Sponsoring the LLS way is so much more than recognition at Grand Finale. In addition to growing young leaders, sponsors are supporting live-saving, cutting-edge cancer research and services that are improving the lives of patients and their families.
Asking for large amounts of money can be intimidating, but remember that you are not asking them to give you money personally -- you are asking them to help cure cancer!
STEP 1: GETTING THE MEETING
You can secure commitments from companies now before the 7 week campaign begins! This is the only type of fundraising you can do before Kickoff. The #1 feedback we receive from from former candidates each year is "I wish I had started sooner on securing corporate sponsorships."
WHERE TO START: Before you reach out to any corporate connections, please connect with your LLS staff partner first. Click the link below for email examples to send to potential corporate sponsors and always copy your LLS staff partner on the email. The goal of your initial communication is just to get a meeting. DO NOT ask for or mention a sponsorship/donation via email. Save your ask for the meeting itself.
KEEP LLS INFORMED:
​We are to help! Please copy staff on all emails and invite us to all meetings. Additionally, you are an ambassador representing LLS to a corporation; therefore, it is important that we are aware of outreach to all companies.
STEP 2: MEETING PREP
YOU'VE SCHEDULED YOUR FIRST MEETING. NOW WHAT?
​1. LET US KNOW: Reach out to your LLS Staff person and make sure they know about it! Schedule time with them to create your presentation and practice together!​
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2. PREP: Do your homework on the company and the person you are meeting with. Incorporate the company’s values into your presentation. Use the resources provided in the SVOY online resource.
3. PRACTICE: Practice! Practice! Practice with your co-candidates and family!
STEP 3: DURING & AFTER THE MEETING
LETS GET SOME SPONSORS!
1. YOU'VE PRACTICED. YOU'RE READY! Get excited. Be confident. Lead with mission. Tell the broad impact LLS is making. Review the documents. Ask questions and create dialogue.
2. WHAT IF THEY SAY NO?: Talk about the many other ways a company can support. Always be gracious for their time. You hosting this meeting and making that ask is a win in and of itself!
3. AFTER THE MEETING: Immediately send an email that LLS provides for you with any follow-up action items and copy your LLS staff partner. Then, mail a hand-written thank you note.
Activations
Activations are EXPERIENCES that we offer our sponsors that help bring their brand to life. For example, an auto dealership may choose to be our "Ride in Luxury" sponsor and donate a fancy car for the Honored Hero's family to arrive at Grand Finale. Or, a tech-savvy company may want to be the "Say Cheese" sponsor and have their logo displayed by our photo booth.
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There are endless activation opportunities for companies of all sizes, and we can even work with them to create something personal and new! Your LLS staff partner will work with you to brainstorm the activations that you present to sponsors.