Sponsorship Best Practices
What’s the key component of a successful sponsorship pitch?
Understanding the sponsor’s goals and aligning them with your mission.
What is a legacy gift?
A gift made through a will or estate planning
What is the primary goal of donor stewardship?
To build long-term relationships with donors.
What is the purpose of an impact report?
To show donors the tangible results of their contributions.
What is a lapsed donor at BCC?
A donor who has not given in 24 months.
What is one way to personalize a sponsorship pitch?
Research the company’s goals and tailor the proposal to align with their objectives.
What is a life insurance gift, and why might it appeal to donors?
It’s when a donor names a charity as the beneficiary of their life insurance policy; it appeals because it allows them to make a significant gift without impacting their current financial situation.
What is one thing you should always include in a thank-you note to a donor?
Specific details about how their gift is being used to make an impact.
What’s one key element of a good donor report?
A success story that demonstrates the tangible results of their contribution.
What is one reason donors might stop giving?
They don’t feel appreciated or informed about the impact of their gifts.
Name two creative ways to recognize sponsors.
Social media shoutouts, naming opportunities, personalized thank-yous
What is one common objection to legacy giving, and how do you address it?
Objection: “I don’t have enough money.” Response: Explain that legacy gifts can be a percentage of their estate, not a fixed amount.
What’s a good practice for a thank-you call or note?
Be specific about how their gift made an impact.
What’s one mistake to avoid in donor reports?
Focusing solely on numbers without storytelling.
What’s an effective way to reengage a lapsed donor?
A personalized letter or call acknowledging their past support and updating them on recent successes.
What is a common reason sponsors decline partnerships, and how can you address it?
Limited budget; you can propose a scaled-back or in-kind partnership option.
What is one way to introduce the idea of legacy giving to a loyal donor?
Highlight how their values can create a lasting impact through a planned gift.
What is a common mistake to avoid in donor stewardship?
Only reaching out when asking for a gift, rather than maintaining regular engagement.
Why is it important to include photos or testimonials in a donor report?
They help make the impact more relatable and emotional for the donor.
What is one effective way to identify why a donor has lapsed?
Conduct a survey or reach out directly to ask for feedback about their giving experience.
What are two metrics sponsors often care about most?
Brand visibility, return on investment (ROI)
What’s a key legal document to mention when discussing legacy giving?
A will
According to best practices, how soon should you thank a donor after receiving their gift?
Within 48 hours.
What’s one creative way to share impact with donors?
Personalized videos or a (virtual) tour of the program they supported.
What’s the average retention rate for first-time donors?
Around 20–30%.