[Carol]

We have found that the best way to approach companies for sponsorship, at least those without a formal grant program, is to make phone calls. Call up the company and ask who should you contact about sponsorship. Talk to whoever you get (and you may be transferred between several people before you get the right one) and ask what do you need to do to get their sponsorship. They will often tell you to write a letter about your program addressed to someone specific. We have samples of letters we have used in the past if you need help.

As danshaffer said, don't forget to keep mentioning the ad space!

Another good source is through your parents. Ask who they work for, and if they can help getting sponsorship. We have gotten some volunteer grant money in the past - some companies will donate money based on an employees volunteer hours. If you have a parent who works for a company that does this, get the parent to help out and see if you can get funds that way.

We have had some students who personally went to small, local companies (such as a neighborhood car dealership), and asked for funds to support their participation. A lot will only give $100-200, but it adds up.

Don't be discouraged - most of your contacts will turn you down, but you will find some receptive to your plea.