Every association whether big or small can do with a little sponsorship. Sponsorship is one of the fuels that keeps the engine running for associations. You can fund your events, projects, and initiatives that benefit your members and communities.
But here's the thing: managing sponsorships can be a real challenge. This is where CiviCRM steps in. We use CiviCRM as our trusty co-pilot in Member Lounge to help associations not just manage but maximize their sponsorship opportunities.
Understanding the Sponsorship Landscape
Sponsorship - it's like having a helping hand for associations. Organizations or businesses provide financial support to associations for their events, programs, or activities.
It's simply teamwork - associations and sponsors teaming up to make great things happen. Associations get the resources they need for member engagement and retention activities, and sponsors get exposure to a relevant audience.
When managed well, sponsorships can boost an association's reach, reputation, and resources.
Challenges in Sponsorship Management
It's not all sunshine and rainbows after getting sponsorship, there are some hurdles you may come across, and it's important to know them beforehand.
Challenge 1: Not Meeting Expectations
Associations and sponsors are not always on the same page due to having a communication mix. Both parties come to an agreement having certain expectations that are not met at the end of the day.
Associations do not prioritize ongoing engagement and most times treat sponsorships as only a transactional arrangement. Sponsors do not feel a strong sense of connection or alignment with the association's goals and values, which can lead to a lack of enthusiasm and commitment to the sponsorship relationship.
Challenge 2: Tracking
Sponsors want to know where their money's going. Associations often struggle to show them the value of their sponsorship through various metrics. This involves providing regular updates and reports detailing the sponsorship's impact and outcomes.
Challenge 3: Staying Organized
Sponsorship agreements, deadlines, and payments can pile up and get messy. Organized documentation ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes
If you do not have a sponsorship yet, see a guide on how to secure association sponsorship here
CiviCRM in Sponsorship Management
We use CiviCRM to handle sponsorship management for our client using Member Lounge. From donations to events to member database.
You can set up fields to track sponsor details, and donations, and even automate thank-you emails. It's like having a sponsorship management robot that never misses a beat.
Here are key features to maximize your association sponsorship opportunity with CiviCRM:
- Contact Management: You can store and track all contact info, history, and interactions in one place. No more sticky notes or lost business cards!
- Contribution Tracking: CiviCRM helps you manage sponsorship payments, big and small. You can use it like a ledger to keep everything in order.
- Custom Fields: You can create custom fields to capture sponsor-specific data and tailor them to fit your sponsorship management needs.
- Communication Tools: We used CiviCRM to set up sponsor outreach for our clients. You can send personalized emails, newsletters, and event invitations.
- Reporting and Analytics: Set up reporting and analytics to see what's working and what needs a tweak.
Best Practices for Maximizing Sponsorship Opportunities
The sponsorship journey is not a one-off thing. You need to be able to maximize and set up your association to attract and maximize sponsorship opportunities.
Here are the best practices we use with Member Lounge for our clients that can help you:
Track:
Keep a clean and updated contact list. Craft compelling sponsorship proposals that highlight the value you offer. You can also track who you've approached and when.
Nurturing Long-Term Sponsor Relationships
Treat sponsorship as more than just a transactional arrangement and prioritize engagement, active communication, and collaboration. Inform them of association news, activities, and possibilities. Involve them in decision-making processes and actively seek out their opinions to foster a sense of cooperation and shared responsibility.
Data Analysis for Optimal Strategies
Use CiviCRM's reporting and analytics to see which sponsorships are hitting the bullseye and which need a little tweak.
Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the success and growth of associations. With these, you'll not only attract sponsors but also keep them around for the long haul.
Download a free guide on association sponsorship Here
