Conservation Groups/Advice

[Bagel_7]

Just wanted to pick everyone's brain if I could. I am part of a local chapter for a national conservation group (name omitted) and we have our inaugural banquet coming in November. I am sure there are others that work for different conservation groups what advice would you give me in my quest for ticket sales and donation requests?

Note, this is my first year actually sitting on the board, however I have attended numerous banquets over the years. My chapter has much more experience than I do. But I want to be as helpful as I can. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bynumlife]

Good work man, I've been there. From my experience, if it's one of the well established groups it's probably an good old boys club. Meaning, 99% of the donations come from the same people / businesses every year and all the guy that has the relationship with them does is pick up the phone and remind them. If you're not already part of the club, it can take some time.

Over the years I've been able to build good relationships with several companies that will donate quality products but I've been more successful selling corporate tables and financial under writing. Most of the household name brand outdoor companies already have relationships on a national level and all donations are handled through national. But getting companies to buy a table or write a check is definitely something you can do out of the gate.

That's just my $.02


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[Bagel_7]

Thanks hunt4meat, we do have the good old boy connections in town and most of the donations are from the same people year after year. This chapter transitioned from one group to another this year due to disagreements of where to spend the money raised. Nothing was being spent in our area for the last 3 years.
I definitely see that most of the items and money come from the same individuals, however I was hoping someone may have some advice on gaining new sponsors, or even just advice on how to spend or running a smooth banquet.

 

[skifunk2]

Go outside of your comfort zone. Here in the east there are ALOT of businesses that are looking to make donations in the name of conservation (for us, its water quality and ag conservation), you just have to be willing to put in the leg work and make that contact. I'm not talking the big box stores, but the larger, locally owned companies, that you always drive by and have just never thought of stopping and talking to.... You'll be surprised what you can generate along with the added connections they may lead you too...

 

[84toyota]

I'm in the same boat here in Northern California. Many of the members of my organization are well connected business folks (construction, small businesses, etc.) and I have very few of those connections. They get donations from the same folks year after year. What I have found is that I just start hitting up the "other" businesses. Coffee shops, WalMart, etc. Any and all donations are good, no matter how small. We lump a lot of small things into "baskets" (like coffee, gift cards, etc). I have solicited companies that are clear across the country (fishing tackle, ultralight backpacking gear, etc) to donate, and actually get some of my better donations from those folks. Don't be afraid to ask anyone and everyone!