Asking sponsors to contribute to your tournament can feel like a big ask. Let’s make things simple with a customizable letter template to get you started.
Organizations are more willing than you think to sponsor a cause they believe in or a relationship that could benefit them. There is no perfect way to write a letter to potential sponsors, but here are some things we think are important to include:
- An Introduction: Whether this is an organization you’ve worked with before or not, make sure to introduce yourself so they know who they’re dealing with.
- Explain the why: Speak to your cause and what you hope to accomplish with the tournament. If you’re fundraising, this is the perfect time to share your goal and what exactly the money will be used to support.
- Your Ask: Be clear with what you’re asking them to contribute, whether it’s to fill one of your sponsorship packages, donate something to include in your auction, or for them to participate as golfers. Getting specific makes it easier for them to say yes, because it lessens the work on their end of coming up with the what or how.
- An invite to connect: An open invitation to chat about the event, your cause, or any questions they might have before committing to becoming a sponsor. Give them the opportunity to learn what they want without pressure before committing to sponsoring your event.
- A time to focus on: Give them a clear deadline for how long they have to sign up to be a sponsor for your event. It might feel like it could deter people from signing up, but it saves you from the stress of having anything happen at the last minute. You can always leave the option to donate on the table if they aren’t able to meet your deadline.
Sponsors for your event can come from anywhere; you just need the courage to ask them! Asking organizations for donations out of the blue can be nerve-racking, but it can also lead to great opportunities. Here are our reasons why you should be cold-messaging potential sponsors:
- Grow your support: The most obvious opportunity is you getting exactly what you asked for! Every request is a potential sponsor you’ll secure for your event.
- Meet your goals: Even if the organization doesn’t wish to sponsor, that doesn’t mean they’ll be against offering something else to still contribute to your event. Some organizations will be more than willing to donate to your auction selection or make a contest prize a little sweeter. Every addition is a step towards fulfilling your goals.
- Create new relationships: This ask isn’t just supporting you in the short term. By reaching out, you’re building new connections in your community that could lead to long-term support and mutual benefit for you both. Use the opportunity to take that first step in building some new relationships!
- Find that “Yes”: The answer will almost always be no if you don’t ask. Give yourself and your cause the opportunity to get more yes’s by at least taking the first step in starting the conversation.
