How to Get Corporate Sponsorship for Fundraising

When it comes to getting corporate sponsorship, it comes down to many of the same essential aspects as with obtaining sponsorship from non-corporate avenues. The most fundamental part of your fundraising should always be that you're collecting money for a cause you truly believe in. If regular people in a non-corporate environment see your passion for your cause, corporate sponsors will also see this. You will be more convincing if you know everything you can about your aims and your charity, so knowledge is key.

Researching the Right Company to Approach

If you're given the task of approaching companies for sponsorship on behalf of your charity it can be a very daunting task. Asking even one individual to help when it comes to fundraising can be traumatic enough for some individuals, so asking a large company can be fraught with personal challenges as well as professional challenges. One of the best ways of making a successful attempt at obtaining corporate sponsorship is to make sure that you research possible prospects first. There is no point in approaching a company who may hold a very different political belief from the charity you're seeking to help. Some companies may already be involved in sponsoring other charities and won't take too kindly to being asked to sponsor yet another.- spend time doing your research. There is plenty of information found online and most companies will publicly advertise the charities they help. It is a positive publicity move for them to be affiliated with a charity so check their websites and publications before adding them to your list of possible sponsors. There are a variety of useful sources to help you in your search for a corporate sponsor:

• Hollis Sponsorship Guide
• Directory of Social Change
• Business in the Community
• The Giving List

Approaching Companies for Corporate Sponsorship

When you've decided on a company that you wish to approach for help, you need to know the crucial elements in making 'the pitch'. The key can be as simple as knowing your facts and figures. Understand your charity well, be prepared for any kind of questioning and always have an idea of what kind of contribution you're looking for from a corporation. Organising some of the main achievements of your charity and also listing some of the other large companies who have been involved in corporate sponsorship with you is always a good inclusion to have in your meeting with a corporation you're trying to woo. If you can present them with a portfolio and be enthusiastic and explain what benefits they will receive from being affiliated with your charity, most companies who can afford to take part will at least be willing to listen. There are a variety of ways that companies will take part in sponsoring your fundraising:

• Cash
• Gifts
• Staff Time
• Advertising
• Matched Giving

You may approach companies to sponsor you on any of the grounds mentioned above and don't be afraid to ask for cash if that's what you seek. There were 495 companies in the DSC Guide to Corporate Giving in 2007/08 and they donated around 367 million in cash between them. The money is there to be given if you can find the right company. When it comes to corporate sponsorship, act quickly. If you've done your research then arrange a meeting with your chosen company as soon as possible. If you don't make a point of getting in there first, someone will beat you to it. If you manage to get the sponsorship you require, arrange who will deal with the account management and make sure you have the correct legal documents you require.

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