Thanks Joe and Jeff for adding value to the discussion here!

Hey Jeff,

First, thanks for commenting!

Regarding what types of messages we promote for sponsors, we generally decide that on a case by case basis. One way that has kept our pitching for sponsors positive is by insisting that whenever we pitch for them we also pitch for us! So a lot of times our message are intertwined, which they oftentimes appreciate because they see the benefit of having their name linked with ours. It's also good for us because it restricts the activities we can be involved in, if you know what I mean.

We don't accept paid sponsorships for tweeting or posting or any social media activities. All these things are value-add to a more traditional sponsorship, like say an event sponsorship to our big Halloween event we have every October.

I think the important thing to remember here is that you're not a marketing or pr firm working for your sponsors. Your a cause, a partner that works with them to achieve mutually beneficial goals.

I hope this helps. Let me know if it doesn't.

Joe

<abbr>Joe Waters’s last blog post..Selling Local Sponsorships for Nonprofits: Reaching Out to Prospects</abbr>

@Jeff - The main point of Joe's remarks were how non-profits can add value by teaching corporate sponsors how to use social media (like iParty). In the case of cause marketing, both the non-profit and corporate sponsor work together to create campaigns that enhance both the corporate brand and the goals of the non-profit. I'll get Joe to comment here as well.

So what type of corporate sponsor messages should come from the nonprofit and what types shouldn't? John, do you have some examples or guidelines so that the messages don't seem like spam, advertising or blantant sales promotion? Perhaps Danielle or Joe do? And how do you handle with the sponsor then wants to pay the nonprofit to distribute emails/tweets/posts about them in the social space? Even further, what about the fine line of paid advertising that the IRS then wants to tax?

<abbr>Jeff Hurt’s last blog post..JeffHurt: @GregRuby The link in that didn't work for some reason. Here's correct link: http://ow.ly/2JQ1</abbr>

@Danielle - Great point! So one benefit of getting into social media is to develop a broad social media network that corporate sponsors might want to tap into.

I think many corporate sponsors will see value in a powerful online community backing a non-profit. If they don't I'm not sure they are a company worth partnering with. I know at NWF we want to provide value to our sponsors and I think that some messages mean so much more coming from us than from their own social media presences.

Jon, I'm glad it was helpful! I'm actually writing a whole series of posts called "Selling Local Sponsorships for Nonprofits" on my blog, Selfishgiving.com. I hope you'll check it out! I think it will be helpful to you.

<abbr>Joe Waters’s last blog post..Selling Local Sponsorships for Nonprofits: Prospecting Circles, Part II</abbr>

I serve as the volunteer president of the local Children's Aid Foundation, and am still fairly new to the world of nonprofits and fundraising. Sponsorship will play a major role in our small and still young Foundation's growth in the coming months and years and the insight you've shared here will prove invaluable.

Thanks!