How to Get a Sponsorship for Charity

A prospective donor reads a fundraising appeal.

More than 25 percent of the wealthiest Americans reduced their charitable donations because of the downturn in the economy that struck late in the first decade of this century, reports "The Chronicle of Philanthropy." The economic uncertainty underscored the need for charities to diversify their sources of economic support. Relying on a few large donors can spell disaster for an organization's programs and services if just one donor cannot meet her obligation. Fundraising strategies that withstand tough economic times cultivate sponsors from a variety of sources including local corporations, small businesses, charitable foundations and individual donors.

Instructions

1. 

   A case statement summarizes important facts about the organization.

   Write a case statement for support of the organization. The case statement summarizes the history and mission of the organization and includes details about programs, the people who benefit, current needs and the vision for the future. The case statement presents a clear, consistent message that becomes the foundation for fundraising appeal letters, grant proposals and marketing materials and keeps fundraising efforts focused.

2. 

   Board members identify prospects from their own friends and associates.

   Gather names, addresses and phone numbers of prospective donors. Include small-business leaders, corporate offices and charitable foundations that share your mission. The donor list builds on referrals provided by board members and friends of the organization. Include past board members, previous donors and volunteers on your list of prospects, as well as your own friends and business associates.

3. 

   Board members follow up the fundraising appeal letter with a phone call.

   Narrow the list to those most likely to donate to your organization. Mail the fundraising appeal letter to prospects, inviting them to become sponsors of the organization. In about a week, board members and volunteers should follow up the mailing with a phone call to find out if there are any questions that they can answer and to encourage the prospect to become a sponsor.

4. 

   Build a database of donors.

   Build a database of donors that can be depended upon to support the organization. This list makes an excellent resource for identifying future board members and potential volunteers.

5. 

   Thank the donor for his financial support.

   Thank the donor for his sponsorship. Send a letter documenting the gift and the amount that is tax-deductible. Make sure he knows how important he is to the success of the charity.

6. 

   Donors are important members of the organization.

   Communicate with the donor, even after the campaign ends. Ask for her email address and send a newsletter. Invite her and her family to special events throughout the year. Create a Facebook page for the latest news and post often. Make your donor feel like an important part of the organization, because she is.

Tips & Warnings

• Be transparent. A donor likes to know how his gift is used. Send a report on how the programs and services benefited from his generosity. Remember, you are cultivating what you hope will be a long-term relationship and a reliable source of unrestricted funds for your organization.

• Safeguard personal information you collect. Assure the donor that you will not share her information without permission.

References

• The Nonprofit Times: 7 Tips for a Successful Integrated Multi-Channel Campaign
• The Nonprofit Times: 4 Tips for Seeking Corporate Support
• Community Foundations of Canada: Guide to Writing a Case Statement (pg. 5)
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy: More Than a Quarter of Wealthiest Americans Say Recession Led to Cuts in Charitable Giving, Survey Finds

Resources

• Charity Navigator: Charities Find Donors Scarce as Market Losses Compound