How can a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization for inner city youth get sponsorship?
I have a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization in the Arts and I mentor inner city at risk youth. I'm trying to get sponsors to help sponsor projects that I've put in place to help get a facility or space to start an after school program in the Arts.
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Sep 16, 2016
You can ask for business plan writers services from companies like http://infocrest.in/ that will help us sponsorship.
Jul 30, 2016
One thing that works well with Businesses that require investors, sponsors, supporters and or any other form of "outside money" is to go even farther with the programs to create ways for them to generate revenue for the company. In fact you may want to look into getting a B Corp status which gives you a non-profit status with for-profit freedoms... B Corp Businesses are called "Socially Responsible Businesses" because even though they make a profit they in turn put it into helping people in some way or another... which your Business is already rooted firmly in.
I say this because I'm an Artist myself so I know all the stigmas that come with it. A lot of people think it's "good" to have a "hobby"..... But don't really see creativity as anything of value in our society.. when it's actually just as Universal as being a doctor because EVERYTHING that exists right now came through various types of Artists at different phases of it's manifestation. Because people overall don't see the Arts as something valuable for us to excel in, it can be a bit more difficult to get support.
So one thing that helps is to make the different programs generate their own revenue somehow and map all that out in your blueprint.... show how you want them to grow and what types of things are needed for that growth and list extra things you plan to do with those items to generate more revenue.
The overall goal is to have a document that allows the potential supporter to be able to rationalize in their own head just what their money could do and see how it can move you forwards. For example, on your profile you speak on how fashion becomes more prominent to pre teens and teens because "acceptance" is determined by appearance. So say you set it up to where the kids ultimately create t-shirt designs that you sell on the web site, and that you eventually want to get a garment printer and a couple heat presses n what you're looking at so far ranges from $4,500-$7,000.... you could have all that outlined and the person looking at it can say to theirself "ok if I gave her $10,000 that would be enough to get the printer and heat presses which shows here would boost their profit per item by this much which means if they sold (blah) amount of shirts they would bring in (blah) amount of money..."..... without you having to stand there n point all that out.
Overall investors and supporters want to see how something is built to be self sustaining... they don't want THEIR SUPPORT to be the core bloodline of the Company where if they stop donating everything shuts down... that would mean all the money being taken in is being spent on "liabilities" rather than assets. Of course that's the core of how a non-profit works even though there's ways around it.... like instead of selling a T-Shirt for $20...... you could take "donations" and if they donate $20 or more they get a "free t-shirt" of their choice as a way to say thanks. Which brings me back to the B-Corp status... you can just sell them outright without having to skirt around technicalities to stay within the guidelines of that status.
So if you already do have ideas for making the activities of this place generate resources by all means start mapping it out on paper, even if it's not something you plan to do "just starting out" STILL put that stuff in there n outline the place you need to be in before you can grow into that phase of things. The more they can see the better they'll be able to rationalize just how useful their resources will be to the mechanism driving the Business. They don't want to invest in "cash gluttons" that just suck up every penny you throw at it and never budge or go anywhere... they need to be able to comfortably see this isn't one of those.
Jul 24, 2016
When I was launching my non-profit organization, I started with writing my business plan via https://www.ogscapital.com/services/nonprofit-business-plan service. This business plan helped me attract sponsors and partners. Unless you have a solid business plan, sponsors will not give you money.
Apr 3, 2014
Hit up major sports in your area. There are football teams and players, and other sports figures that need to have tax write offs for their income. They will donate locally to great causes. When I had my music school in Denver, Shannon Sharpe of the Denver Bronco's sponsored some of my Inner City Children learning music. You want sponsors, go for the big leagues. You will get their support if your programs are viable. It's a tree's forest thing.
Mar 28, 2014
Hi Regina,
As I am based in England and worked a lot with non for profit organisations, I would suggest networking with local business which do a lot of work in the community as part of their corporate social responsibility objectives.
From there, you pitch to them the benefits of being associated with your brand notably the win-win benefits, such as excellent PR.
Mar 27, 2014
You have not mentioned what kind of project related to arts your are going for?
Write in detail.
Mar 26, 2014
The good thing is you have a gripping and stirring story or narrative to build and share with others. 'Risk youth' is a community issue that is felt deeply by a community.
So one way to get some money to carry on the good work is crowdfunding from the community. Getting community members to participate would depend on the pitch of your story and how if not engaged might get the community into trouble.
The next might be is to hold public art exhibitions by the art created by the 'risk youth' under your guidance. This not only pulls in money but also uplifts the esteem of the 'risk youth' -- so necessary for their transformation. When you do a few of such exhibitions, I am sure you would attract more and more sponsors for your good work. Moreover, the sponsors may also get tax benefits for sponsoring your work.
However, the most important step is to think of ways to build an emotionally appealing story that pulls people and organizations to your good work.
Mar 26, 2014
Identify key partnerships - other non-profits who can help connect you to corporate and foundation grants.
Working with other community leaders such as churches and organizations like Elks Lodge can extend your reach by touching others who share similar missions.
The biggest weakness I've seen over the years is that org's try to go it alone and see only the differences with other groups. By seeing what common ground you share, there are synergies that leverage your separate tribes.
Mar 26, 2014
H Regina, First I would be considering what type of sponsorship you are looking for. For instance you could focus on:
1) Space.. A building . Free access for 2-5 hrs on a specific day.
for this you would need to decide on the location, type of building the size and access
2) Materials....... Some arts suppliers may sponsor / donate supplies.
