On Tour Resources 2025: Sponsorship
Why Sponsors Matter
Sponsors help cover event costs, boost profitability, and expand marketing reach. They aren’t just funders—they can also promote your event, sell tickets, and talk up your organization to their networks. Strong sponsorships increase both revenue and attendance while building long-term community partnerships.
Types of Sponsorships
- Cash Sponsors: Offer clear levels with perks like logos, tickets, and recognition. Emphasize that funds directly support grassroots environmental work.
- In-Kind Sponsors: Many businesses prefer donating goods or services—printing, advertising, food, beverages, tech, raffle prizes, or venue support. Ask for items you’d otherwise buy.
- Raffles & Giveaways: Raffles raise extra funds; seek unique prizes like outdoor gear or local experiences. Giveaways for early ticket buyers create buzz and urgency. The WSFF National Partner Kit is a great raffle item.
Keys to Success
- Start Early: Sponsorships take time to secure—sometimes months or years.
- Be Personal: A letter alone won’t cut it. Meet in person, follow up, and ask what sponsors actually need.
- Tailor Your Proposal: Match benefits to sponsor goals and be flexible with levels of giving.
- Stay on Timeline: Set clear deadlines so sponsors can be included on print materials and slides.
- Mutual Benefit: Your event gains funding and reach; sponsors gain visibility as green leaders.
- Think Long-Term: Relationships, not transactions, build sustainability.
Where to Look
- Outdoor gear shops, natural food stores, coffee houses
- Restaurants, breweries, bakeries
- Hotels, B&Bs, adventure companies
- Beverage companies
- Local media (radio, newspapers)
- Other nonprofits
Sample Sponsorship Documents
Sample Sponsorship Recruitment Letter
(This version is an editable Word Document)
WSFF Flagship Sponsor Deck 2025-26 (Our Home Fest Deck)
Credit: Friends of Nevada Wilderness/Knit Studios
What You Can Offer Sponsors
- Logo on posters, slides, website, or giveaways (bags, bottles, shirts)
- Verbal thank-you during the event
- Complimentary tickets
- Exclusive experiences (guided hike, river trip, meet-the-filmmaker)
Next Steps
Consider creating a sponsorship deck or letter tailored to your community.
Stay open, adaptable, and gracious—these relationships grow with time.
- Want to go deeper? Check out our short webinar series above or the sample decks below on securing Sponsorship—otherwise we are happy to schedule a call and help talk out a plan! We are here to help.
