Training for V-Day Fundraising Volunteers

How to Solicit ({V-Day}) Sponsorship from Start to Finish

People you already have a connection to

Local businesses Large companies have more hoops to jump through

Be creative Many non-profits are over-solicited, think “Joe’s Auto”

Donors not already giving to CWHC Double soliciting is not cool (worse than t.p. on your shoe)

Prevent double-soliciting internally within V-Team

Ideal: someone with a pre-existing relationship◦ Does not have to be on the V-Team “Friend-of-a-friend” scenario

Someone who is able to follow-up◦ Asking is often just the start, follow-up up to 5 times If possible, an accessible location

1 main V-Team contact per 1 sponsor◦ looks organized & makes for smoother communication

Your Appearance◦ How do you want to represent V-Day?

Your Pitch◦ Think about some openings◦ Prepare to answer questions about V-Day, CWHC, your event

Written Materials ◦ Letter from the Organizer◦ Any additional promotional materials

Be careful not to take friends/family for granted◦ Still a professional relationship

Stay on top of your game◦ It’s easier to cut corners with people you know They will probably still love you if you mess up They probably won’t love sponsoring V-Day as much

Let’s leave friendly footprints for future V-Days!

Walk in with confidence

Ask to speak to the manager

Get his/her attention ASAP◦ Suggestion: say “Vagina Monologues”

Make them laugh or smile ◦ Suggestion: say “Vagina Monologues”

Go when business hours will be slow◦ Ex. Restaurants before 11 and btw 2:30 & 5:00

Take time to chit-chat if they’re not too busy◦ bring conversation around to V-Day and CWHC

Speak about V-Day as a large scale fundraiser to help raise money ($130K) to relocate CWHC◦ Girl Scouts are great, but we’re not selling cookies

Sell it: sponsorship is not a “donation” ◦ It’s an opportunity to advertise & get your name out

Know what you’re asking for◦ Start high, then shift gears -quickly!- if you need to

STOP TALKING

Let them answer before you speak again

Not speaking allows the individual to respond directly to your ask and not shift the conversation

Objections may include◦ The economy’s really hurting right now◦ I’ve already been solicited by others this week

An objection does not mean “no” ◦ It’s an opportunity to talk them through their hesitations

Take their contact information for follow-up◦ “I’ll call you” = call me back please or I’ll forget!

Thank them for their time◦ whether it’s a yes, come back Tuesday, or no-way no-how

Be prepared to follow-up repeatedly if you want it◦ Always with patience and a smile

Count your victories: 3 rejections per every 1 sponsor is not uncommon for any type of solicitation ◦ More or less depending on the given circumstances

Each sponsor will receive appropriate recognition from CWHC for tax purposes

Sponsors should be thanked according to giving levels ◦ after events are over to talk about success

Thanking people pays off◦ It is fun, appreciated, & makes V-Day stand out

Go Vaginas go!