Sponsor Spotlight: Finding & Partnering with Local Businesses

When it comes to nonprofit fundraising, sponsorships can be a game-changer. But sponsors aren’t just about covering event costs—they’re mission partners. The best sponsors believe in what you do, want to see you succeed, and love that they get to be part of something meaningful in their own community.

In this post, we’ll walk through how to identify great local sponsors, what to include in your sponsorship packet, how to offer value in return, and how to follow up in a way that builds long-term relationships—not one-time donations.

1. How to Identify Good-Fit Local Sponsors

Not every business is the right fit for your mission, and that’s okay. The goal is to find value-aligned sponsors—businesses that care about what you do and want to support the same causes.

Start by asking:

• Who already supports local causes or events?

• Who serves the same population you do?

• Who has personal or professional connections to your nonprofit?

• Who are your board members, volunteers, and staff already connected to?

Think banks, restaurants, law offices, churches, boutiques, realtors, chiropractors, auto shops, and local franchises. Look for small-to-midsize businesses that are rooted in your region and value positive PR and community goodwill.

💡 Pro tip: Ask your current donors and volunteers where they work or what businesses they frequent. You may have more connections than you realize!

2. What to Include in a Sponsorship Packet

Once you have a list of potential partners, create a clean and compelling sponsorship packet.

This can be a printed flyer or digital PDF, but it should clearly explain:

• Who you are (your mission and impact)

• What the event is (date, location, expected attendance)

• Why you’re seeking sponsors (what their support will do)

• Sponsorship levels (with suggested donation amounts and benefits)

• Ways they’ll be recognized (logo placement, announcements, etc.)

• How to commit (a simple form or online link)

Include testimonials, photos, and stats if you have them. Keep it visual and easy to skim—this isn’t a grant proposal. One or two pages is plenty.

3. How to Offer Value

Sponsorship is a two-way street. Local businesses aren’t just donating—they’re getting exposure, goodwill, and a chance to show their community involvement. Make that clear.

Some valuable sponsor perks include:

• Logo placement (on flyers, screens, banners, T-shirts)

• Social media shout-outs

• Verbal thank-yous at the event

• Complimentary tickets or table seats

• Opportunities to include swag or coupons in event bags

When you offer value, you make it easy for a business to say yes.

4. Follow-Up Tips for Long-Term Partnerships

The most valuable sponsorships aren’t one-and-done—they’re part of long-term relationships.

After the event:

• Send a personalized thank-you (email, letter, or video)

• Tag them in your post-event recap on social media

• Share pictures of their logo in action or their team at the event

• Send a short impact report (“Thanks to you, 150 guests attended and $42,000 was raised!”)

• Invite them to your next event, tour, or impact story meeting

Consistency builds trust. When sponsors feel appreciated and informed, they’re more likely to partner again—and increase their support.

BONUS: Free Email Template for Your First Sponsor Ask

Want a simple way to make your first ask? Here’s a plug-and-play email you can customize and send today:

Subject: Join Us as a Community Sponsor

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m reaching out from [Your Nonprofit Name]. We’re hosting [Event Name] on [Date] at [Location], and we’d love to invite [Business Name] to be part of it as a community sponsor.

Your support would help us [brief mission statement or goal of the event]. In return, we’d love to recognize you with [a few perks like logo placement, shout-outs, free tickets, etc.].

I’ve attached a short sponsorship overview with more details. Let me know if you’d like to talk or have any questions—I’d love to connect!

Thank you for considering it!

Warmly,[Your Full Name][Your Role][Contact Info][Nonprofit Website]

Building sponsorships takes time, but it’s worth it. With the right approach, local businesses can become some of your strongest allies—helping you fund your mission, reach new audiences, and create lasting impact together.