Sponsorship!!!

FIRST General Forum
1

Team 2950 is looking in going out to go get some new sponsors (major corporations.) But we don’t know how to approach this and seeing team 3337 sponsorship packet We feel that we need to jump on this chance to learn from the more experienced teams. So how do you guys go on about getting sponsors. Also just a little info we have spacex near by and we really want them as sponsor. So any ideas. Also how do the sponsorship cd work for you guys I’ve read about them. I’d like to hear from FIRST handed experience what you guys think. Thanks

2

Ahh corporate sponsorships,

They are exciting and disappointing at the same time. While we can’t claim to be an expert here yet, I have figured out a few things that might help. First, find people in lower positions that work at a company. They can often help get your foot in the door. Use Social Networking to your advantage as you never know who knows whom. Second. . . Be willing to engage in cold calling. You may call dozens of companies…but you only need a few who are interested. Use a script so that you can say exactly what you want to. Keep records of who you called when, did you leave a voicemail or talk to an assistant and call back after a set period of not hearing back. People are busy so persistence is key. Another good trick is to find professional organizations that would allow you to present at their meetings. We’ve presented before the International Society of Automators and our local engineering society. You’ll be surprised at the connections you will make.

Go into every call and interaction with confidence. You are not going somewhere hat in hand… You are offering them a chance to sponsor an organization with a proven track record of creating an amazing workforce.

Good Luck!!

3

Take a look at the new FIRST Fundraising Toolkit!

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/first-fundraising-toolkit

4

Try This:

  1. Find a large corporation in your area (within driving distance).

  2. Call them and ask for their “corporate giving” manager. <If you get nowhere, try another company>

  3. When you get them on the phone, ask if they would consider meeting with a few team members and mentors to help you understand how to approach OTHER companies for sponsorships. Make it clear that you are NOT asking for money, just advice.

  4. Them USE that advice to go out and get sponsorships!

With a few dedicated students and mentors, this can work like a charm.