Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

I have done events like this. I like your slant to both the nonprofit and the networking event.

The nonprofit might or might not be of importance to a sponsor. Because, in actuality, they usually take it as a marketing expense over donation.

They look for exposure-- how are their dollars going to give them return? Your website has a lot of blank space on the bottom-- that is good. You can offer them their logo on your site, and mention in all PR about the event.

I'm doing one now for a for profit entity. I am putting together a value statement. The facility has great signage exposure-- so I went to an outdoor advertising co and found comparable value.

Do the same. With this short lead time you need to make personal contact with donors. (With the networking slant, I'd go to a bank) I say one bank because they like the advantage of not having a competitor sponsor with them. It also gives a sense of urgency- you can tell them you'll have one bank and whoever is first has the opp to sponsor. Give them right of refusal subsequent years.

Find a champion in the org vs going the route most do-- filling out forms under every company's link for community service donations. Companies get hundreds (some thousands) of requests each week. A champion will get you to the top of the pile, and will cut thru the red tape. Tap your board for contacts-- and make them make introductions. Personal contacts will help find that champion.

That is a short answer to a complex question. Hope it helps, Carol

Sell Well and Prosper tm