Corporate sponsors make events possible without tapping campaign

By POLINA OLSEN

article created on: 2008-11-01T00:00:00

Stan Marcus knows corporate sponsors can make or break the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s major campaign events. That’s why when asked to take on the chair of the sponsorship committee, he said sure.

Still, other people wonder why the Federation makes a distinction. Why does the Federation want corporate sponsors rather than just asking the companies for an annual campaign contribution?

Rather than taking money out of the campaign to finance our events, we use money from businesses that may benefit from exposure to the Jewish community, Marcus explained. Often sponsors are not Jewish.

“Jews want to help other Jews, and so we have an annual campaign to help our local agencies – the aging, the children, the students and for overseas needs, like Israel,” he said. “We hope that each Jew gives the maximum he or she can to the campaign. So, in theory, if we ask more money for sponsorship from Jews then they may have to diminish their regular campaign contribution, which is unacceptable.”

So, how does the campaign go about finding corporate sponsors?

“Asking,” said Marcus, “the old secret to selling.”

It often starts with sponsorship committee members suggesting a place they use and have a connection. The committee contacts the organization and provides a presentation that explains the various levels of sponsorship and the benefits that go along with each level.

For example, at $25,000 and above, Campaign Presenting Sponsors are highlighted throughout the 2008-2009 campaign, featured prominently in all marketing materials, and receive an advertising package from the Jewish Review. Their name appears on the Federation Web site, posters, official program and invitations, and they receive complimentary tickets to all major campaign events.

Other levels provide of subset of Presenting Sponsor benefits. The least expensive, Builders, at $1,000-2,499, receive recognition at one campaign event and have their name on the Web site, posters, official program and invitation.

The committee also welcomes the community to suggest campaign sponsors.

“If anybody knows someone who might be interested, please contact Josh Stein at the Federation,” said Marcus. “We’d love to talk to them about it. We can never have enough sponsorship money because we don’t get as much as the different events cost, and because if we had more money, like everything else, we could do a better job.”

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call Josh Stein at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, 503-245-5641 or email josh@jewishportland.org.