The proposal • Your proposal does not have to be fancy to be viewed favorable! Most corporations will consider a modestly designed proposal from the organization that has a connection versus the glossy, fancy proposal created by a professional graphic designer. 
 • The proposal should be viewed as a business pitch, professionally presented in terms of content and layout. Plan to address the following points: overview of your organizations history and track record, sponsor benefits, and a description of how your benefits complement the corporations goals and philosophy. Make certain you include a sponsorship reply form. 
 Download for more information

1. Quick Tips Sheet: Corporate Sponsorship
Here are a few tips on the best ways to effectively develop a prospect list, prepare
a sponsorship proposal, approach a sponsor, and ultimately persuade the sponsor
to support:
Before you begin
ü Understand the differences between corporate philanthropy and
sponsorship: Philanthropy is motivated by ‘altruism’, and promotes
businesses as good corporate citizens. Sponsorship is offers public relations
and or marketing opportunities and is a return on the corporations’
investment.
ü Know your organization and sponsorship goals, then ask yourself the hard
questions. What is your organization trying to achieve? What would
sponsorship mean to your organization? What is your organization prepared
to offer a sponsor? Can you effectively tell your organizations story? What
impact could a sponsor make by supporting your organization?
Don’t talk to strangers!
ü Focus on relationships that exist between your organizations current
leadership (current financial supporters, board members, staff, and
volunteers) and area corporations. Other sources to consider: vendors
doing business your organization, and those who do business with your
supporters, corporations that support your competitors.

2. ü Your second tier of prospects can include: supporters of organizations
similar to yours, corporations you have requested proposals from your
industry.
Do your research
ü Investigate your prospects giving policies, deadlines and staff contacts.
ü Talk to the person who connected you to the prospect for insight.
ü Get a copy of the corporation’s annual report; read their recent press
releases, philosophy and business areas. Look at how the corporation has
positioned themselves with similar partners
The proposal
ü Your proposal does not have to be fancy to be viewed favorable! Most
corporations will consider a modestly designed proposal from the
organization that has a connection versus the glossy, fancy proposal created
by a professional graphic designer.
ü The proposal should be viewed as a business pitch, professionally presented
in terms of content and layout. Plan to address the following points:
overview of your organizations history and track record, sponsor benefits,
and a description of how your benefits complement the corporations goals
and philosophy. Make certain you include a sponsorship reply form.
Making Contact
ü If you have an “in” with your prospect, have that person arrange and attend
the meeting with you. During the meeting, ask open ended questions about
the corporation’s goals and giving programs, and then listen
ü Be clear about what you want from the corporation. Use phrases such as:
“You can assist us by....”, or “We’d greatly appreciate it if you...” and then
insert the action you want them to take.
ü If you are unable to land a face to face meeting, ask your “in” to mail or
email the proposal on behalf of your organization and include a note of.

3. Following-up
ü During your meeting, ask if it’s appropriate to follow-up on your proposal
within two weeks
ü Immediately send a thank you note (handwritten notes are rare and go a
long way these days) within 24 hours of your meeting If your proposal was
mailed, have your “in” follow-up within one week.
ü You cannot say “thank you” too often so thank, thank, thank for any new
commitments
ü Whether or not you land the sponsorship, keep your prospect informed of
your organizations initiatives to strengthen the change of future support
Stay in touch
Get Corporate Sponsorship (a subsidiary of Lance+ Lee Planning
Phone: 917. 830.6317
E-mail: anisha@lance-lee.com
Slideshare: slideshare.com/anisha1
Twitter: twitter.com/anisharkeeys
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/anisharobinsonkeeys
YouTube: youtube.com/lancelee123
Its About Time We Met!
If your organization seeks better results, needs coaching, or a road map to
jump-start your corporate sponsorship program, I would love the
opportunity to potentially save your organization thousands of dollars
and countless labor hours.
During our exploratory session, we can discuss your top questions about
corporate sponsorship, your goal (s) and I can direct you to resources and
tools as appropriate.
schedule

4. Lance-Lee Planning is a Philadelphia Pennsylvania based consulting firm that helps
nonprofit organizations raise money and market their missions to potential supporters. To
learn more about Corporate Sponsorship, get samples, and tested recommendations, visit
us at getcorporatesponsorship.com