Best free sponsorship proposal template for nonprofits

In North America, sponsorships total over $22.3B annually. That’s a lot of money for nonprofits that want to make an impact.

But to get funding, you need a strong corporate sponsorship proposal that communicates who you are, what support you need, and why your would-be sponsors should get on board.

In this guide, we’ll explain when to use a corporate sponsorship proposal, how to write one effectively, and what to include in the different types of letters you’re likely to send. We’ll also share a template for each letter so you can quickly customize them to impress your potential partners.

When to send a sponsorship proposal

When you’re aiming to hit a fundraising milestone or expand your reach by attracting a new audience, corporate sponsorship—whether in the form of financial contributions or in-kind donations—can be the perfect stepping stone to get you there. 

However, corporate sponsors don’t just say yes to every opportunity. You need to convince them that your nonprofit is the right recipient for their support in a mutually beneficial partnership. 

One of the best ways to demonstrate that your nonprofit is a good match is by sending a well-crafted sponsorship request letter. But knowing which type of letter to send, and when, can be tricky—especially if you’re new to securing corporate sponsors.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of letters you should consider sending, and when to send each:

• Sponsorship request letter: Send this to prospective sponsors for a singular event or to small, local businesses. It’s an ideal choice when you’re contacting sponsors who have more authority to make quick decisions. You can also include this letter as part of a larger sponsorship proposal.
• Sponsorship proposal: Detailed sponsorship proposals should be your go-to method when targeting large corporate sponsors, long-term partnerships, or high-value sponsorships.
• Sponsorship thank you letter: Send a thank you letter or email to any sponsor or partner after you’ve agreed to terms and signed on the dotted line (and again once your event is over!).

We’ll cover all of these types of letters in more detail, along with matching sponsorship proposal templates for each. 

Top tips for how to prepare a sponsorship proposal

Writing a sponsorship proposal shares similarities with other messages nonprofits might send to get donations from companies. 

Your letter or proposal should be persuasive and include the key details your recipient needs to make an informed decision. Beyond these basic elements, here are a few expert tips that can help elevate your proposal:

• Keep your writing clear and concise 📝 Make sure your letter or proposal is easy to read with short paragraphs, straightforward language, and plenty of white space. 
• Research your would-be sponsor 🕵️ Take the time to review their website, social media accounts, and recent press to find any connections to your cause and whether the business feels like a good match. 
• Communicate why you’re a perfect partner 💗 Use the insights you’ve gained from your research to explain why your nonprofit aligns with their goals and deserves their financial support.
• Supplement your proposal with facts and case studies 🖼️ Evidence your need and past success with data from previous events, campaigns, and programs. Use data visualization to turn those figures into powerful charts and infographics.
• Build a relationship with your contact 😃 Whenever possible, find out your intended recipient’s name and personalize your letter. Make it easy for them to follow up with you by including your contact information. 
• Customize each sponsorship proposal 🎨 While using a template can save time, be sure to tailor every proposal you send to the recipient’s individual interests and priorities.
• Check for errors before you hit send ✔️ Ask a team member to review your proposal and give it a final read-through before you send it on its way to your future sponsor.

How to write a corporate sponsorship letter

A sponsorship request letter is one of the most effective ways nonprofits secure financial contributions or in-kind donations from businesses. Once you’ve identified potential sponsors, sending a personalized sponsorship letter allows you to make your request in a formal yet simple way.

What your sponsorship request letter should include

Your sponsorship letter serves as an introduction to your request, sparking interest and providing the next steps for those interested. Be sure to include the following key details:

• Recipient's name: Always address the letter to a specific individual. If you're not sure who the decision-maker is, the Head of Marketing or Head of Event Planning is a safe bet. For smaller businesses, address it to the owner.
• Personal introduction: Use the first 1-2 sentences of your letter to make things personal, referencing the individual’s or company's connection with your cause or event.
• The purpose of your event: In the next 1-2 paragraphs, remind the recipient of your event’s purpose. Whether it’s a summer camp, live auction, or sponsored livestream, provide context to help them see the value in supporting your upcoming event.
• Closing: Conclude by making a clear ask. Invite the recipient to take part in your event or program. You can include specific sponsorship options or make a more general request for further discussion. Invite them to contact you with any questions they may have.
  

Your proposal letter doesn’t have to be lengthy, especially if it’s part of a larger event sponsorship proposal. Keep your letter concise in a proposal, but make a standalone request letter more detailed.

⭐ Pro tip: Looking to engage multiple types of event partners? Use separate sponsorship proposal templates to target different forms of corporate giving, such as financial contributions, in-kind donations, and promotional or social media partnerships.

Download your free corporate sponsorship letter template

Ready to impress sponsors? Use our free corporate sponsorship letter template! 

Freebie alert!

Impress potential sponsors with this free corporate sponsorship letter template ->

How to write a sponsorship proposal

While a request letter is a simple way to invite corporate sponsors, it’s best suited for smaller events or local businesses. When targeting large corporations as sponsors, however, you’ll need a more robust sponsorship proposal.

Sponsorship proposals are detailed documents that equip your future partners with every necessary detail to make an informed decision. Sponsorship proposals give you the opportunity to communicate your goals, the involvement required by the sponsor, why they should partner with you, and how to get started.

While you don’t need to write a full sponsorship proposal for every fundraising event, it’s essential for securing a major sponsor to help cover costs and raise awareness. It’s always handy to have a proposal template ready in case you need to quickly invite sponsors to come aboard.

What your sponsorship proposal should include 

A sponsorship proposal is a large document that’s best organized into clear sections to guide you and the reader through the content.

