Corporate or business funding is a great way to boost your group’s income. There are many ways your local links can come in handy. Businesses can offer general, unrestricted funding or sponsor specific events.
They can help by:
Selecting your group as their Charity Of The Year — fundraising in aid of your cause throughout the year, through events and activities of your choice (such as a sponsored walk, wear orange day, or cake sale)
Sponsoring an event or activity you’re hosting
Organising a one-off fundraising event in aid of your group, such as a charity ball
Providing a one-off corporate donation
Connecting you with other companies and potential supporters
Tips and tricks:
When asking businesses for a donation, it’s best to focus on your local businesses as they’re the most likely to support the MS Society in your area.
Companies are more likely to donate if a member of their staff recommends a charity. Speak to your family, friends and volunteers in your group about their business contacts . Don’t forget you can also ask for gifts, such as meal or clothing vouchers — they make excellent raffle prizes.
You can use our letter template here to approach local businesses. Just remember to edit it to suit your needs.
If you write to a business, it’s a good idea to follow up your letter with a phone call a week or so later.
If a company does offer a donation, don’t forget to send a ‘thank you’ letter telling them how their support’s making a difference. Include photos and press cuttings if you have them, or write a story in your MS Society newsletter. Remember, though, that you can’t publish the company’s logo, or advertise their products or services, in your newsletter or on our website.
