Before entering into a Sponsorship Agreement, it’s important to take time to carefully consider how the arrangement will support your student group, what you are asking for, and what you have to offer.
A clear and well-considered approach not only increases your chances of attracting the right Sponsor but also ensures that any agreement benefits your members and aligns with your society’s aims and objectives.
Ahead of preparing to enter into an agreement with any external organisations, consider the following:
Purpose: What do you want the sponsorship for and what benefits are you looking to secure? This could be money to fund events, equipment, travel, or other perks such as facilities to use or other resources you need to deliver your activity.
Value: How much money, goods, services, or access do you realistically need to make entering this arrangement beneficial?
Inclusivity: Is the sponsorship inclusive of all your members? Does this arrangement suit the diverse needs of your membership and any new potential members? Consider that some members may not drink, may be commuters, parents or carers, or may have accessibility requirements.
Relevance: Does the sponsorship offer your members opportunities or benefits that link directly to the aims and values of your society?
Usage: How will the funding be spent or the resources used? Be specific, as sponsors value transparency, and this could support your application.
Target: Do you have a particular Sponsor in mind, or are you open to a range of organisations?
Transparency: Do you already have other Sponsors or are you applying to more than one company? Be upfront, as Sponsors will often ask about this.
Taking the time to reflect on these questions will help you create strong proposals and build relationships with Sponsors that are sustainable and beneficial for both sides.