Here’s how to structure your sponsorship proposal document and what to include:

• Cover page 📕 Introduce your proposal with a compelling cover page. Customize a Canva template or hire a designer to create a bespoke proposal cover page. Include the event name, subtitle, date, and event organizer.
• Table of contents 📋 Add a table of contents so the reader can easily navigate throughout the document. To make things even easier, don’t forget the page numbers.
• Sponsorship letter ✍️ While it's not absolutely necessary, including a personalized letter to the prospect adds a professional touch. Use our sponsorship letter template and fill in your details.
• Objective and team 👯 Explain what you’re doing and why you’re seeking sponsorship. Include a brief overview of your team, listing their names, titles, and roles within the project.
• Analytics 📊 Provide data to sell your event and convert prospects into sponsors. Include past event attendance, target audience demographics, and exposure metrics if you have them.
• Sponsorship levels 💎 Present your sponsorship packages or tiers in an attractive way. Use columns to show which perks each level offers, along with the tier name, price, and scope of the sponsorship opportunity.
• Sponsors in action 📹 Showcase existing supporters or past sponsors, if possible. Photos, testimonials, and case studies are always compelling, too.
• Terms and conditions 💼 Outline the legalities by sharing your event sponsorship terms and conditions. Cover the scope, terms of the contract, limitations of liability, and obligations for both parties. Clearly stating terms now means you avoid the back-and-forth later on.
• Call to action 📣 End your proposal by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. Provide your contact information and invite them to reach out with any questions or feedback. Lastly, sign your name and date it.

Download your free corporate sponsorship proposal template

Need a sponsorship proposal example to get started on your own? Use our free template!

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Craft a winning sponsorship proposal with this free template ->

How to write a sponsorship thank you letter

Many organizations overlook this step, but sending a personalized thank you letter is a powerful way to express gratitude and strengthen your relationship with sponsors.

Once you’ve sent your request letter or sponsorship proposal and an agreement is in place, take a moment to share your gratitude before jumping back into planning mode. 

What your sponsorship proposal thank you letter should include

When writing to express your gratitude, be sure to provide the following:

• Recipient’s name: Address your contact directly. By now this should no longer be a mystery, and you can reliably address them by their preferred name.
• Message of thanks: Express appreciation for their support. Personalize your letter with specific details about the contribution, such as becoming a gold-tier partner or sponsoring the main stage.
• Note about impact: Highlight the impact their sponsorship will have on your program. For example, tell them that you’re now able to secure the future of the event, move to a larger venue, or increase the marketing budget.
• Closing: End with a note about how you’re looking forward to working together. Include your contact details in case they have any questions.

Match the formality of your thank you letter to your sponsorship agreement and relationship with the recipient. For long-term partners, you can use a warm and enthusiastic tone. For new sponsors, keep it professional while still conveying your passion.

Download your free corporate sponsorship thank you letter template

Gratitude is everything when building long-term relationships. Download and customize this corporate sponsorship thank you letter template to get started!

Freebie alert!

Customize this sample thank you message for your corporate sponsors ->

Make an impact with your next sponsorship proposal or letter

You’re the expert on your organization and know the difference the right support can make. Use these sponsorship proposal templates to craft powerful and persuasive requests that attract the sponsors you need.

With Givebutter, it’s easier than ever to create custom mailings and emails for any individual or segment of your contact list, all while tracking their status in one place. Givebutter’s powerful nonprofit CRM, event management features, and donation matching tools bring together everything you need to raise more—from individuals and corporate sponsors alike. 

Have peace of mind with one source of truth and a streamlined system for securing valuable donations and sponsorships. Create your free account today and get started in minutes. 

Sponsorship proposals FAQs

How do you write a sponsorship proposal?

A successful sponsorship proposal clearly articulates your nonprofit's mission and the specific opportunity you're offering. Keep it concise yet compelling, with clear sponsorship tiers and benefits for each level. 

Plus, make sure it's tailored to the specific company you're approaching, highlighting how a partnership aligns with their business goals.

How do you politely ask for sponsorship?

Whenever you’re asking for a donation, whether it’s a financial sponsorship or an in-kind one, be sure to:

• Research the company before reaching out, and try to connect through a mutual contact.
• Frame your request as an opportunity that benefits both parties rather than just asking for money.
• Be specific about what you're requesting and what you'll provide in return.
• Always follow up professionally (use workflows to never miss a point of connection!).

Dive deeper

The 4 steps to getting donations from companies →

Who typically writes a sponsorship proposal?

In larger nonprofits, development or fundraising staff typically write proposals. For smaller organizations, this responsibility often falls to the executive director or dedicated board members. Sometimes, external grant writers or consultants may assist with particularly important proposals.

What would you include in a sponsorship proposal?

A strong sponsorship proposal outlines your organization’s mission, the benefits for the sponsor, and a clear path to partnership. It should include:

• A compelling organization overview: Briefly introduce your mission, impact, and why your work matters.
• Clear sponsorship levels: Offer tiered options outlining what sponsors receive at each level.
• Impact metrics: Use statistics or stories to demonstrate the tangible results of your work.
• Recognition benefits: Explain how sponsors will be acknowledged (e.g., social media, event signage, website).
• A strong call to action: Clearly state what you want from the sponsor and how they can get involved.

How do you write a sponsorship letter?

A sponsorship letter should be personalized, engaging, and to the point. It serves as an introduction to your proposal, highlighting the key benefits of partnering with your nonprofit organization.

When writing your proposal sponsorship letter, be sure to:

• Address a specific person by name: Personalization increases the chances of engagement.
• Establish a connection early: Reference shared values, mutual interests, or past collaborations.
• Clearly state your ask and benefits: Be direct about what you’re requesting and how it benefits the sponsor.
• Keep it concise and professional: Avoid unnecessary details and focus on mutual value.