9 Ways to Attract Sponsors for Your Gala Event

STOCK Development Presenting sponsor for STARability 2026 Gala

STARability Foundation is thrilled to announce STOCK Development will serve as presenting sponsor of the eighth Annual STAR Gala, “Where Abilities Shine: Generosity Blooms,” on Saturday, February 7, 2026. This year’s event, which begins at 3:30 PM at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, will illuminate abilities and support the organization’s life-changing programs, experiences and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“As a family-owned company, we are committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work, and we are proud to support STARability Foundation and its worthy mission,” said Brian Stock, CEO of STOCK Development. “We look forward to another successful event, where we can shine a light on persons with unique abilities and all they add to our community.”

STOCK Development has been a long-time supporter of STARability’s STAR Gala. For 25 years, the company and its associates have demonstrated an enduring commitment to enhance the lives of children and families throughout Southwest Florida. In addition to STARability Foundation, STOCK’s team supports a variety of local charitable organizations, including hurricane relief efforts, American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities, CMON Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Habitat for Humanity, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Florida Gulf Coast University, Youth Haven, Make-A-Wish Foundation and many more.

The 2026 STAR Gala will be co-chaired by local philanthropists and sisters Jenny Haire, Barbie Kellam and Morgan Rodgers. Following a sold-out event in 2025 that raised over $3.2 million to support STARability, this year’s extraordinary event will feature a lively and extended cocktail garden party, an extensive silent auction and exciting live auction, and dancing.

More Information

Limited sponsorships are available. To view the full list of current event sponsors, underwriters and available opportunities, visit secure.qgiv.com/event/starabilityfoundationgala.

For more information about STARability’s 2026 STAR Gala, visit STARability.org/gala.

9 Ways to Attract Sponsors for Your Gala Event

Gala events are special occasions in the world of philanthropy. They are more than just gatherings of important people; they create memorable experiences that bring together compassion and action.

These events can ignite passion, raise money, and build lasting connections, all for a good cause.

However, behind every successful gala event are sponsors who believe in the mission and contribute their resources to make it happen.

In this blog, we will share nine effective strategies to attract sponsors for your gala event. From understanding your target audience to creating appealing sponsorship proposals, we will guide you through building strong partnerships.

If you want to amplify your fundraising impact, sign up with BetterWorld today.

#1 Identify Your Potential Sponsors

Understanding your audience is key to snagging sponsors for your gala event. When you completely understand your target audience, you get to host a gala event that matches their wavelength.

Here’s what you need to do to identify your potential sponsors and appeal to them:

• To find those perfect sponsors, do some deep research. Check out businesses that support industries related to your cause.
• Look for sponsors whose products or values complement your mission. If you’re an environment-conserving organization, connect with pro-sustainability eco-friendly companies.
• Next, analyze sponsors’ CSR efforts. Seek out companies that care about making a difference and have supported causes like yours in the past.
• Get involved with local businesses that are within your community. These sponsors will be delighted to support local events and join your mission.
• You can also engage with like-minded individuals and organizations in your sector. They could refer you to potential sponsors who are aligned with your mission.
• When reaching out to sponsors, show them the perks. Let them see how supporting your event will boost their brand, give them exposure, and connect them with their target customers.
• Paint a picture of how your partnership will make their business soar to new heights.
• Building trust and collaboration with sponsors is important. It ensures ongoing support for your event and other initiatives.
• Together, you can increase your impact, create loyal advocates, and unlock opportunities.

#2 Develop a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal

Crafting a compelling proposal to invite sponsors to your gala event can help you get your foot in the door and start conversations regarding sponsorship. Here’s a template you can follow to write a killer proposal:

Organization

City, State ZIP

Dear [Company Name],

I am writing on behalf of [Nonprofit Name], a [X]-year-old organization serving the [demographic] in [Community Name]. We kindly request your support as our official corporate sponsor for our upcoming fundraising event.

Our goal is to raise [X amount] to fund a critical [project]. With a [type] fundraising event planned on [date], partnering with [Company Name] will have a significant impact on our success.

We kindly request [service or donation amount] from [Company Name]. In return, we offer prominent recognition as the event’s official sponsor, with your logo displayed in our materials, signage, and social media campaigns. Your commitment to the [Community Name] community will be highlighted in our press releases.

If [Company Name] prefers alternative ways to contribute [service or donation amount], we are open to discussing customized sponsorship options.

Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of the people we serve. Please contact us at [contact information] to discuss further or arrange a meeting. We genuinely appreciate your consideration.

Thank you for your dedication to our community. We look forward to partnering with [Company Name].

