A project of the Afterschool Alliance

Using Lights On as a Funding Opportunity

Lights On Afterschool is a great opportunity to raise money for your program or organization. Your event can offer sponsors valuable exposure to the media, to families, and to current and potential customers. Make sure to check out our case studies below.

attract

Getting event sponsors can be a great way to help cover the cost of your Lights On Afterschool event, and it gives sponsors a way to show they are involved in the community.

Tips to Attract Sponsors
promote

In return for their contributions, sponsors will probably be looking for ways to increase their exposure in the community. Here are 30+ ideas to help you promote their involvement.

How to Promote Sponsors
promote

Use this template to draft letters to potential sponsors who may be interested in supporting your event. To make it most effective, personalize it with information about your program.

Sample Letter to Sponsors
Pointers from the Pros
Cultural event opens the door to a new contribution

Camdenton, Missouri

Media coverage of the event caught the eye of a local business executive, leading to a gift of $20,000 in computer equipment.

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Achieving a bigger and higher profile through collaboration

Columbus, Ohio

Dynamic partnerships allowed organizers to put together a large-scale event that attracted speakers such as Mayor Michael Coleman and former Miami Dolphin football star Demetrius Stanley.

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Working with local restaurants to forge creative partnerships in smaller, rural communities

Ridgecrest, California

Three area restaurants in a small military community were the chief sponsors of Lights On Afterschool rallies at four Southern Sierra Boys & Girls Club and Sierra Sands Unified School District afterschool program sites. The restaurants donated food, space inside the restaurant to promote the rally, and gift certificates for contest winners.

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Committee connects to business for support

Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona School Age Coalition succeeded in securing sponsors for Lights On Afterschool by forming a committee that was dedicated to getting the ask out. Sponsors ranged from Newman's Own Organics to the City of Phoenix, and in-kind donations of supplies from the School District, First Book, and others. The committee was primarily made up of school-age providers plus others with a vested interest in children.

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