Attracting sponsors

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Sponsorship can be a fantastic way to bring extra funds and resources into your croquet club, helping cover costs or fund new projects. But it's much more than just asking businesses for money! The best sponsorships are true partnerships where both the club and the sponsor get real value.

Thinking Like a Partner:

Instead of just thinking "What can they give us?", ask "What can we offer them?" Sponsors are usually looking for ways to:

Increase their visibility in the local community.
Reach potential new customers (your members and visitors).
Build goodwill and show community support.
Generate sales.

Think about what your club can realistically offer – maybe signage at the grounds, mentions in newsletters or social media, naming rights for an event, or opportunities to engage directly with members?

Approaching Potential Sponsors:

Do Your Homework: Identify local businesses whose customers might align with your club members or who have shown support for community groups before.
Prepare a Proposal: Keep it simple! Outline who your club is, what you need the sponsorship for, what specific benefits you can offer the sponsor in return, and the different levels of sponsorship available.
Make Contact: Try to find the right person to talk to (e.g., the owner or marketing manager). A personal approach often works better than just sending a generic email.
Be Professional: Present your club well and be clear about what you're offering and asking for.

Managing the Sponsorship:

Get it in Writing: Have a simple agreement outlining what each party will provide and for how long.
Deliver on Promises: Make sure you do what you said you'd do for the sponsor!
Keep in Touch: Maintain a good relationship. Invite them to club events, thank them publicly, and let them know how their support is helping.
Review and Renew: Towards the end of the agreement, talk about how things went and discuss renewing for the next period.

Building good relationships with sponsors takes effort, but it can lead to long-lasting, valuable support for your club.

QLD Government Resource:

Guide: QLD Gov Sponsorship Guide (PDF) (Provides great tips on creating effective partnerships)