Sponsorship

Models That Work

Megan Smith and Allison Wisneski

of YNPN Grand Rapids

True or False:

Sponsorship

funding only

comes from a

sponsor

organization’s

charitable

giving.

What is a sponsor?

• Provides underwriting support for programs and activities.

• Can be for a specific event, or year-round activities.

Sponsorship dollars may also come from

Marketing/Advertising funds, which is a MUCH larger

pot from which to draw.

FALSE!

DEVELOPING A SPONSORSHIP

PROGRAMIdentify the key

programs, events, and assets your chapter has

to offerGet creative! Look for opportunities in all you do.

Programs and events provide an opportunity for visibility and provides a return for sponsors in the form of community good will

Assets include social media, newsletters, emails, ready audience to listen to a short sponsor message at events

For both year-round and event focused sponsorships, look for

low- or no-cost value addsName/logo on website

Slide listing sponsors at the beginning of each event

Recognition of support on social media (Get Pictures!)

Provide free memberships with each level, with option to donate to AmeriCorps members and giveaways at events if they don’t want to use them internally.

Make sponsors a big part of your big annual event. YNPN-GR has highest level sponsors present our Leadership Awards and take photos with winners to post online.

True/False:

Sponsors should get an annual

report.

Maybe not a formal annual report, but please do provide a short annual summary of

what you were able to accomplish with sponsor funding - # programs, # unique

attendees, # of new members, # facebook followers, # hits on sponsor related

posts, etc. This helps the sponsor justify a return donation the next year.

TRUE!

Create sponsor solicitation materials for board members to use, and follow up

A short and quick training session will help everyone get comfortable making an ask. If you have a designated Development Chair, all the better!

Clearly outline the levels of sponsorship with the benefits of each. Make sure we are on the same page with expectations.

Get the checks in the door ASAP with gentle reminders. I often use the carrot of our next upcoming event, “We are really looking forward to working with you this year and we would love to recognize your support at our upcoming event. DO you think you can get us the funds in time to be included?”

True/False: If a sponsor doesn’t connect with your program levels, move on to the next one quickly.

Work with them. If they’ve given you time to learn about YNPN, they are likely willing to

engage in some way, you just have to figure out how. If the set levels aren’t right for a

potential sponsor, try to listen to their needs and design a sponsor package that fits

better. If it still isn’t a fit, ask for in-kind or other ways to support the org. It’s never

really a no.

FALSE!

Renew! Ask sponsors to come back!

Remind them of the good work we accomplished together and the great publicity and good will they got.

Make a renewal ask when they are most engaged and pleased. For YNPN-GR, that is after the Leadership Awards. We ask at the end of the event what each sponsor enjoyed and if they would consider sponsoring again. In our thank you for attending letters, we make sure to ask if they would be willing to secure their sponsorship for next year. Space is limited by the number of awards, so sign up early!

Additional Sponsor Perks

Sponsor Spotlight in monthly newsletter

Sponsor list or logos on table toppers at happy hour “Apps provided by the generous support of our sponsors”

Highlighted job postings on YNPN job board

Promote an event or a special (of the sponsor company) four times a year on social media

Stewardship

End-of-year/event video thank you card from attendees to sponsors

Extend invites to events/Luncheons

Send Thank You cards to sponsors signed by board

Invite sponsors to be presenters or speakers at events

Host sponsor brunch at the end of the year for those who renewed

Other Sponsorship Options

Event Sponsors

Table Tents

Tickets to event

Can bring signs & handouts to event

Speaks at event

Signature Sponsors

Logo bar on everything

Webpage

T-shirts

Emails

Letters

Flyers

In-Kind Sponsors

Printers

Caterers

Property/Event Space Owners

Entertainment

Questions?