Building Relationships and Finding Funding
Taking your organization’s mission on the road with a mobile tour has numerous benefits from increased outreach and awareness, to recruitment and donations. But in the realm of nonprofits, the need for financial backing is a standard reality and finding corporate backers can be challenging. Identifying a corporate financial partner for your tour is a solution that mutually benefits your organization and your sponsor.
Choosing to use a corporate partner for your tour not only provides your organization the financial assistance it most likely needs, but the exposure and recognition that come with having a familiar and reputable company endorsing your cause.
Finding a corporate partner with similar interests and goals is extremely important. Many companies have predetermined causes they support, and you’ll want to be sure they align with your mission. An organization that is dedicated to supporting early education programs would not be likely to fund a tour that is generating awareness for health and well-being. Having objectives that line up with your partner’s will help you both better utilize your influence.
When you’ve narrowed down your search and found a corporate partner that seems to be the right fit, you’ll need to sell your mobile tour concept. Create an executive summary or project description that clearly lays out the mission and vision of your tour, funds needed etc. You’ll also need to include how your corporate partner will benefit in exchange for their funding. Not only will they receive exposure from the tour itself, but other benefits may include use of your website or social media sites, databases, logo placement, and more.
Once you’ve found a corporate partner, collaboratively create a detailed plan for your tour. Aside from the design of your exhibit, this should include tour stops each both parties want to target, key demographics to reach and messaging to which both of you should adhere to.
