Possible Sources of Sponsorships
For CASH sponsorships, the following might be considered:
- Banks;
- Manufacturing plants;
- Local unions;
- Gas stations;
- Malls;
- Insurance agencies;
- Local team booster club;
- Athletic stores;
- Drug store;
- Local Buick dealer or any American auto dealer;
- Local clubs, such as the Jaycees, the Lions Club, Elks, etc.
Any organization that has cash and is willing to spend it on promoting America’s communities and charities should be considered as a potential sponsor. Also, companies that cannot offer anything but cash as a contribution to the tournament would obviously be cash sponsors (as opposed to trade-out sponsors).
For TRADE-OUT sponsorships, the following are possible:
- Printer for rosters, programs, media kits, etc. [i.e. Kinko’s];
- Grocery stores for food at tents and tailgate promotions;
- Soft drink distributor to provide drinks at the tents/party;
- "Party+" or any party supplies store to provide a tent;
- A single sign maker to make all of the sponsor signs;
- Photo developing Co-op where fans get a discount on event tickets at photo developing locale, then get photo developing coupon with ticket stub;
- A local phone company to provide a cellular phone for tourney administrator use;
- A local radio station to provide PA equipment, announcer and publicity;
- A business/office supply store for a copy machine and fax machine;
- Movie theaters to provide coupons and/or discounts;
- A local vehicle-renting center to provide vans and trucks for transportation to and from events for staff;
- Catering service for the banquet [special rate or discount];
- A sporting goods store for equipment and/or needed supplies;
- Ice cream trucks providing ice cream or paying to sell on the grounds;
- Another tent with other vendors.
For DONATIONS, the following might be considered:
- Local civic groups for their time, food, help in hosting a team or help with the banquet: serving or supplying food, etc.
- School corporation to donate buses or provides a shuttle service for the teams to get to and from their events and other activities.
When developing a list of potential sponsors, it is important to remember the principles and the goals of the organization, so do not solicit any sponsors that might conflict with those interests. Do not compromise the integrity of the organization for a sponsorship; not only does that hurt the Legion, but other sponsors may become “turned off.”