I recently spoke with the Executive Director of a local not for profit agency while cycling at my local YMCA. We started talking about her need to do fundraising and interest in offering sponsorship opportunities. In general, she views fundraising as a need to do activity but not one she particularly enjoys nor feels very confident undertaking.
I know she is not alone in feeling overwhelmed and ill prepared to approach potential donors or to create sponsorship opportunities. Most not-for-profit Executive Directors I have met reach their position because of their skills and passion for the cause or purpose their organization is involved in. Many don’t have the fund development training or a good understanding of sponsorships even though raising money is the life blood of their organization.
If this situation sounds familiar, it becomes even more important to attend conferences and workshops to understand the shift in private sector business approach in sponsorships and community investments. Simply having a good cause isn’t sufficient in the world of business decision making focused on measuring return on investments.
For this reason, I seriously recommend looking at the value of attending this year’s Western Sponsorship Congress in Calgary in late October. Based on my past experience at the conference, I know there will be a wealth of knowledge shared, understanding of the current sponsorship landscape offered and an opportunity to learn from organizations who have been successful in securing sponsorships. Just as importantly, you will have the opportunity to network with sponsors and gain an understanding what is important in their investment strategy.
This is a high value two day conference which will provide direct benefits to your organization including:
- Networking with professionals who can help define the sponsorship value offered by your organization ;
- Education sessions that will help you understand what works in sponsorship and explore the expectations of sponsors;
- Offering new ways to look at your organization to create new funding opportunities.
I’ll be there again this year and hope to meet you. Feel free to stop and chat at anytime throughout the two days. As well connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter at any time.
Volker Mendritzki is President of CF Marketing Group Inc. My focus is to provide clients the tools and advice to ensure their promotional programs and sponsorship investments engage the target audience and generate results. I search out cost effective print promotional products including promotional magnet products, engaging Interactive Print solutions, and engaging event signage options. Through our consulting service, we aid organizations in finding new winning sponsorship opportunities.
I can be reached at 403.452.2699 or volker@cfmarketinginc.com.
