potential sponsors that briefly describes your business. Prepare to talk about your organization and its mission and vision. Discuss upfront that your organization is new and emphasize your need for support.
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Send a thank-you letter to potential sponsors after meeting with them. Briefly talk about your meeting and reiterate the needs of your organization and the benefits the company receives from becoming a sponsor. Follow up with a phone call in a week or two to determine if the company is still interested in providing sponsorship.
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Tips & Warnings
if you are a nonprofit organization, seek the sponsorship of other nonprofits. They understand the importance of community organizations firsthand.
Avoid promising sponsors incentives you cannot deliver. It makes your organization appear unprofessional.
