Guidelines for Obtaining Sponsorships
Often it is easiest to get sponsors if there is an individual within the organization that has the proper authority, or is in direct contact with someone who does, who can work out an agreement in developing a sponsorship for an event. However, contacting a firm with a formal proposal to sponsor is one of the last things that should be done in the process of getting sponsors for an event.
Usually sponsorships come in three different forms: (Note: The first two are more commonly seen than the last one.)
1. Cash
2. Trade-outs
3. Donations
There is no correct or perfect way to solicit corporate sponsors. Each area of the country and the familiarity with members of the local business world will all change the process a little bit, but the following steps provide a sound road map for doing so.
These steps are:
1. Identify specific events, areas and components of the tournament that can be sponsored.
2. Identify organizations, firms and businesses that could be considered potential sponsors.
3. Prepare sponsorship proposals.
4. Contact potential sponsors directly, present the proposal, then review, revise and compromise.
5. Fulfill.