Your Position/Title

Nonprofit Name

Note: Make sure to tweak the template as per the event requirements and the nature of the organization you’re contacting.

#3 Use Your Existing Network

• You need to reach out to your squad of friends, family, and colleagues who might have connections to potential sponsors.

92% of people trust recommendations from their inner circle, explores a study by Nielsen, so tapping into personal connections can be a game-changer.

• Identify nonprofits or community organizations that share your values and mission. By joining forces, you can create an irresistible sponsorship package that appeals to sponsors looking to make a broader impact.

91% of consumers are likely to switch brands to support a cause, says research by Cone Communications, so together, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

• Put on your socializing hat and hit up networking events, conferences, and community gatherings. Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange business cards, and follow up afterward to nurture those relationships.

85% of professionals believe in-person meetings and conferences are vital for building strong business relationships, Forbes Insights reveals. So mustn’t ignore the magic of face-to-face interactions.

• Dive into the alumni associations, corporate networks, and professional organizations your nonprofit and team members are part of. These networks often offer dedicated platforms and events for networking and mentorship, providing access to potential sponsors passionate about supporting charitable causes.

70% of people were hired at a company where they had a connection, LinkedIn reports. This shows the impact of networking.

• Social media is your megaphone for reaching potential sponsors. Share captivating content about your gala event, your nonprofit’s mission, and the impact you’re making. Use relevant hashtags, tag industry influencers, and rally your followers to spread the word.

74% of consumers rely on social media to guide their purchasing decisions, an ODM group study tells us. So harness that power to attract sponsors.

#4 Offer Unique Incentives to Sponsors

• Forget cookie-cutter options and create personalized sponsorship packages that cater to sponsors’ goals.

For example, as a fitness brand targeting health-conscious millennials, you can design a package that includes exclusive workout sessions with a celebrity trainer or branded fitness gear for event attendees.

• Research shows that personalized experiences increase brand affinity by 78% and drive sponsor loyalty. Offer to make sponsors shine like supernovas by securing prime real estate for their logos, like towering banners and eye-catching signage.

• Use your event website and the mobile app to feature dedicated sponsor sections, giving them a spotlight that can’t be missed. Make sure sponsors get the visibility they deserve.
• Roll out the red carpet and treat sponsors like rock stars. You can create VIP moments they’ll never forget. Make the sponsors mingle with A-list speakers or give them the opportunity to enjoy backstage tours with behind-the-scenes access.
• Exclusive encounters will forge deep connections between sponsors and guests, resulting in amplified brand recognition and a network of loyal supporters.

• Keep the sponsorship love going beyond the event itself. Make the sponsors bask in year-round recognition that keeps their brand in the spotlight. Give them space on your event website, give them a shout-out in newsletters, and invite them to participate in events throughout the year.

#5 Give Customized Sponsorship Packages

When it comes to attracting sponsors for your nonprofit gala event, one size does not fit all. Offering customized sponsorship packages tailored to the unique needs and objectives of each sponsor is a game-changer. Here’s what you need to do:

• Understanding what sponsors are seeking to achieve through their involvement: brand visibility, reaching a specific target audience, demonstrating corporate social responsibility, and aligning their objectives with your event is crucial.

For example, if a sponsor aims to target millennials, you can offer them exclusive engagement opportunities during the event, such as hosting an interactive booth or sponsoring a social media contest.

• Back up your sponsorship packages with data and insights that showcase the potential reach and impact of the event.

For example, highlight that last year’s gala event attracted 500 guests, garnered over 1 million social media impressions, and resulted in a 20% increase in donations compared to the previous year.

• Offer unique experiences and opportunities for sponsors to connect with participants authentically.

For example, a food sponsor could have a dedicated tasting station, while a fashion brand could showcase its latest collection through a runway show.

#6 Share Success Stories

One powerful way to attract sponsors for your gala event is by sharing success stories that demonstrate the impact of your nonprofit’s work. Here’s what you can do:

• Share compelling case studies that showcase how your nonprofit’s initiatives have positively transformed lives or communities.
• Provide detailed narratives, including the challenges faced, actions taken, and measurable outcomes achieved.

For example, you could share how your organization’s educational programs helped increase graduation rates by 30% in underserved areas, leading to greater economic opportunities for students.

• Feature heartfelt testimonials from individuals or communities that have directly benefited from your nonprofit’s efforts.
• Quotes, videos, or personal stories add a human touch and make your impact more relatable. Include specific examples of how sponsor support contributed to these success stories.

For example, you could feature a testimonial from a single mother who, thanks to your nonprofit’s housing program funded by sponsors, now has a safe and stable home for her family.

