Best Practices on Gaining Sponsors for Pageants

Delaney Delgado National Cover Miss Pre-Teen

With rising costs of everything pageant related, it may be worth it to look into sponsors for your daughter's next pageant.

Here are some helpful tips on how to get started.

1. Planning for sponsors. Make a list of businesses that you regularly patronize and make a calendar of when you would like to make your first contact to each of them. In addition to those businesses, contact other small businesses in your area. Usually 'mom and pop' businesses require less red tape and will be more readily available to donate. Create a speech that your daughter can memorize that explains the nature of the pageant, that the expense is tax-deductible and how the sponsorship will be used.

3. Sponsorship levels. Create levels of sponsorship for potential donors to choose from. This will make it simpler for a donor to figure out how much to give. Create a handout or letter of the sponsorship levels and include it in the packet (explained below).

Rayne Donahue after winning her Cover Girl Title

2. Putting together a packet. Create a professional looking packet that you can send to each potential sponsor to include a cover letter, business card, autograph card, a bio, resume, or other type of "about me" page. You could also have a list of honors and awards so potential sponsors can have. Place a self-addressed stamped envelope for the potential donor. (You should also get printed stationery for thank you letters.) Organize all of the items in a folder. Place a printed identifying label across the front of the folder for a professional look.

4. Dress to impress. When meeting with potential sponsors, an interview outfit or dress will show how serious and professional the contestant is, and will make a great first impression. The contestant should do the majority of the talking, not mom/dad. This will help strengthen communication skills.

Delaney D poses with her predecessor

5. Thank you! Follow up with each contact within one week of your initial meeting. Be prepared to send a thank you letter or note whether or not the business was able to donate.