Managing and being part of a sports team goes beyond practices and game days. In order for a team to travel, get equipment, and obtain venues, funding is needed. Some of the ways to secure funding include collecting player registration fees, sports team fundraising, and selling team gear. But aside from these, having a sponsorship is a great source of income. We’ve gathered helpful tips for how to get team sponsors, as well as pointers for team fundraising.
5 ways to get team sponsorships
1. Create packs to send sponsors
One effective way to get a sports sponsorship is by creating a one-pager/packet of detailed information to send to potential sponsors. Make sure to be specific in your explanation of what you’re looking for to get the attention of sponsors. Whether you’re seeking financial help to cover sport equipment costs or funds to pay for tournament fees, companies might be able to help in several different ways. Below are some examples of things to include in your packet:
- Explain what’s in it for them.
- Highlight the importance of the cause.
- Add real-life examples to form a connection.
2. Write an outreach letter
Consider writing a letter to individuals and companies asking for financial support for your team. Just like the previous tip on creating a pack, you’ll want to be specific with your ask and needs in your letter. Explain to them the benefits of supporting your team. It may also be helpful to add a deadline for when you need to have raised the money to create a sense of urgency. An ideal deadline would be the start of the upcoming sports season. To help you get started, here’s a basic template that you can customize:
Dear [Name],
As the new season approaches on [date], [team name] is writing to ask for your consideration in giving either a sponsorship or a monetary donation. Our team heavily relies on the generous support of local sponsors like [you or company name]. The money we raise will go directly towards overall team costs such as travel fees, uniforms, and other equipment.
We believe a sponsorship could benefit [you or company name] by:
- [Make a bullet-point list of ways to collaborate together]
We are also open to any ideas you may have for achieving a sponsorship that will work for both of us.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Sincerely,
[Team name]
3. Reach out to existing contacts
If you’re not sure who to reach out to for a potential sponsorship, start with who you know first. Approach parents of teammates or your team members themselves who may be business owners. Even if they aren’t business owners, they could work for a local company that might be open to being a sponsor. The benefit of tapping into these existing connections is that they are already emotionally invested in your team which will make them more likely to support.
4. Ask for sponsorship from your local community
Beyond contacting your team members, connect with your community for local team sponsorships. Try to communicate your needs through local newspaper ads, online forums, and community groups. Some businesses in your community will cater to the same audience as your team. For example, a local restaurant where your team goes to eat after every home game. Chances are that these local business owners already know of your team so a relationship might already exist. This will make it easier to ask them about a sponsorship. Since your team and the local business are part of the same community, a sponsorship with them could be mutually beneficial.
5. Research corporations that offer sponsorship
Besides your local community, try expanding your reach to national corporations that offer sponsorship opportunities. There are many corporate sponsors throughout the US that may be able to offer financial help. Make a list of grocery store chains, banks, hotels, etc. that are in your area so you know who to contact. Going to their websites and attending networking events are great ways to connect with corporate sponsors. Be sure to share your sponsorship pack with them so they have all of the information they need. By associating with a national brand, your team has the potential to attract other businesses that might be interested in sponsoring. A big company benefits from a sponsorship because they’re able to promote their business and reach new audiences.
Online fundraising for your sports team
Even after trying all of these tips, securing a grassroots team sponsorship can still be a challenge. Or, maybe your team still needs additional funding for certain costs. Whatever the case might be, sports fundraising on GoFundMe can help you reach your goals. Crowdfunding on GoFundMe makes it easy to reach people outside of your network. There are also no long wait periods to receive your funds. Build a fundraising team, create a fundraiser, and start raising money today.
