How to Find Sponsors for a Pageant

Directing a pageant can be costly. You need to cover all of the pageant expenses such as location, printing, advertising as well as prizes and scholarships for the winners and participants. Finding sponsors to cover these costs can be difficult, especially if you live in a small community. Here are a few suggestions that might help you find sponsors to help with your pageant expenses.

Instructions

1. INVOLVE CONTESTANTS: Have each contestant submit five names and addresses for possible sponsors or donors. She should have a personal connection with them such as businesses supported by her family, extended family and organizations.

2. COMPILE A MASTER LIST: Compile all possible sponsors into a list. Review this list with the contestants so you don't have duplicates. Save it for sending out thank you notes. Write a form letter that explains about the pageant and includes the names of the contestants. It's nice to include a group photo of the girls (family members love this). Send this to everyone on the list. Have each contestant contact them within a week to remind them to donate.

3. 

   SEND OUT DONOR LETTER: Write a form letter requesting donations that explains about the pageant and includes the names of the contestants. It's nice to include a group photo of the girls (family members love this). Send this to everyone on the list. Have each contestant contact them within a week to remind them to donate.

4. ASSEMBLE SPONSOR PACKETS: Put together a sponsorship packet for your pageant.
   Include:
   * A description of the pageant and the benefits to the contestants.
   * Some of the pageant costs (scholarships, location, crown)
   * Benefits for the sponsor (advertising in flyers, posters, programs, autograph sheets, personal appearances by the queen, etc)
   * Include different benefits for the level of donation (the more they donate, the more they benefit)
   * Names and photo's of the contestants
   * Design a sponsor form to fill out and copy for tax purposes (include the business address, contact information, type of donation, and an area for a business card for advertising)

5. DISTRIBUTE SPONSOR PACKETS: Have the contestants contact local businesses personally to distribute packets. Train them before doing this.
   Areas to address are:
   * Dress appropriately (professionally)
   * Be friendly and polite, never pushy
   * Respect the customers of the business (don't demand attention if they are busy)
   * Call ahead and make appointments to meet with the appropriate contacts. Be prompt.
   * Have information about the pageant
   * Be thankful for every donation whether large or small

6. POSSIBLE SPONSORS: Think outside the box when finding sponsors. Contacts can be varied:
   * Grandparents, aunts and uncles
   * Eye doctor
   * Dentists
   * Insurance agents
   * Auto dealerships
   * Lawyers
   * Service clubs for scholarships
   * Vocational and trade schools

7. 

   GIVE SPONSORS A CHOICE: Many times a business might be unable to donate cash but will be more than willing to donate services or products. A printer might print tickets and programs. Local media can do tv and radio publicity spotlights. Stores can donate gift certificates for prizes. A restaurant might donate the food for your judges luncheon.

8. 

   THANK YOUR SPONSORS: After you receive a donation or sponsorship, send a thank you letter with an invitation to the pageant. Include a couple of complementary VIP tickets. Make sure your new queen sends personalized thank you cards and autograph sheets to all sponsors. Treat your sponsors well and they will gladly sponsor again!

Tips & Warnings

• Keep very careful records to account for all donations and sponsorships.

• Invite sponsors to functions after the pageant such as going-away parties, etc.