I started my internship journey earlier this year to gain experience before graduating, I began on January 4th at an arts and media company that shall for privacy purposes, remain under the name 'C'. C was essentially a company for youth looking to gain more experience and be mentored in their chosen field of passion, it seemed perfect. th our first major event of the year, I found it quite difficult to get companies on board with actually sponsoring a project, some were happy to give a voucher or maybe some product, however the company just did not seem to appeal to too many companies.
After some time at 'C' I found the Organ Donation and Transplant Foundation of WA, I was planning events and scheduling
social media posts along with getting sponsors and donations from companies, it was at this point I realised that although there are many categories when it comes to NFPs, there are really only two types of NFPs.
The first is the one is one people view as more important and can identify how the NFP is assisting its target market, and pulling heart strings. The second being a company that is considered more 'second rate', to the first type of charity, they find it harder to get sponsors or funding for different things as they don't necessarily have the 'puppy dog eyes' effect that the first type have on society. We give to those who impact us most or who will impact our brand the most in terms of good will. Have you ever had to choose one charity or not for profit over another? How did you make that choice?
2 comments:
Hey Marianne!
You bring up a good point in outlining the two different types of NFP's. I think it is easier for some NFP's to get funding or donations because of their tactile and easily understood issues. Explaining to people and potential donors the merits and benefits of why they should be helping young people in the arts is a little more tricky.
People working in the arts are constantly having to defend their profession, and a lot of people question the importance of the arts altogether. I can certainly see your struggle in finding sponsors for your event. I guess it's about identifying your target audiences and pitching to them, and changing tact when it comes to donors who don't understand the importance of young people getting experience in the arts. The challenge is finding a common thread that those people can identify with and running with it. But these things are often easier said than done!
- Aimee
Hi Marianne,
I agree with Aimee above - often the trick to securing funding is a targeted approach, and really outlining to the potential sponsor the benefits they will receive as a result of the partnership. I'm working within the arts industry myself so I know the struggles, particularly after the latest round of cuts and the new criteria for 'worthwhile course'. I find it shocking that even our politicians STILL can't see the value of the arts, I'd like to see people try to live without them!!!
I guess my advice for you is to 'hang in there', and keep asking for what you want - don't give up, and eventually someone will give you the YES that you've been waiting for!
- Kimberley
Post a Comment