I need to find sponsors for a school event...help...?

Question

I live in a very small town and I need to find a sponsor for a school event...or I need to raise at least $100...I really don't like asking people...any ideas? I was thinking about e-mailing local businesses since it's a tax-deductible thing, asking them for money...I've procrastinated, and now, I am desperate. Help.

Answer 1

Absolutely, positively, do NOT email anyone.  It will get deleted, and will ruin any future chances.  Go to a business for a personal visit (preferably one where you have a personal connection already) and just ask.  The worst they can say is "no," but you just might be surprised.  Take along a letter on letterhead from the school and signed either by the Principal or the superintendent of schools.  Be prepared to explain exactly what the money will be used for, what you will do for them (a sign at the event thanking the business that is displayed prominently will usually suffice), and to describe (briefly) what the event is about.  After you get the donation, be sure to do everything you said you would do, write a very nice letter of thanks, and include pictures (on paper and a CD ROM) of the event including one of the prominently displayed sign thanking the business in question.

Answer 2

Ok so you need 5 $20 sponsors, or 4 $25 sponsors or at worst 10 $10 sponsors.   Do you have money in savings to be a $10 or $20 sponsor or even a $5 sponsor?   Can your folks help with $5 or 10 or $20 or more?  How about aunts, uncles grandparents?   Then you will have a start at it.  Being in a small town is a big advantage because people expect to pull together to do things for the community.   As someone suggested you can go ask businesses for help. Start with places our folks work, places you and your famly buy things etc.  A better way and one more likely to get you what you need is to ask if you can earn the money.   For example the grocery store may let you - and maybe others who also stalled on getting sponsors bag groceries or carry them out to people's cars for them for tips.   Most ppl will tip anywhere from 50 cents to a couple of dollars but some will give $5 or $10 when they know what it is for.   You will respect yourself and people will respect your and your event more if you are working for the money,   Other ways to earn it are to have a bake sale (Walmart will usually match whatever any group earns having a sale there so find some other procrastinators to work with you on this and of course get the school's OK)  Have a car wash,have a work day when a couple of you working together do yard clean up or other odd jobs for ppl (be sure you have your folks OK and know the ppl you are working for or work in a team)  Some local radio stations will be a sponsor for this either matching what you earn or at least providing free publicity.  The local paper may do that too.   Brain storm with a friend or 2 and see what opther creative ways you can find to earn your way out of this.