Sponsorship

As a not-for-profit organisation, Clean Up the World relies on sponsorship and support from a range of companies and organisations to continue its work. The campaign is conducted in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and other Partners are listed in our Partners section.

In order to either fund or off-set costs associated with Clean Up the World activities Members may wish to seek financial and/or in-kind support from local businesses, community organisations or government bodies.

Support can come in two forms:

1.Commercial Arrangement/Sponsorship - whereby a company gives your organisation either money or goods to support activities in return for benefits such as branding on your promotional and/or campaign materials

2.Donation - money, goods or services to assist with environmental activities are provided but no return from your organisation is expected.

Before you approach a company or organisation for sponsorship be clear what it is that you have to offer and how this association will benefit both the sponsor and your initiatives.

Some questions to ask yourself before approaching a prospective sponsor:

• Is there a conflict with a global sponsor or supporter, i.e. are they a competitor?
• Does the sponsorship fit with your initiative? Is the sponsor serious about fixing the environment, just as you are, or are they attempting to look good by association rather than action? (ensure the prospective sponsor is not involved in negative environmental actions)
• What will the sponsor want in return? Does the cost of delivering benefits to the sponsor outweigh what you are getting in return? Can you offer them what they are looking for?
• What amount of time do you need to put in to make this sponsorship work? Is the amount of work required to attract the sponsor and then deliver the benefits greater than what their financial support could help to achieve - if yes then you may wish to rethink the partnership.

Be prepared to answer a range of questions about your activity or project, including how any money will be used and who else is participating. Make your request as specific as possible and share your vision for your initiative in a way that gets the sponsor enthusiastic about being involved.

Clean Up the World has provided a sample sponsorship approach letter (see below) which may be used by Members to contact potential sponsors.

Delivering Benefits
If you secure sponsorship of any level there are some steps you will need to undertake to ensure a positive experience for both parties:

• Draw up a short document outlining the agreement and benefits that are to be delivered along with any financial component and have both parties sign this. Ensure the benefits are achievable and measurable
• Hold regular meetings with your sponsor so that they understand how the activity is progressing and ways in which they can be involved
• If you are placing their logo on materials always seek their approval before printing
• In addition to the base agreement, look for other ways for your sponsor to be involved - invite them to planning meetings or extend an invitation to their staff to participate in your activities. Maybe they would be interested in promoting your activities through their own marketing or advertising campaigns
• Following completion of your activities, provide your sponsor with a short report on outcomes, achievements and success stories, along with a letter or certificate of appreciation (your Membership Kit contains a certificate template that can be used for this purpose).
  

Sample Sponsorship Approach Letter (84.99kb)