How to Secure Corporate Sponsorships for your Nonprofit Fundraising Event

Are you planning a fundraising event for your nonprofit? Securing sponsorships is one of the most effective ways to offset event costs and maximize fundraising efforts for your nonprofit. Corporate and local business sponsorships not only provide financial support but also help increase event visibility, credibility, and community engagement. However, attracting the right sponsors requires a strategic approach—one that aligns their brand with your mission while showcasing the value of their investment.

How to Secure Sponsorships for Your Nonprofit Event

Securing sponsorships is crucial for offsetting costs and enhancing the success of your nonprofit events. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the process:

Identify Potential Sponsors

Leverage Existing Connections: Start with your board members, volunteers, and donors who may have ties to businesses interested in sponsorship.
Research Local Businesses: Look for companies that align with your mission and have a history of community involvement.

Develop a Compelling Proposal

Highlight Mutual Benefits: Emphasize how the sponsorship will benefit the company, such as increased visibility or positive public relations.
Offer Incentives: Provide various sponsorship levels with corresponding benefits to appeal to different businesses.

Utilize Personal Connections

Network Effectively: Use your personal and professional networks to introduce your sponsorship opportunities to potential sponsors.

Follow Up and Cultivate Relationships

Maintain Communication: Keep sponsors informed about event progress and acknowledge their contributions to build lasting partnerships.

Companies Offering Event Sponsorships

Here are some companies that provide event sponsorship opportunities that you can apply to online:

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company: Offers sponsorships for events that positively impact communities.
Bank of America: Provides grants and sponsorships for various nonprofit initiatives.
Coca-Cola: Supports events focusing on community well-being, sports, and sustainability.
Best Buy: Offers community grants and sponsorships to support local events and programs.
Target: Provides grants and sponsorships for events that align with their community engagement goals.
Starbucks: Offers sponsorships for events that focus on community service and social impact. email [email protected]
Topgolf: Topgolf supports various charitable organizations through donations and sponsorships. They request that applications be completed online and submitted at least 30 days prior to the event date.
Publix Super Markets : Publix reviews requests for donations, gift cards, sponsorships, giveaways, and program ads, focusing on youth, education, reducing hunger, and alleviating homelessness. All requests must be submitted online.
Barnes & Noble : Barnes & Noble is committed to supporting pre-K-12 schools and not-for-profit arts, literacy, humane, and community service organizations. Donation and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to the store manager of your local Barnes & Noble.
Boeing
Boeing sponsors select major events, organizations, and projects that align with their purpose and business strategies. They accept sponsorship requests that enhance their brand presence and support communities where they operate.

If you are looking to draft a compelling sponsorship package for your local businesses here is an additional resource:

WHAT DO COMPANIES WANT FROM A SPONSORSHIP?

Companies consider sponsorships as an investment rather than just a donation. They want visibility, brand alignment, and a return on investment (ROI) from their partnership with your nonprofit. Here are some incentives that can attract sponsors:

1. Brand Visibility & Recognition

✅ Logo Placement – Feature the sponsor’s logo on event banners, signage, brochures, and promotional materials.
✅ Website & Social Media Shoutouts – Acknowledge sponsors in your email newsletters, social media, and website.
✅ Event Naming Rights – Offer naming rights for the event or a specific component (e.g., “The [Sponsor Name] Community Fundraiser”).

2. VIP Access & Engagement

✅ Speaking Opportunities – Allow sponsors to speak at the event or provide a message in the event program.
✅ Exclusive Networking – Offer VIP passes to key executives to network with other sponsors, donors, and attendees.
✅ Branded Giveaways – Provide an opportunity for sponsors to distribute branded merchandise.

3. Community & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Impact

✅ Employee Engagement – Invite the sponsor’s employees to volunteer at the event, fostering team-building.
✅ Cause Alignment – Show how the sponsorship aligns with the company’s CSR initiatives and values.
✅ Tax Benefits – Many sponsorships are tax-deductible as a marketing expense or charitable contribution.

4. Media & PR Exposure

✅ Press Releases & Media Coverage – Mention sponsors in press releases and media outreach.
✅ Live Mentions & Announcements – Give shoutouts during event speeches and presentations.
✅ Post-Event Highlights – Feature sponsors in event recap videos, reports, and social media posts.

5. Lead Generation & Business Development

✅ Exclusive Booths or Ads – Offer sponsors a booth at the event to showcase their products/services.
✅ Access to Attendee Data – Provide sponsors with email lists (with permission) or attendee demographics.
✅ Customized Partnership Packages – Allow sponsors to customize their sponsorship benefits to fit their goals.

Do you need assistance with your Fundraising Strategy or Grant Writing Services for your Nonprofit Organization? CONTACT US today for information on how we can help you maximize the revenue for your nonprofit.

How to Secure Corporate Sponsorships for your Nonprofit Fundraising Event