Sponsors, Donors, And Fundraisers:
- Kattie A. Comparetto
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
What They Are, What To Ask For, And How To Ask Without Rambling
If you have ever stared at a blank email draft thinking, “How do I ask a business for help without sounding weird,” welcome. You are not alone. Most teams are doing something amazing, then freezing when it is time to ask for support.
Here is the secret. The ask matters, but the type of ask matters even more.
A sponsorship is not the same as a donation, and neither one is the same as asking a business to host a fundraiser. If you mix them up, you confuse the business, and confusion is how emails get ignored.
This post will help you pick the right ask, say it clearly, and keep your key points in the first two to three sentences, because busy people decide fast.
The Golden Rule, Put Your Key Points In The First Paragraph
Your first paragraph, preferably your first two to three sentences, should include:
Who you are
What you are doing
What you are asking for
Why it matters
Businesses are busy. If they have to scroll to find the ask, you already lost them.
What Is A Sponsor
A sponsor is a business or organization that provides support in exchange for public recognition. Sponsorship is a partnership. The business helps your team, and your team helps the business by giving them visibility and community goodwill.
Examples Of Sponsorship
Logo on team shirts
Logo on a banner at events
Name listed on your website and social media
“Sponsored by” mention at a workshop or cleanup
Recognition on a competition display board
When Sponsorship Is The Best Fit
Choose sponsorship when you have a clear way to recognize the business and you can follow through.
How To Ask For Sponsorship
Ask for a specific level, not a vague “support us.”
Sponsor ask example, first paragraph:
Hi, my name is . I am with ____ SeaPerch, an underwater robotics team supported by SEAPERCH Foundation. We are seeking a sponsorship of $ to help cover _____. In return, we will recognize your business on our team materials and online throughout the season.
Then add one short paragraph about why SeaPerch matters and what students are learning.
What Is A Donor Donation
A donation is a gift given because the donor believes in the mission. A donor might be a person, a family, or a business. Donations can be public or private. Some donors want recognition. Some do not. The key difference is that donations are not an exchange agreement the way sponsorship usually is.
Examples Of Donations
A one time financial gift
An in kind donation, supplies, tools, parts, printing
A gift to support a specific team need
A gift to support a Foundation program such as Project JellyClean or Project JellyLaunch
When A Donation Ask Is The Best Fit
Choose a donation ask when you want to invite the business to support students without needing a formal recognition package.
How To Ask For A Donation
Be clear, be specific, be appreciative.
Donation ask example, first paragraph:
Hi, my name is . I am with SEAPERCH Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports student STEM programs and SeaPerch teams. We are requesting a donation of $ or an in kind donation of ____ to help provide _____. Your support helps students build real skills through hands on engineering and mentorship.
Then add one short paragraph about impact and gratitude.
What Is A Fundraiser Hosted By A Business
A hosted fundraiser is when a business allows you to raise money at their location or through their customers. This is not the same as asking them for money. You are asking them for access, space, or partnership for an event.
Examples Of Hosted Fundraisers
A bake sale outside a business
A spirit night at a restaurant
A table at a community event
A percentage night where a business donates a portion of sales
A booth where you educate the community and accept donations
When A Hosted Fundraiser Is The Best Fit
Choose this option when the business has high foot traffic and you have volunteers to run the event.
How To Ask To Host A Fundraiser
Make it easy for them to say yes. Be clear about the date, time, and what you need.
Hosted fundraiser ask example, first paragraph:
Hi, my name is ____. I am with ____ SeaPerch and SEAPERCH Foundation. We are requesting permission to host a fundraiser at your business on ____ from ____ to ____. We will bring our own table, signage, and volunteers, and we will make sure the area stays clean and organized.
Then add one short paragraph about what the fundraiser supports and how it helps students.
The Three Ask Types, Side By Side
If you want a quick way to remember:
Sponsorship: You support us, we publicly recognize you.
Donation: You support us because you believe in the mission.
Hosted fundraiser: You let us raise money at your business or with your customers.
Kattie’s Quick Checklist For Any Ask Email
Before you send the email, check this list:
The ask is in the first two to three sentences
The ask is specific, not vague
You included one sentence about impact
You included what you need next, a meeting, a reply, a date, a link
You thanked them clearly
You kept it short enough that it can be read on a phone
One Last Thing
If you feel nervous asking, remember this. You are not begging. You are inviting someone to be part of something good. You are building students who can solve problems, lead teams, and show up for their communities.
That is worth supporting.
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