Wednesday, March 14, 2012

How to Get Sponsors for a 5K Run

Planning a 5K Run as a fund raiser can be very worthwhile IF you get sponsors to cover your costs. Last year when I planned the Sonic BOOM 5K, I secured one Title Sponsor ($1,000), two Gold ($500), four Silver ($250) and two Friends of SMdP ($100). I JUST had enough to cover my operating costs and raised $3,000 from registration.

This is what I have learned about securing financial sponsors for a less-than-250-runners event - ask small business owners! Small business owners would much rather pay a non-profit organization for advertising for several reasons: (1) they can write-off the cost, (2) it's an affordable method of advertising and (3) they feel a sense of giving back to the community.

Before you begin asking for contributions, break down your levels of sponsorship. Will your Gold level cost $1,000 and your Silver level cost $500? Make sure to list the benefits associated with each level as well. For example, O'Hare-Midway Limousine Service agreed to sponsor the Sonic BOOM 5K at the Gold Level ($500) this year. At this contribution level, they will be listed on all marketing materials and their logo will be included on the back of the race shirt. On the other hand, I just had a family donate $100 at the Friends of SMdP level. At this level, only a name will be listed at the event.

Most large companies require donation requests be made months—if not a year—in advance. This may work if you are seeking a product donation, but your chances of receiving financial support are much higher with business owners who have a vested interest in the area. I consider myself blessed to work with Santa Maria del Popolo School because the families and parishioners of the church truly support one another. Most of my sponsors have a strong connection to the school and/or parish.

Asking the businesses you patronize—your doctor, insurance agent, landscaper, restaurant owners, etc.—is a great place to start. Remember to not be afraid to ask. If they say no, just thank them for their time and consideration and move on. Here's what I tell others - do you think the person behind the counter at McDonald’s is hurt when they ask me if I would like to supersize my order and I say no? Not one bit!

This is key - when you are composing your solicitation letter, be sure to state your organization, event, event day/time and why you need their help. Include a deadline date to respond, methods in which they can reply, your contact information and, most importantly, tell them about your organization, your mission and what you plan on doing with the funds raised.

There is so much that goes into fundraising, but these are just a few important pointers that have always helped me. Fundraising is hard work, but it’s so rewarding when you see for yourself how the results impact a non-profit organization. Feel free to contact me for an example of one of my solicitation letters. Best of Luck!

21 comments:

  1. Hello Laura, This is very helpful. I am really seeking some assistance on planning my first 5K event for this November, and trying to figure out what sponsors to ask and how to go about planning everything so it is well organized. I'd love to view one of your solicitation letters if possible. Thank you, Dawn

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    1. Please join me today as I make impact, as you are planning for Christmas don't forget that their kids outside who are homeless that need help, I'm soliciting for your assistance today to join me as I plan to feed five children for this Christmas and I want to also send them back to school your support is needed nothing is too small nothing is too big for this purpose, if you are interested in joining me, email me at charitydonation8@gmail.com.

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  2. Laura, I am also planning on getting a 5k together for my school and would much appreciate one of your letters as an example. If you don't mind, you could email me at akennedy@ccboe.com

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  3. Hey this is really good information on how to get a sponsor. Could you please email me a blank solicitation letter? rdiaz6@uncc.edu

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  4. Thanks this is helpful. Trying to start a 10k for may. What are some sponsors you had?

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  5. Can you please send me a copy of your letter? awahlcertapro@gmail.com please and thanks!

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  6. Please send me a copy of your letter? Nano1254@hotmail.com. thanks!

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  7. Thanks. I'm planning a race and could use your letter as reference. Please email: giveawayer@gmail.com

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  8. hi- i'm raising sponsorship for our local 5k race and would love to see a sample letter! thanks is advance. jeannieangelo@gmail.com

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  9. Thanks for your ideas, can you send me a copy of your letter at, heidioakeson@gmail.com.

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  10. I'm doing a 5k for a local charity and must request independent sponsorship. I've had PTSD in the past and currently battle with panic attacks. In March, I joined a city-wide fitness program and have been doing 40 minutes of cardio just about every day since then. My speed and resistance have dramatically increased, but my anxiety prevents me from joining group fitness activities. This 5k is a great opportunity for me to work towards overcoming my fears while also helping my community. I will be sharing my exercise log book and fitness blog in efforts to encourage sponsorship.

    Do you have any tips, links, or advice for approaching people to support my cause - specifically for independent sponsorship? I want to approach the right people with the right information in a through (but not overwhelming) professional manner. My contact is giving me information on how businesses can write checks and to whom. The cause is chapter 12, but they also partner with a 501c, chapter 12 preferred. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Karen Burke
    Cloverallovermd@hotmail.com

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  11. I am planning a 5k for my local nonprofit organization and I would love to see an example of your solicitation letter. You can email me at christopher.tromp15@gmail.com, Thank you!

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  12. I would love to see a copy of your letter. Thanks for the great info. cpn4baby@gmail.com

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  13. Hey Laura I am planning a 5K in my area to help raise money for child obesity! Can you please help me by sending my an example of your letter? and possibly some additional information that may help? Thank you so much! Jelmoremt@gmail.com

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  14. Are you still giving samples of your letter? tignlamb@hotmail.com. Thanks for your help!

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  15. I would like a copy of your letter, if you are still receiving this thread. I am planning my first 5K in my local area. Thank you! akeenlife@verizon.net

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  16. I would love a copy of your letter. Our nonprofit is organizing a 5K to raise funds for our youth sports program on 6/24/17 and I'm truly not a good writer and need help organizing an effective sponsorship request. thank you! dchyouthsports@gmail.com

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  17. I would love a copy of your letter. Our nonprofit is organizing a 5K to raise funds for our youth sports program on 6/24/17 and I'm truly not a good writer and need help organizing an effective sponsorship request. thank you! dchyouthsports@gmail.com

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  18. I am planning a 5k for helping needed kids in India.Please send me the sponsorship letter to my email address abi.mts20112gmail.com
    Thank you for your help

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  19. Corrected my email id
    I am planning a 5k for helping needed kids in India.Please send me the sponsorship letter to my email address abi.mts2011@gmail.com
    Thank you for your help

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  20. Hello and thank you for this post. I'm a volunteer firefighter and I too am trying to organize my first ever 5k to help raise awareness for kidney disease as it has personally impacted one of our own in the firehall and am seeking sponsorship. I would love it if you could please send me the sponsorship letter to my email address so that we can begin reaching out for support. Thank you!!! My Email is Jbirdie928@gmail.com.

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