Sponsorships aren’t just about raising money — they’re about building lasting community partnerships. Here are some tips to help you find and attract sponsors who want to support your events and see real value in return.

🔍 Where to Find Potential Sponsors

• Start With Families → Many student families own or manage local businesses. Reach out directly — these are often your strongest supporters.

• Target Local Business Types → Restaurants, coffee shops, realtors, gyms, banks, and service providers (auto shops, plumbers, landscapers) often sponsor school events for visibility.

• Connect With Alumni → Graduates may want to give back, especially if they own local businesses.

• Leverage Volunteers → Ask coaches, parents, and booster members if they have personal connections. A warm introduction goes much further than a cold call.

• Think Beyond Businesses → Churches, civic groups, or nonprofits may also want visibility and community connection through sponsorships.

• 💡 Best Practice: Build a sponsorship list at the start of each season and assign volunteers to reach out. The more organized you are, the easier it is to fill sponsorship spots.

🎯 Highlight Visibility Opportunities

• Show sponsors exactly where their logo will appear: event pages, posters, confirmation emails, concession stands, and more.

• Emphasize that families will see their brand before, during, and after events, creating multiple impressions.
  
  

🏫 Pitch Community Impact

• Local businesses often want to give back to schools and youth programs.

• Explain how their support directly benefits students, teams, or the arts.

• Remind them sponsorships build stronger ties between the business and the community.
  
  

📊 Use Analytics to Show Value

• Share past event attendance numbers or ticket sales.

• If you’ve run events before, show the reach sponsors can expect (e.g., “500 families attended last season’s games”).

• The more data you share, the easier it is for businesses to see the ROI.
  
  

📋 Offer Flexible Packages

• Give sponsors options (e.g., sponsor one event, a season, or all events).

• Some businesses may want broad exposure, while others only want a specific audience.

• Tailoring packages makes it easier for businesses to say “yes.”
  
  

🙌 Recognize Sponsors Publicly

• Announce sponsors at events, in newsletters, and on social media.

• Feature them on your donor wall or thank-you slides at performances.

• Businesses love seeing their support acknowledged in front of the community.
  
  

✅ By focusing on visibility, impact, data, and recognition, you’ll make sponsorships a win-win for both your organization and local businesses.