Sponsor request letter
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Money Talk
Forum Discription: Questions about fundraising and promotion
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3521
Printed Date: 5/03/24 at 5:18am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Sponsor request letter
Posted By: chelserin
Subject: Sponsor request letter
Date Posted: 10/09/08 at 10:08am
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In January I'll be directing and part of my responsibilities is to find the sponsor for the show. I think this scares me more than anything. I hate selling/asking for money, and am bad at it. So my question is: Does anyone have a template letter they use when approaching a potential sponsor? Everytime I try to write one it sounds so cheesey or car salesmenish (what can we do to put you in a sponsorship today?) Any tips are appreciated.
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Replies:
Posted By: Debflo
Date Posted: 10/14/08 at 7:07pm
I don't have any specific letters that I've used in getting sponsors, but I have been successful in finding them. The main things about sponsorship - is what can being a sponsor do for them? Its all about what benefits they will get by being a sponsor. I know it sounds salesy but it is sales. Too many non-profit and small companies get stopped becuase they talk about how great their company is, or how many show's they've done, or that kind of thing in the letter. The business that is looking at your letter will want to know what they will get in return. I hope that helps! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
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Check out The Denver Theatre Examiner! http://www.examiner.com/x-474-Denver-Theater-Examiner
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Posted By: skoehler
Date Posted: 10/15/08 at 8:30am
Some bragging is okay, but I agree with Debflo, frame it in a way that shows the benefits to potential sponsors. Pointing out high ticket sales, ie large exposure through special announcements and program ads, loyal customers, they will be prone to help those who help their favorite theatre, etc. The sponsors will also like to be associated with programs that make them look good. They can claim helping great programs for education and such in their own annual reports.
It is sales. But I think the more important thing to keep in mind can be to remember that their assistnace stops at writing a check. More and more it seems that sponsors want some input in the product, avoiding edgy work, I have even seen try to dictate casting. Sponsors are very helpful but keep them in their place.
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Steven Koehler
Managing Director
Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette
www.lafayettecivic.org
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