One of the first things I’m asked by my clients is how can I get more corporate sponsors, even though ONLY 5% of donations comes from corporations.
I recently was listening to a panel of corporate sponsors speaking to nonprofit organizations about how ask the corporate sponsors for money. I thought I'd give you three highlights from the panel.
- The first thing that the corporate sponsors emphasize, which I know you're aware of, but it's worth repeating, is that a relationship between corporate sponsors and nonprofit organizations is a partnership, and it is a relationship. They said, it's just like dating, you don't get down on one knee and ask for marriage, right? You have a courtship, you develop trust, you develop a relationship.
- The second thing that they said was that if they turn you down for financial sponsorship, don't walk away, continue to develop trust with them. So, ask them for other things that are not financial. In-kind gifts, raffle items, volunteers, advice, ask them for other things so that you can develop this relationship with them.
- The third thing they said, which is so important, is that your organization needs to provide value to them. It?means they need to know how they can benefit from partnering with your organization. Can you support their employees, improve their morale, and have them volunteer for something? Can you post things about them coming to your site? Can you invite them to your site? Can you get their pictures in the newspaper?
Hopefully this helps?you to strategize before you approach corporate sponsors.?
