Finding a Sponsor

Finding a sponsor doesn't have to be a difficult task. The first thing one should do when searching for a sponsor is research. Research will indicate whether or not a particular sponsor is partial to contributing to the individual or organizations particular endeavor. This research can be done in libraries, by observing competitions in a particular sport that the organization or person participates in, asking others what sponsors (if any) they have, by searching internet sponsor websites promoting for particular activities, by investigating magazines or publications having to do with the activity engaged in, and by inquiring to existing organizations having sponsored members or participants.

Corporate sponsorship letters are of vital importance when applying for sponsorship, and it is important that the sponsorship letter shows that the applicant has given thought to what the individual or organization wants to accomplish. First and most importantly, if not applying for sponsorship by email, it is sometimes important to get the name of the contact person at the particular organization being solicited. Once that information is obtained, it is important to let the potential sponsor know key things when applying. A good thing to start off with when inquiring about sponsorship is to describe the individual or team wanting sponsorship, first with basic statistical data such as how many individuals on the team or in the organization (if more than one person), location of the team, organization or individual and what type of awards or special honors any participants has received (If any. Even those without awards qualify for sponsorship.)

After the basic introductions of important details and statistics, sponsorship proposals would benefit from discussing the sponsorship they desire. Explaining goals of the team/individual/organization may be a good start. This introduction sets up in the potential sponsor's mind what to what benefit and ends the sponsor's money would be spent. It is also a good idea to explain what kind of benefits the sponsor would gain from working with the organization or athlete as far as how many events participated in per sporting season and whether or not those are local or by traveling across country or through the world. Location and exposure are important to potential sponsors as it draws attention to them and is a form of marketing their business. It is also a good idea to specify (if possible) the length of the sponsorship and the amount of money needed. Some sponsorship agreements are long term and some are short termed. Most sponsorships are contracted agreements and so it is important for an individual or organization to make clear what they want and what the sponsor is willing to contribute before any deals are made.