Sharing the Vision with Corporate Sponsors

Bobby Austin

Is this how you feel when you try and get support from a local

business?

Don’t know

where to even start?

Here’s How I Know!

• Spent last 25 years in the Business Sector• American Drug Stores (Skaggs, Osco)• Wal-Mart Stores (Sam’s Club)• GAP (Old Navy)• Privately Owned Chain of 45 Wireless Retail Stores

What Businesses Should I Contact?

Let your fingers do the walking!

• Payless Shoe Stores– Grants

• Petco– Local Level Donations

• Staples– Foundation for Learning

• Applebee’s– Local Level Donations

• Dairy Queen– Product Donations– What's Happening in Your Community?

Here’s 10 Minutes Worth of Work!

Remember

• Support does not always mean cash!– Merchandise– Supplies and Materials– Gift Certificates / Gift Cards– Services– Manpower

Look at This!

• Wal-Mart– Volunteerism Always Pays … 15 hours donated =

$100

• Starbucks– Make Your Mark … $10 for every donated hour

• GAP– Money for Time … 15 hours donated time = $150

How do I get support from these businesses?

The Basic Necessities

• Plan your event at least 90 days out … (Larger events will need even more time!)

• Give the business partner at least 60 days notice … (Once again larger requests may need more lead time!)

• Send a written request …– Include The 5 W’s

• Who you are … (Don’t forget to include the fact that you are a 501-3c not for profit organization)

• What your request is for … (Remember it’s about the kids!)• When your event is going to happen …• Where the event will be …• Why the business should support this event …(What’s in it for

them)

The Basic Necessities, Cont.

• Follow up with a phone call …– Be prepared to discuss all details of the event.– Ask if you can simplify fulfilling the request.– Get details on how your request will be fulfilled.

• After the event, don’t forget to send a detailed recap of how successful you were.

• Keep a detailed record of your event so that you can make improvements for next year.

Questions?