For these things you should approach schools, or even churches that has space of a hall.
3) If you are looking for funding I have always found the local council helpful for small grants. Even so you will need to indicate the need and reason and the benefits that you will provide. Also include the approximate number of people attending and the general council are they come from.
Once you have a plan and structure together it will be a lot easier for companies to decide to support. You can use this for promotion. The other thing I do is to take some activity photos, and produce a simple Power Point presentation. Again you are presenting using a different medium, Plus seeing is more believing, It's more tangible.
P.s I trust that all of your helpers and assistances have working with children clearance, and that you have a copy of them.
Mar 26, 2014
Hi Regina, you were given some great feedback in this discussion. Do you have a Strategic Plan? This will help you map out what you need and how you are going to get it.
Next as I saw mentioned here before, reach out to local merchants, but not without sponsorship documents. Do you have a way they can be advertised for their support. Most companies will sponsor, but they need advertisement in return (most will not admit that). There are plenty of ways of doing this.
I can talk to more about this if you want . Just send me a message here.
Jul 22, 2016
Lashondra, you provided a great comment. It is actually one of my strategies when working with a couple of nonprofit I'm part of. Connecting people to become sponsors is not that hard, the difficult part is laying out a plan, creating a valuable and meaningful sponsorship package and looking for the best approaches that can honestly favor potentials interests. Advertising is key, but connecting the appropriate sponsors whose visions are aligned to the nonprofits ones is imperative.
Mar 26, 2014
Look local philanthropists currently contributing in either the arts or youth - but not both. Try selling them on a crossover idea: "Your already prominent in X why not extend your influence in X-Y?"
Although there may be a bit of competition involved, check with other local (and national) non-profits and talk with them about how your idea extends and enhances theirs.
Try using public events, particularly if you can already "spot-light" a current sponsor. This gets you press and shows you are promoting the sponsor as well.
Also, if you are specifically looking for space - look for organizations that already have underutilized space. You may be able to get them to "give" or they may work with you to get monies from a consortium of sponsors so the space can be made available.
Mar 26, 2014
Regina,
I am a sponsorship professional and my company helps organizations like yours. I have a couple of questions for you:
1. Do you have sponsorship materials that express your need AND offer benefits to potential sponsors?
2. How much time do you spend seeking sponsors?
3. How much time do you give potential sponsors to get on board?
4. Who are you asking for sponsorship?
The block to funding is usually found in those few questions. I'd love to learn more about what you do! Inbox me.
Jul 12, 2016
Can you contact me I have been trying to contact sponsors and can answer all of the questions you've posed.
Mar 26, 2014
Well NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS can get sponsors from different ways e,g ,cam get sponsors from govt,department & public companies .these sectors can cover all activities of non profit organizations or at least can facilitate their activities , then the other way through private sector which they aim at publicity ,approaching them with a short brief of the organization activities , one more you can get sponsors by businessmen & investors who likes to show off their positive side of their work or business.
Mar 26, 2014
Getting funding for inner city youth is extremely difficult from Private Funding sources.
There are some family offices and family foundations that do help but every one of them wants to see history and track record and past performance before you receive any $$
So the main source of funding in the beginning is from Federal or State or Municipal Government funds.
Once you start on a small scale and can demo a project activity than you will begin the trickle of Funds flowing.
Just do not loose hope especially if you can access friends and family and high school volunteers
best of Luck
Mar 26, 2014
The only way i can think of is to get a free fund raising program. In this type of program both the sponsor and the organization benefit and it is free for the organization. Send me a note if you are interested.
Mar 26, 2014
A 501 may be as low as $125 to become incorporated, depending on your state. That is going to be your first and most important move in the beginning because this process often takes at least six months to complete.
Mar 26, 2014
How many youth centers are there?
Most sponsorships for inner city youth are intervention or prevention, I worked with one which dealt with the highest risk. My answer will be closer to typical inner city youth programs.
Avoiding crime is one funding stream to explore and another which
STEAM aligns well with many organizations in either sector.
Acquiring private industry donors requires the business to have a goal to meet in social responsibility or typical ARTS foundation donors.
Most youth center organizations are part of the education delivery models or non profit partnerships like boys n girls club or united way.
Someone already mentioned the compelling story, one way to build a story is by having the youth tape the reasons they can curb unwanted behaviors and express themselves through art. I'm not the expert in fundraising, typically the avenues mentioned. I know of a few performing arts centers being proposed through charter high schools.
Good luck
Mar 26, 2014
Hi Regina, I would send a letter to local merchants in the immediate areas and really door to door is the best way. They get to meet you the organizer. If you cant do door to door then make a personal phone call. I believe this is the best way to bring awareness and sponsorship.
Best Regards,
Bryan Lee
Mar 26, 2014
Firstly: Engage your stakeholders.
Idea: Build an app that will be used by your network: Youth, sponsors, volunteers, corporate CSR teams.
The app will be your platform to showcase what your non profit does : videos, photo galleries, upcoming events, volunteer management, donations, looking out for sponsorships, special events.
Empower the youth by letting them upload content related to their artform.
The app will be admin controlled. Admin decides what content goes in. Unlike a website an app can talk to the users.
Hope this helps.
Rgds,
Chacko
Write a best aplication related to sponsors with all your need and forward to all banks/established NGO's/Financial institution's /Chief secretary Govt.,/charitable trusts/etc, . Hope you shall find best support..Thanks