Letter writing can be a scary process. The blank page combined with the desire to sound professional, educational (in case they have never heard of your cause), and sincere can be crippling for anyone trying to write their first of many sponsorship letters. Deep breath. We can’t all be Hemingway, so put that level of perfection from your mind right now.
Before you begin writing you need to know what you are asking for. Is it donations of food or beverages to sell at your booth during the walk? A monetary donation? Permission to post information in or around their building? Narrow this down and work from there. Much like a cover letter, you will want to hit the following three points:
- Who you are/your cause
- Why you have chosen them specifically to help you (do some research!)
- A personal story
However, keep in mind the number of letters you will be delivering/sending. This level of attention and time can not be devoted to 50+ potential sponsors (unless this is your actual job). You will want to complete a more general letter (see example below) to send in mass and save the more pointed letters for those who you think can/will donate in a big way.
EXAMPLE
DATE
Dear SPONSOR NAME:
Lupus remains under recognized, despite the fact that over 1.5 million Americans have lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can ravage any part of the body. Below is the personal story of YOUR TEAM NAME team captain(or whomever), NAME:
It was April 2012 and I couldn’t help but stare around the room. I paid close attention to every aspect of the room. Like the ugly burgundy carpet with tiny cream colored polka dots or the fake plant collecting dust in its leaves in the corner. I wanted to remember this room.
For almost a year, I had been searching for an answer. The answers were never there. Finally, the day came. I remember those tiny cream colored polka dots on the carpet blurring as they danced in my field of vision when the doctor said to me, “Your ANA test came back positive”. A positive Antinuclear Antibody test indicates that there is an autoimmune disease present in my body.
After more blood work, referrals, and an appointment with a specialist, I met my new fate on December 12, 2012. I didn’t care to inspect the room. I can’t tell you what the carpet looked like or the paintings on the wall, if any. But, I do remember my heart falling into the pit of my stomach when I heard the words, “It looks like you’ve got lupus”. Then, I crumbled.
There is no cure for lupus. It will never go away. I can’t take a magical pill or get a vaccine that will rid me of this daily burden I live with. My joints ache. My memory is dull. My skin is sensitive. My hair is thinning. My stomach is burning. My body is…exhausted.
The hardest part about lupus is not the ignorant medical professionals, insensitive family and friends, the constant blood work, or the consuming disease—it’s knowing that you will never have peace. I have accepted that I have lupus. I do not pity myself or the others because we are soldiers in this battle. I refuse to accept that I will never obtain peace. There will be a day when I will no longer feel any pain and I can live my life the way I have always dreamt of. But that requires you
Yes, I need you. I need to you to be aware of lupus and the damage it causes not only to the body but the soul. I need you to refuse to accept that there is no cure and demand adequate research and awareness. I need you to help change my life and the lives of millions of others. I need you to support my team, Purple Is The New Black, as we Walk To End Lupus Now in Boston.
We need you.
Thank You,
NAME
On DATE I will be helping the Lupus Foundation of America solve the cruel mystery of lupus, the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Funds raised through Walk to End Lupus Now support a comprehensive program of research, education, advocacy, and support.
Every bit helps. Your donation will provide our team with a way to spread Lupus awareness to every person we encounter, not only on the day of the walk but every day after that we wear our team shirts we will be bringing Lupus awareness to the community.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
NAME
CONTACT INFORMATION: Website, Email, Phone, Twitter, and Facebook
A few final tips: Keep your letter to a single page, include a deadline for them to get back to you, write a few drafts, have a friend proofread them, and don’t forget to follow-up about two weeks later if you haven’t heard back.
Check back for our blogs on saying thank you and how to team build, as well as an exciting post from Purple Is The New Black Team Captain, Gladys!
Happy Walking!
Purple Is The New Black
Purple is the New Black 