How To Get Corporate Sponsorship Packages

Corporate sponsorships can provide the funding your organization needs to continue the great initiatives you’re supporting. However, getting a corporate sponsorship isn’t as easy as it may seem. Sponsors want to make sure your mission lines up with those organizations they want to support and that it will be a long-term relationship. This guide will walk you through how to identify ideal sponsors, create sponsorship pages, messaging, and building lasting relationships.

Research Potential Sponsors

Identify companies whose brand aligns with your mission or audience. It might be best to start with companies in your geographic area. Local businesses often prioritize community involvement and have shorter decision-making processes. Visit your chamber of commerce website, check local business directories, and note which companies already sponsor similar events in your area.

To note about potential sponsors:

• Company Size & Structure⎯Large corporations offer bigger packages but have complex approval processes and hundreds of requests. Mid-sized companies might make decisions faster. Small businesses night not offer as much, but usually decide quickly, and appreciate personal relationships.

• Evaluate Decision-Making Timelines⎯Corporate budgets typically run on fiscal years, with decisions made 6-12 months in advance. Small businesses might approve sponsorships within weeks. Understanding these timelines helps you approach prospects at optimal times of the year.

Create A Professional Sponsorship Package

Your proposal serves as both introduction and sales pitch. It must capture attention immediately while providing detailed information about partnership opportunities. Things to include:

• Fundraiser Overview⎯Describe what you are doing and why it matters.

• Audience Insights⎯Share demographics, reach, and engagement metrics.

• Sponsorship Tiers⎯Offer different levels (e.g., Gold, Silver, Bronze) with corresponding benefits.

• Marketing Opportunities⎯Highlight logo placement, social media mentions, speaking opportunities, or press coverage.

• Testimonials & Case Studies⎯Show previous success stories to build credibility, event statistics and growth trends.

Professionally designed visuals and charts can make your sponsorship package more compelling. If you don’t have the budget for a professional graphic designer, tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite can help create visually appealing presentations.

Build Authentic Relationships

Sponsorship decisions happen between people, not companies. Building genuine relationships dramatically increases your success rate. Identify who approves sponsorships at target companies. This might be:

• Marketing directors or managers

• Community relations coordinators

• Business development managers

• Local store managers or franchise owners

• Executive assistants (who often influence decisions)

Leverage Existing Connections

Look at your network for existing relationships. Board members, volunteers, and supporters often have professional connections you can utilize. A warm introduction carries far more weight than cold outreach.

Attend Networking Events

Industry conferences, chamber mixers, and community events provide natural relationship-building opportunities.

Engage With Businesses On Social Media

Follow companies you want to reach out to on social media. Share their content, comment on posts, and engage with their community initiatives. This builds familiarity before formal outreach.

Provide Value Before Asking

Offer something useful before requesting sponsorship like inviting them to speak at your events, or promoting their initiatives through your channels (i.e. email and social media). This demonstrates partnership potential.

Master The Art Of The Ask

How you approach potential sponsors will likely already sway their decision one way or the other. The right strategy turns cold prospects into interested partners.

Choose Your Communication Method

• Email⎯Best for initial contact with detailed proposals.

• Phone calls⎯Effective for follow-up and relationship building.

• In-Person Meetings⎯Ideal for major sponsorship discussions.

• LinkedIn Messages⎯Good for networking and asking for warm introductions.

Be Specific On Your Request

Vague requests usually get ignored. Be specific about what you’re asking for. The more details you provide, the easier it is for others to understand exactly what you want. Being specific not only shows respect for the other person’s time, but also increases the chances of getting the results you expect.

Negotiation

Once a sponsor shows interest, be open to negotiation. They may want:

• Customized branding opportunities.

• Exclusive partnership rights.

• Specific reporting metrics on ROI.

• Payment terms and schedule.

Start delivering sponsor benefits immediately after signing the contract. This could be sending welcome packets, marketing materials, and starting to promote. Early execution builds trust for future partnerships.

Deliver Exceptional Sponsor Experiences & Maintain Relationships

Successful sponsorship relationships extend far beyond signed contracts. How you treat sponsors during and after your fundraiser determines whether they'll partner with you again.

After your fundraiser:

• Provide a detailed report of exposure, engagement, and results.

• Thank your sponsors publicly and privately.

• Keep them informed about future opportunities.

Sponsorships are a great way to raise money for your organization, and how successful the event is requires strategic planning, research, and communication. By clearly demonstrating value, creating enticing sponsorship packages, and building relationships, you can attract sponsors who are genuinely invested in your cause.

To drive even more funds for your organization, contact us to learn more about our one-of-a-kind, curated silent auction vacation packages and experiences. We’re here to help make your fundraiser a success!