Washington/Alaska

Checklist for Fundraising 106

• Create a prospect list - businesses give based on relationships, so go with your closest personal connections.
• Do your homework  - review the LLS Fact Sheet (you can download a copy from your Fundraising Toolbox) and take time to learn about each company you are approaching to ask for support.
• Polish your proposal - start by downloading the sponsorship proposal below and reviewing the benefits for your potential sponsors.
• Create your presentation - draft a cover letter and e-mail, shop for presentation folders or envelopes, etc.

Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorship is a win-win - you get a hefty donation, and your sponsor gets advertising potential and good publicity. When seeking a corporate sponsorship, approach your target with the following reassurances in mind:

1. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a highly respected national health agency dedicated to finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and their families.
2. Team In Training delivers a targeted, affluent and engaged audience. The average TNT participant is a 32-year-old college-educated woman who makes more than $89,000 per year.
3. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has chapters throughout the US and Canada. TNT offers four training seasons year round, giving partners continuous promotional opportunities.

Companies can sponsor you at levels of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $25,000 and $50,000. Depending on the sponsorship level, LLS offers the company a range of benefits.

As an example, here's what a $5,000 sponsor would receive:

Employee Engagement & Benefits

• Free registration in Team In Training for 10 employee participants for 1 season

Marketing and Promotional Materials

• Logo on back of WA/AK race apparel (1,200 annually)
• Sponsor messaging in TNT communications
• Sponsor messaging in Kick-Off Packet (hand-out provided by sponsor)

Online Presence

• Logo on TNT WA/AK website (81,000 hits annually)
• Promotion and messaging as a community friend on the TNT WA/AK website
• Messaging on TNT Facebook and Twitter accounts

Messaging to Participants and External Audience

• Product sampling (2,100 athletes annually)
• Couponing or flyering (2,100 athletes annually)

Recognition at Events

• Thank you certificate and letter
• Tax deduction for donation to LLS, 501(c)(3)

Get Sponsored

Download the complete list of benefits, a polished proposal you can submit to your boss or the decision maker in a company on your prospect list, and sponsorship submission form by clicking the link below.

Corporate Sponsorship Packet

In Kind Donations

In Kind Donations are simply gifts of goods and services rather than cash.  As you approach business with requests for sponsorship, keep in mind that they may still be willing to give even if they're not prepared to give at the level of a full sponsorship.  Go for the big goal first by presenting the full sponsorship proposal, but also be prepared to continue the conversation if you're turned down.  Follow up by thanking your contact for their time in reviewing the proposal and ask about presenting a request for an in-kind donation.  You've already invested the time in building a relationship with the company - that can pave to way for your secondary request.

• Download an In-Kind Donation Letter request from - have the letter at the ready in case your initial request for sponsorship is turned down.
• Decide in advance how you might use in-kind donations and how you'll recognize companies that sponsor you in this way.  For example, "If you would be willing to donate two one hour massages, I'll feature them in the silent auction portion of my Girl's Night Out fundraiser and will include your company logo on the silent auction table and in my thank you letter to all the event attendees." 
• In some cases, in-kind donations may be tax deductible.  Ask your team manager for details and for guidelines about sending tax acknowledgement letters.
• Always thank your in-kind sponsors - not only is it the right thing to do, it will also pave the way for future mutually beneficial partnership with the company!