No other fundraiser brings a community closer together than a discount card fundraiser does. Aimed at attracting residents within the neighborhood of your school, discount card fundraisers serve another purpose besides helping your cause; they assist in the development of a sense of community between all parties involved: you, your supporters and your sponsors. You will finally feel as being a member of the community as you inform others of your school’s fundraiser and request sponsorships from local businesses. Potential donators will appreciate being offered discounts at various locations within the area and feel a sense of pride for supporting local institutions. Lastly, local merchants will also feel proud being sponsors as their businesses attract more and more local residents. However, in order for the entire fundraising process to be successful for all parties, one must obtain not only the proper type of sponsor but the proper amount as well, and do so in a proper fashion. The following are some guidelines to aid you in your quest for sponsors.
There are several types of businesses available within the community, each providing a different good or service. Make a list and decide which local merchants whose sponsorships you feel would be the most beneficial for your fundraiser. Choose wisely; remember to offer a variety for the consumer to choose from.
Contact more sponsors than you actually need. There is a possibility that you will be unable to get through to the manager/owner/person in charge, or that the local merchant will not be willing to offer their sponsorship. For example, if you are attempting to recruit 10-15 sponsors, contact 20-25 businesses regarding your fundraiser. Better to be safe than sorry.
When approaching local merchants, be prepared to not only provide them with all the necessary information about your cause but to do so in a polite and professional manner. Enlighten prospective sponsors of how their actions will not only benefit your school but their businesses as well. Make certain that you will be able to answer any of their questions and concerns.
Feel free to ask your parents for assistance if you are not feeling up to the challenge of finding sponsors. However, do not expect them to perform this task alone; your presence will definitely be required to make merchants aware that this is a sponsor request, not a sales pitch. Remember that your parents are helping you, which requires you to help them in return.
Advertising is a costly expense for any business; use this to your advantage. Discount cards provide advertising at no additional cost to the sponsor. Do not forget to inform local merchants of this aspect of the discount card as it could very well be the determining factor in their decision to support your cause.
Do not become discouraged if you find it difficult to find sponsors. Not everyone is willing to lend a helping hand when help is needed. If at first you don’t succeed, try again.