• Use visually engaging content to present success stories. Create infographics that visually represent your programs’ impact and the sponsors’ contributions.
• Graphs, charts, and before-and-after visuals can effectively convey the positive changes brought about by your nonprofit.

In-person events and galas made easy!

• Mobile Check-In — easily track and check in donors into any event from any device
• Keep your bidders coming back with optional outbid notifications via text
• Raise additional funds for your event by displaying sponsors on your online pages
• Downloadable table cards with short-links & QR codes to make it easy to bid

#7 Offer VIP Experiences

When it comes to attracting sponsors for your nonprofit’s gala event, one powerful strategy is to offer VIP experiences that leave a lasting impression. This is something you can do:

• Take your sponsors’ gala experience to the next level by providing VIP hospitality and exquisite dining experiences.
• Team up with renowned chefs or local gourmet restaurants to organize a special menu exclusively for VIP sponsors, offering culinary delights and exceptional service.
• Offer sponsors a glimpse behind the curtain with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and immersive experiences.
• Consider arranging meet-and-greet opportunities with keynote speakers, performers, or celebrities attending the gala, creating memorable moments that sponsors can treasure.
• Highlight your sponsors’ commitment to social responsibility by featuring their CSR initiatives and impact during the gala event.
• Dedicate a section or an interactive booth where VIP sponsors can showcase their philanthropic efforts, sustainability practices, or community engagement projects.

#8 Say Thanks

Taking the time to say thanks not only shows your appreciation but also strengthens your relationships with sponsors. Let’s see how cultivating gratitude can level up your sponsor game:

• Research shows that personalized thank-you notes can increase donor retention rates by up to 80%. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
• Publicly acknowledging sponsors’ support during your gala event and other marketing channels amplifies their brand visibility and fosters a sense of pride. So, let’s give credit where it’s due.
• Share stories and data showcasing the tangible impact of sponsor contributions. Collect testimonials from beneficiaries, volunteers, or staff members who have directly experienced the positive outcomes made possible by sponsor support. 83% of millennials are more likely to trust companies that can help them make an impact through corporate social responsibility efforts.

#9 Follow Up

After you’re done with your gala event, it’s time to focus your energies on strengthening relationships with your sponsors. You need to understand that following up with sponsors is crucial for nurturing those connections and securing ongoing support. Let’s look at ways to level up the follow-up game:

• Start by showing sincere appreciation for your sponsors’ support. For example, “Thanks to your generous sponsorship, we raised $X, which enabled us to provide X meals to families in need.”
• Share a comprehensive post-event report showcasing the success of the gala event. For example, “Our gala event attracted X guests, reached X social media users, and generated X media impressions, giving your brand extensive exposure.”
• Show sponsors how their support directly impacted your nonprofit’s mission. For example, “Thanks to your sponsorship, we were able to provide scholarships to X students, empowering them to pursue their dreams.”
• Keep the momentum going by offering ongoing opportunities for engagement. Invite sponsors to attend other nonprofit events, volunteer activities, or exclusive networking sessions.
• Don’t let the connection fade away. Keep sponsors in the loop with regular updates about your nonprofit’s activities, achievements, and upcoming events.

Final Thoughts

When you’re out there hustling for sponsors, keep in mind it’s not just about getting funds. It’s also about collaboration, aligning with shared objectives, and spreading the word about your nonprofit’s mission.

By putting in the grind, unleashing your creativity, and staying committed to building relationships, your gala event can be a great opportunity to impact and bring sponsors and supporters together positively.

Don’t forget, each sponsor you snag gives you a boost in the short run and brings you closer to reaching your nonprofit’s major goals and making this place a BetterWorld for all from beginning to end.

FAQs

What Are the Different Types of Sponsorships?

There are 4 different types of sponsorships:

• Financial event sponsorship
• In-kind sponsorship
• Media event sponsorship
• Promotional partners

How Do You Make Sponsors Feel Special?

To make sponsors feel special, it’s important to go above and beyond to express acknowledgment and show genuine appreciation for their support. Here are a few ways to achieve that:

• Send personalized thank-you notes highlighting their specific impact on the event’s success
• Offer exclusive perks
• Maximize their visibility through prominent branding opportunities
• Extend gratitude even after the event day
• Show a commitment to maintaining the relationship beyond the gala

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About Whit Hunter

Whit Hunter is the co-founder of BetterWorld , the free, easy-to-use online fundraising platform. His passion for empowering nonprofits and tech expertise have shaped BetterWorld’s mission to make fundraising more accessible and efficient.

Whit’s innovative vision has helped countless organizations raise more funds and reach their goals, driving BetterWorld’s ongoing success.

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