It's About Time
Securing sponsors can be a real challenge for most DFK event planners. It can be hard to match the right company with your event as well as a maintain relationships year after year. Although Day for Kids is not a fundraiser, financial resources are critical in organizing top-notch events.
Kate Baker Frawley, BGCs of Delaware’s director of Events; Bridget McDonald, BGCs of Metropolitan Phoenix’s director of Club Operations and Kerrin Torres, BGCs of Greater Washington’s communications specialist, share their ideas on securing sponsorships.
How do you go about contacting untapped sponsors?
Kate Baker Frawley - First we see if there is a personal connection already established. If there is, we have that person make the first connection. For example, if a board member suggests asking their financial advisor for sponsorship, we ask that board member to make the initial contact. If there isn’t a previously established relationship with a company, then we research who the contact person is and make a call. We follow up with an e-mail and then a personal visit to their business.
Bridget McDonald - Untapped sponsors for us are really the local small business communities around our Clubs. For programs, we have to be very careful and not ask our larger contributors who give to the overall organization. We rely on the branch managers to make the contacts in and around the communities where their Clubs are.
Kerrin Torres - Untapped sponsors do not necessarily have to be “cold calls,” although cold calling may be acceptable or necessary. Untapped sponsors are local organizations, community groups or supporters who have not participated in DFK events in the past. They may be sponsors of other BGC events; however, DFK allows for this sponsor to not only financially support the event, but to get to know the BGC on a more personal level. Whether the call or e-mail is made to a colleague or stranger, have the sponsorship package available to show and answer questions. Also, be prepared to give the potential sponsor information on past DFK events.