Gain More Sponsorships for your Non-Profit Events

Events, Non-Profit

Gain More Sponsorships for your Non-Profit Events Blog Header

Sponsorships are a great way to raise a significant sum of money for your non-profit. Now, if you are offering a table of 8, an ad in the program that no one reads, and a slide on the presentation deck…

…you are doing it wrong. 

Now, I take that statement back if you are raising money for baby animals, children, or a major illness. If you are raising money to give sick children a puppy, that is a trifecta and I wonder why you are on my blog. 

Here is the deal, people are giving your their money for some perceived value. If you are not gaining the level of sponsorship that you want – you need to up the value. Here are some ways I would do it. 

Annual Sponsorships

Going back to the same well over and over again will eventually drain it dry. Or you will get smaller portions of water. If you do more than one event a year that you ask for sponsorships I would suggest creating an annual sponsor package. This package can have different levels but a sponsorship to the events is built in. 

For example, if you host a gala and a golf tournament, put an annual sponsorship together than includes a table and tee sponsor, with additional marketing on social media, at the non-profit head-quarters, on email campaigns, and your website. This allows you to approach people once a year and provide them value all year long. 

Beyond the Table Sponsorship

Why would someone sponsor a table, fill it with the people who work for them or their friends, and have no one outside of the organization  know that they sponsored a table. 

Extend your sponsorships out to include the following

  • Photo Booth Sponsorship
    • I personally love to sponsor the photo booth at events because you know that at least 30% of attendees will get their picture taken in it and then your logo is plastered all over their pictures. 
  • Bar Sponsorship
    • People spend a lot of time in line or waiting for their drinks. Use that time to promote your sponsors and provide them extra value. 
  • Water Station Sponsorship
    • This is especially good for all day or multi day events.
  • Ticket Sponsorship
  • Goodie Bag Sponsorship
    • You can have one company provide logoed bags and others can pay to have items put into the bags. This is great for golf tournaments and conferences. 

Ask Your Donors

My last thought is to ask your top donors what they would like to do or where they would like their name placed at your events. You can gain some amazing insights from the people who support you. 

Think beyond the cookie cutter sponsorship and your event and its profits will grow.