Create a Nonprofit Sponsorship Deck That Gets Funded
So, you’re planning a fundraising event for your nonprofit and you want to secure some corporate sponsors. But you're not sure how to go about it….maybe your last sponsorship deck didn’t get any sponsors, or you spent more time on the phone than you did planning the event…or you’re just not sure what to include to make this year’s event a success.
Good news: a winning sponsorship deck is simpler than you think! A good sponsorship deck is a powerful tool you can use when you’re pitching corporate sponsors for your next fundraising event.
One of the common challenges people face when pitching corporate sponsors is not knowing what to include in their sponsorship deck. This can lead to a lot of wasted time and energy spent on putting together a deck that doesn't actually tell potential sponsors what they need to know. So, how can we do better?
Why you need a sponsorship deck
If you're planning a fundraising event, then you know that corporate sponsorships can make or break your event. But securing those sponsorships can be a challenge, especially if you don't have a great sponsorship deck.
Your sponsorship deck is a key tool that you'll use when pitching corporate sponsors for your event. It's basically a sales deck that outlines your sponsorship opportunities and levels.
A well-crafted sponsorship deck will not only help you secure sponsorships, but it will also make it easier to close deals and get the best possible terms for your event.
So, what should you include in your sponsorship deck?
An overview of your event. Start with a brief overview of your event. Include the date, time, location, and any other relevant details that sponsors would need to know.
If your event is an annual event, then you can also include information about past events, such as attendance numbers, media coverage, or noteworthy sponsors.
Your sponsorship levels and benefits. The next thing to include in your sponsorship deck is a list of your sponsorship levels and benefits. When creating your sponsorship levels, be sure to offer a range of options that will appeal to businesses of different sizes.
Your benefits should be compelling and relevant to your sponsors. For example, if you're holding a charity run, then your sponsors could receive benefits such as branding on race t-shirts, or a booth at the event.
Demographics of your attendees. It's also important to include information about your attendees in your sponsorship deck. This will help potential sponsors understand who they'll be reaching with their sponsorship.
Some things to include in this section are the age, gender, location, and interests of your attendees. You can also include information about why they would be interested in attending your event.
Your marketing plan: The next thing to include in your sponsorship deck is a brief overview of your marketing plan. This will help potential sponsors understand how you plan on promoting the event, and how their sponsorship will be featured.
Some things to include in this section are your event website, social media platforms, and any other marketing materials that you'll be using.
How to make your sponsorship levels compelling
Once you've decided on your sponsorship levels and benefits, it's time to start making them more compelling. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
Focus on the benefits: When creating your sponsorship levels, make sure to focus on the benefits that each level offers. This will help potential sponsors see the value in your sponsorship opportunities.
Make them exclusive: Another way to make your sponsorship levels more compelling is to make them exclusive. For example, you could offer VIP access or early bird pricing for sponsors. This will help them feel like they're getting a truly unique experience.
Be flexible: Finally, be sure to be flexible with your sponsorship levels and benefits. This will show potential sponsors that you're willing to work with them to create a package that's right for their business.
How to create a winning sponsorship deck
Now that you know what to include in your sponsorship deck, it's time to start creating one. Here are a few tips on how to create a winning sponsorship deck:
Keep it simple: When creating your sponsorship deck, be sure to keep it simple. This means using clear and concise language, and avoiding jargon. You want potential sponsors to be able to understand your deck, and see the value in your sponsorship opportunities.
Make it visually appealing: Another important tip is to make sure your sponsorship deck is visually appealing. This means using high-quality images, and avoiding text-heavy slides. You want potential sponsors to be able to see the value in your event, and not be turned off by a cluttered or confusing presentation.
Highlight your successes: Finally, be sure to highlight your successes in your sponsorship deck. This could include things like media coverage, past events, or noteworthy sponsors . You want potential sponsors to see that your event is well-run and successful, and that their sponsorship could help them achieve their own business goals.
Creating a winning sponsorship deck is an important part of securing sponsors for your event. By following the tips in this guide, you can create a deck that will help you secure the sponsorship you need to make your event a success.
Sponsorship Strategies Checklist
Download our free Sponsorship Strategies Checklist for more tips and resources to build your sponsorship program!