Get Sponsors for School Activities
As schools tighten their proverbial belts, the funding of school activities is commonly the first unnecessary expense to be cut. This drop in funding can create a problem for costly school clubs and activities that depend upon funding from the school for their survival. When school funding fails to meet the needs of a club, the advisers and members need to be explore additional financing options. One feasible option is the procuring of sponsors. When money is needed, schools may be able to find local or national companies that are willing to step up to the plate and provide the financial help necessary. By following a few simple steps, school officials can work to acquire sponsors to fund educational programs to benefit students.
Instructions
1. Prepare a plan for sponsorship. Before you actually start the process of seeking sponsors, you need to know what exactly you want from these sponsors. Work with administrators to develop a plan that includes the amount of money that you are trying to earn and what you will be able to offer in return for this money. By developing this plan upfront, you ensure that you will be able to answer all questions that a prospective sponsor may have when trying to decide whether to sponsor the event or program.
2. Offer advertisement options. Area and national businesses are often interested in sponsoring school events in return for publicity. If the event you are looking to fund will feature a program, sell advertisements for the program. Also, consider selling space in the back of the yearbook. Because yearbooks are a more formal publications, you can charge significantly more for the advertisement space in this type of publication.
3. Ask for non-monetary donations. Some businesses may be more apt to provide non-monetary donations such as products or use of company facilities. While these types of donations may not have been what you were initially seeking, they could still be quite valuable. Consider how you could use these donations to raise capital such as selling donated pizza at a sporting event or school dance.
4. Contact area businesses and inquire as to their interest in sponsoring an activity. Send at least one staff member and several students to serve as a face for the school. Ensure that the staff member in charge of the team is well-versed in the established sponsorship plan.
5. Research large corporations with branches in your community. Many large companies have divisions that handle charitable giving. These organizations often give funding to educational or community-enriching programs. Contact the customer-service department at corporations in your area to inquire about sponsorship programs that may be available.
6. Send thank-you cards to all sponsors. It is vital that you maintain a good relationship with sponsors as one-time sponsors can become habitual donors if they are graciously thanked for their philanthropy. Always send a timely thank-you card to show your appreciation for the sponsorship.
Tags: non-monetary donations, School Activities, Sponsors School, Sponsors School Activities, staff member, will able