Anyone can sell a sponsorship, no matter your experience or skill set. It’s all about translating your passion into action!
That’s why we’ve compiled these tips & tricks to help guide you in securing sponsors for your event!
- Identify Your Comfort Level
- Think about what you are comfortable with, and talk to your Event Manager for support to plan the best way to be part of the sponsorship process.
- Clarify Your WHY
- You are in this role for a reason — speak from the heart. Jot down 2-3 points about WHY you do this event (to make a difference, support survivors, to raise funds that stay local, or perhaps in honor/memory of someone).
- Practice your WHY. Write out a small script or email draft, share it with your Event Manager, and even practice it with family and friends.
- Sponsors are people above all else, so be honest and specific with your WHY — your authenticity will shine through!
- Your WHY is your superpower!
- Extra Tip: Write down key event details — date, time, location, where the money goes/will go.
- Prepare
- With your Event Manager, create a list of organizations you’d like to ask for sponsorships or places you already have connections with. Whether it’s a hospital, clinic, car dealership, or even a local business — no sponsorship is too small.
- Google & LinkedIn are your new best friends! Who are the movers and shakers in your community? Who are the sponsors of other cancer/community events near you?
- Most common sponsors: Gastroenterologists, Oncologists, radiology, hospitals, clinics, medical suppliers, pharmaceuticals, car dealerships, banks, law firms, realtors, wellness centers, and chiropractors.
- Key contact titles: Practice Manager, Operations Manager, Marketing, and Community Relations.
- Extra Tip: Most businesses require 60-90 days to review your application, and some major medical systems require 120+ days to review. Your Event Manager can work with you to help plan this out.
- Ask
- Now it’s time to make the ask. You got this! Set aside time to make calls, send emails, or go in-person to places.
- We find it best to connect mid-week (Tuesday – Thursday) during the mornings (avoiding lunch hours or late afternoons) for the best chance to talk with the decision makers.
- Don’t forget to follow up! Remind them of your conversations (reply to an email and/or call them back). We suggest following up at least 3-4 times, spaced out every week or so. Make notes of who you talked to when and relay that in your follow-ups.
- Don’t be afraid to lean on your Event Manager — they can keep you on track and provide you with sample call/email scripts.
- Revise
- Sometimes you might get told “no,” and that’s okay. Think of it as another opportunity! Perhaps a company can’t sponsor financially, but can . . .
- Form a team to increase employee engagement.
- Give goods or services instead. (Ex: Volunteers for event day, food/giveaway items to enhance the event, etc).
- Promote the event through their internal channels.
- Provide suggestions for other places or partners to ask.
- And remember, even if you get told “no,” and there’s nothing else that they can provide, you’re still working on telling your WHY. The more you do it, the better you’ll become!
- Sometimes you might get told “no,” and that’s okay. Think of it as another opportunity! Perhaps a company can’t sponsor financially, but can . . .
You’re part of our Coalition, our family, and we believe in you. Your support and advocacy make a powerful impact, and we’re here to help you!
Written by Jackie Evans
