6 Tips for Sponsorship Success at Your Charity Golf Tournament

Posted on March 24th, 2014 | Author: | Category: National

Jack Duty | Southern California Regional Tournament Director

Sponsorship is the most important component of raising funds for your charity golf tournament. All golf tournaments should have a committee of qualified volunteers to help you with various aspects of fundraising, including obtaining sponsors. Proper delegation of volunteer responsibilities is imperative to obtaining successful sponsorship. Volunteers who have stronger communication and publicity skills will be more effective in these roles. As for the volunteers who will be working diligently to obtain sponsorship, make sure they do not get discouraged by the word “No.” And don’t forget to have fun! Planning early is crucial to maximizing your sponsorship goals. Below are some tips for successfully gathering sponsorships:

Tip 1: Identify Costs

Identify costs that could be covered by your sponsorships. These include breakfast; lunch; dinner; green fees and cart fees; helicopter ball drops; hole-in-one sponsors; tee prizes, etc.

Tip 2: Develop Your Sponsorship Levels

Before you seek out sponsors, know what you're going to sell. Create multi-level sponsorship options, list out the benefits of each, and price them accordingly. For example, you could have Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Levels. Some items to consider including: tee signs; recognition at the Awards Dinner; foursome of golf; sponsor logo on website; table at awards banquet or registration; set-up on golf hole; page or ad in program, etc.

Tip 3: Perfect Your Timing

Timing is everything when seeking out sponsorships. Some corporations allocate funds to donate at specific times of the year. If you’re not able to obtain a donation the first time you ask, research the company and its donation schedule for your next request. Also make sure you're speaking to the right person – the one who can actually approve donations.

Tip 4: Go After The Right People

Target prospects that you or your committee members know, do business with, or are connected to in a legitimate way. This network might include your financial manager, an insurance agent, vendors, work and school colleagues, friends, relatives, etc.

Tip 5: Keep It Simple

If you're sending out donation letters or setting up donation drop-off online or at a business, keep the process simple. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the letters, or pre-set a form online. Even these small things make it much easier for a potential sponsor to donate to your tournament.

Tip 6: Social Media is Your Friend

We all know how powerful social media can be for promotion and buzz. Make sure you (and all your committee members and volunteers) utilize their social media and generate buzz about your event and keep it front and center in peoples' minds. Post on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any website or blog in your network.

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