How to Get Sponsored

Individual sponsorship is a creative way to get funding for your trip to the End Genocide Action Summit!

Step 1: Prepare a budget

When planning your sponsorship effort think about the following expenses:

• Conference fee (see registration form for details)

• Travel costs

• Hotel costs

• Food (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 snacks will be provided)

• Metro costs (if you’re staying for Lobby Day and/or not staying at the Renaissance)

Prepare a budget outline of the costs in each category. Think about all of the costs you may encounter: food, lodging, souvenirs, Metro pass, etc. The budget will help show potential sponsors you have a clear, practical plan.

Not sure how to best make your budget? Email Jenn at jpolish@standnow.org for help!

Step 2: Research the End Genocide Action Summit and how you and your community will benefit.

Before you start any of your fundraising activities, do your research! Potential sponsors will have questions. Read through the information on this page so you can prove you know your stuff. Think about what you and your community can gain from the End Genocide Action Summit. Will this conference support your career as a leader in the social justice movement? Will it help you find new ways to improve your community? (Yes, it will! And much more!)

Step 3: Identify potential sponsors

Know whom you want to approach. Start with organizations that are supportive of your goals or interested in youth projects and initiatives. This may include local sports teams, your church or school, local car dealership, restaurants, locally-owned businesses, etc. The Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureau in your town may have a listing of companies with profiles and contact info.

Step 4: The Approach

It is important that you are prepared, professional and respectful of your potential sponsors’ time and money. When you contact potential sponsors you should already know:

• What the organization does

• What values and goals it pursues

• What sponsorship policies it has, if any

• What funding/scholarship resources it offers, if any

• Who the right person to contact is Make sure you customize your approach.

Local car dealerships probably have different needs than your church. Nothing is more effective than a face-to-face meeting. You should start with a phone call. Have an email prepared, that way you can ask for contact info and send it on that call. The purpose of this call is to set up a meeting, so be prepared to schedule something. It is likely that you will be deferred to an assistant, don’t be discouraged, those assistants are so valuable! (** Be assertive & mind your manners! “Please and “thank you” get you SO FAR.)

Depending on the type of sponsor, consider sending the following in that e-mail:

• Cover Letter (see sample sponsorship letter!)

• Your budget

• Resume

• Reference from professor/teacher/employer

A good cover letter is a great way to describe what you are asking for, how it benefits you, your community, and their company. This is your chance to outline what you talked about in your call as well as be more personal. The references are not necessary, but are a great way to build legitimacy in the eyes of your sponsor. (While it may seem unnecessary, think about how your potential sponsor will see it. They’ll be able to tell without a doubt that you’re serious and will be using their money well.)

Step 5: The Meeting

All right, you’re in! Some tips on what to do during the meeting:

• Introduce yourself again – briefly, if they are already familiar with your proposal

• Describe the End Genocide Action Summit

• How will you benefit?

• How will your community benefit?

• Budget

• Deadlines

Be personable. Be professional. Be considerate. You may get turned down, but don’t get discouraged, there are lots of opportunities out there! (Even if you do get turned down, be polite & understanding about it. Maybe they’ll be able to help next time.)

Step 6: Fulfill your obligations

If you get sponsored it is essential that you meet your end of the deal. Some sponsors may ask you to do some things after the End Genocide Action Summit, like prepare a presentation on your experience.

Finally, send in a thank you letter to your sponsor that tells them how much you appreciate their contribution! (For real! Send a thank you letter. People remember thank you notes for a long time.)

Still unsure about anything? Email jpolish@standnow.org with any concerns.