Greetings!  

When we launched the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council, I assumed -- always dangerous -- that corporate sponsorship was a leading source of revenue for most thon programs.

The results of our first Run Walk Ride 30 survey proved that wrong.   For some top programs, corporate sponsorship was listed as a substantial source of cash (e.g. Komen, Heart, March of Dimes), but for many programs traditional corporate sponsorship dollars were low or nil.  

The primary focus of the RWRFC will always be on peer-to-peer fundraising, but this year we're giving extra attention to strategies for maximizing corporate sponsorship whether you run a program that engages a mass audience or a niche event that can offer sponsors public relations opportunities far bigger than the crowds you attract.  (For an example of the latter, see this story on The Stihl Tour de Trees' efforts to broaden its sponsorship base.)   

In January, for example, Maureen Carlson will lead a three-part teleconference training series entitled "The A to Z of Event Sponsorship Sales."  In March, St. Jude's Karen White will deliver a presentation on "Upgrading Your Sponsorships" at the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Conference.   

Throughout the year, we'll keep you informed of news and case studies on this front via this newsletter and our Linkedin group.   Stay tuned!

David Hessekiel

President

Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council