by Doreen Martel

Created on: July 26, 2009   Last Updated: January 30, 2012

Regardless of what type of event a non-profit is hosting, many depend on sponsors. Many non-profits worry that they have nothing to offer sponsors, but the fact is that you might be able to offer more than you think. Let's look at some of the benefits that you can offer your sponsors that will cost you very little money and may potentially cost you no money.

Public Relations

You are going to need to get great public relations coverage to make your event a success. Offer your sponsors a mention in your press releases. This type of public relations can't be purchased at any price, by any company. Helping your sponsor create a positive image in the community can reap benefits down the road that you may not even be aware of today.

Free Attendance

Regardless of whether your event is a hundred dollar a plate dinner or a twenty dollar carnival, offer your sponsor free attendance for two people. If the sponsored event is a breakfast, or carnival or other "low cost" event, you can offer enough tickets for a family (of four for example) as a way of thanking the sponsor.

Announcements

More than likely you are going to have some sort of handout(s) at charity events. This is a great opportunity to offer your sponsors "headlines" with those in attendance. Even a few lines on a place-mat, a program or other handout thanking a sponsor for their generosity is something you can offer your sponsor when you think you have nothing to offer.

Services

Perhaps you have a high speed copy machine, unlimited telephone calls or even a volunteer pool of writers, stenographers or others. You could offer a sponsor services in trade for their sponsorship of an event.

Presence

If you maintain a blog, a website, or other on-line service, you can offer advertising "free" with a sponsorship to an event. The same thing goes for newsletters, quarterly updates, annual reports and more. These are great ways to offer sponsors something when you think you have nothing to offer.

You never have to feel like you have nothing to offer. There are hundreds of small ways to ask for assistance with an event from a sponsor. Even when you think you have nothing to offer, there are ways to offer things to your sponsors. Take advantage of some of these hints and find other creative ways to make an offer to your sponsors.

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