The next time you have a shelter event, don’t go it alone!
Consider corporate sponsorship for your next animal shelter or rescue event. Corporate sponsors can expand on own your advertising with their audience and reach. And a good partnership can provide access to a wider network of potential supporters and partners, including other businesses and community leaders.
So, how can you create this collaboration? It starts with a little self-interest.
What’s in it for Corporate Sponsors?
We know what the benefit to a shelter or rescue can be – a fundraising opportunity or a chance for more exposure. But what to companies get out of the deal?
Corporate partnerships often include opportunities for employee involvement, which they use for team building and morale. Some companies will sponsor employees’ volunteer efforts. You can take advantage of this by offering to sponsor volunteer days, where employees can work at the shelter, or have them participate in fundraising and awareness events. You get labor, and the company get to improve employee morale and promote community support.
Identifying Potential Corporate Sponsors
Choosing the right corporate sponsor is about matching your shelter’s needs with a partner who shares your values and vision.
Look for companies that already have deal with animal welfare. Check past initiatives and commitments. What organizations do they currently sponsor? What events have they supported? Their previous work can offer insights into how they might support your shelter.
Types of Businesses That Often Partner with Shelters
Pet-related businesses, such as pet supply stores or veterinary clinics, naturally align with animal welfare goals. Additionally, explore community-focused businesses, like:
- Local supermarkets,
- Restaurants
- Fitness centers
- Book stores
Additional types of businesses include:
- Local Animal Services and Trainers: These can include dog trainers, pet groomers, and boarding facilities. They directly interact with pet owners and can offer valuable support and exposure.
- Pharmacies and Health Stores: Especially those that stock pet-related health products. Collaborations could involve educational events about pet health and wellness.
- Outdoor and Sporting Goods Stores: These businesses often cater to pet owners who enjoy outdoor activities with their pets, making them a natural fit for collaborations.
- Home and Garden Centers: Many dog and cat owners look for pet-friendly home and garden solutions. Partnering with these stores could involve joint events or promotions.
- Local Artisans and Craft Stores: They could create unique, pet-related products, with a portion of proceeds supporting the shelter. This could include pet portraits, custom collars, or handcrafted toys.
- Coffee Shops and Cafés: Particularly those with pet-friendly spaces. They could host meet-and-greet events or display information about your shelter.
- Children’s Stores and Educational Centers: These can be great partners for events that aim to educate young people about animal care and welfare.
- Pet Insurance Companies: Collaborate for educational seminars or information sessions about the benefits of pet insurance.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Businesses: Aligning with businesses that focus on sustainability can resonate with a demographic that values environmental stewardship, often overlapping with animal welfare concerns.
Who gets to be the next lucky sponsor?
Partnering with Local Businesses
Local businesses can offer more personalized support. They have a vested interest in the local community and its well-being. Collaborations with local businesses can lead to stronger community ties. They might be more hands-on, helping to host events or participate in small-scale fundraisers.
Collaborating with Larger Corporations
Working with national corporations can open doors to broader exposure and resources. This can mean significant financial support or wide-reaching awareness campaigns. However, these relationships might require more formal agreements and a structured approach. Be prepared to meet professional expectations and perhaps sign a contract or two.
Whether it’s financial backing, in-kind donations, or specialized expertise, the right partnership can foster growth and stability for your shelter. Before speaking with anyone, take the time to research and potential sponsors and come prepared for reasons why they should work with your organization.
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