Fundraising Committee

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Table of Contents
A Compilation of Potential Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1
List of Potential Donors
Tips for Proposals
Things to Note
A Compilation of Potential Corporate Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Umpqua Bank
Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU)
Tips for Maintaining a Corporate Sponsorship
Corporate Sponsor Package
Tips for Proposals

A Compilation Of

POTENTIAL
DONORS

Page 1

Potential Donors
LIST OF POTENTIAL LOCAL DONORS

Page 2

BOUNDARY BAY

VILLAGE BOOKS

Contact: Casey Diggs

Number: 360.647.5593
Donation Form: Online at
tinyurl.com/bbaybrewery

Contact: Paul Hanson

Number: 360.671.2626
Donation Form: Online at
tinyurl.com/villbooks

FOOD CO OP

THE BLACK DROP

Contact: Kevin Murphy

Number: 360.734.8158 (ext. 313)
Donation Form: Online at
tinyurl.com/bhamcoop

Contact: John Oppelaar

Number: 360.738.3767
Email Proposal to:

RUDYS PIZZERIA

MALLARD

Contact: N/A
Number: 360.647.7547
Donation Form: No form, must
call to inquire

Contact: Ben Scholtz

Email: ben@mallardicecream.com
Guidelines: Online at
tinyurl.com/mallardicecream

SATURNA CAPITAL

WOODS COFFEE

Contact: N/A
Number: 360.734.9900
Donation Form: Must call to
inquire about donations.

Contact: N/A
Number: 360.325.7837
Donation Form: Online at
tinyurl.com/woodscoffee

BAYOU ON BAY

BRANDYWINE KITCHEN

Contact: Cameron Fawbush

Number: 360.752.2968
Approval: No approval, just
write a small proposal

Contact: N/A
Number: 360.734.1071
Email Proposal to:
info@brandywine.com

ASLAN BREWING CO.

NW YARN

Contact: N/A
Number: 360.778.2088
Donation Form: Online at
tinyurl.com/aslanbrew

Contact:
Number: 360.738.0167
Donation Form: No official
form, just call to inquire

blackdropcoffeehouse@gmail.com

Potential Donors
TIPS FOR PROPOSALS
TIP 1: CONNECT
Almost every business in Bellingham is going to require you to write a proposal. When writing your
proposal, connect BAAYs values to their values. For example, if you apply for donations from The
Black Drop Coffee House, BAAY can connect its strong community values with The Black Drops
love of supporting local community-based organizations and nonprofits. Most places in Bellingham
would love the chance to help, its just about making the connection.

TIP 2: DETAIL
Be as descriptive as possible when writing up your donation proposal. Whether its for a specific food
item, product, money, or anything else, you want to be specific with what youre asking for. Let the
business know who BAAY is, what BAAY does, why this donation will help, and why you are asking
that business specifically for donations. Also let them know where the donation is going toward and
how much it will help BAAY. Also be sure to ask for a specific amount of whatever it is youre asking
for. Businesses are busy helping customers and serving their own missions, so itll make it easier on
them if they have a number to work with.

TIP 3: ASK FOR ADVICE

One thing that can take up more time but be worth it in the end would be to meet up with your
potential donors one-on-one to get their advice on your donation proposals. They are on the other
side of the donation process a lot, so they can share with you any holes in your proposal and could
let you know if they themselves are interested in donating to BAAY. They could also point you in the
direction of their businesses who would be willing to donate. Asking your donors for advice makes
them feel valued and respected, which can help with your donation requests in the end.

TIP 4: BE CREATIVE
Chances are a lot of the local business are being asked for donations. When writing your proposals
for donations, make sure to add the creative flare BAAYs spirit encompasses. BAAY is an arts organization that is dedicated to educating children in the form of the arts, so figure out a way to put that
on paper.

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Potential Donors
THINGS TO NOTE
After contacting potential donors to see if they would be interested in donating to BAAY, some have
a standard of donations they normally give out. Here is a list of some of the usual donations seen
from the potential donor list:
BOUNDARY BAY: Boundary Bay says that they usually do give out donations in the forms of
beer, merchandise, and gift card donations. They might be open to other forms of donations, but
BAAY can at least utilize these types of donations in the form of raffle prizes with locally donated
items to help raise money for BAAY.
THE BLACK DROP COFFEE HOUSE: The Black Drop normally gives out gift certificates for about
$20 or one to two pounds of coffee, but they could also be open to other forms of donations. They
give out donations very frequently because they love to help out those in the community and give
when they can.
FOOD CO-OP: The Co-Ops donation says they normally give out $25-$50 gift certificates for
food purchases, but they usually lean toward $25 gift certificates depending on the type of event
or nonprofit the donation is going to.
BRANDYWINE KITCHEN: The Brandywine Kitchen normally donates $15-$30 gift certificates
for their restaurant, which could buy a two people a sandwich and a drink each. They might be
open to other types of donations, but this type of donations can also be used for fundraisers that
BAAY could host.
NW YARN: NW Yarn said they usually donate baskets full of supplies from their store, such as
yarn and other necessities for crafts like that, so it might be good to reach out for them for those
sorts of donations.
BAYOU ON BAY: Bayou on Bay says there is really no approval process for their donations, all you
have to do is write up a small propsoal just so they have proof of where the donation went. You
just turn the proposal in to Bayou in person and theyll usually give you a $25 gift card, which can
be used as a prize for a fundraising or raffle event.

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A Compilation Of

POTENTIAL
CORPORATE
SPONSORS

Page 5

Potential Corporate Sponsors

WHATCOM EDUCATIONAL CREDIT UNION
Number: 360.676.1168
Commitment: WECU has a strong commitment to the needs of our community. We
strive to support education, health and community concerns.
Donation Form: Online at tinyurl.com/WECUform

WECU has a strong sense of community, so that makes it a perfect opportunity to request a sponsorship. WECU has recently sponsored the 5 Point Film Festival for $2,500, the Ferndale Boys & Girls
Club for $500, and the Bellingham Theater Guild for $500. One key aspect of BAAY is that it serves
to educate children about the arts, so that is one of BAAYs ties to education. BAAY is strongly-community based, so its important to emphasize that as well in this proposal. WECU has an online form
for BAAY to fill out, and there are some sections in the form that ask the person filling out the request
how the funds will be used, so be ready to answer that detail.
Depending on the amount requested, it may take a while to be approved. Requests for less than
$1,000 are reviewed frequently, while requests for more than $1,000 must go through a committee
and are granted quarterly.

UMPQUA BANK
Number: 360.937.0900
Commitment: We recognize the need to be informed and to take action to inspire, protect
and develop members of our communities.
Donation Form: Online at tinyurl.com/UMPQUAform

Umpqua Bank is unique in the sense that it has a specific Community Giving committee that reviews
proposals for sponsorships. Umpqua truly believes in the wellbeing and education of children and
work to support programs and nonprofits that serve to benefit youth. They want to create economic
equality by giving children as many options as possible without having to worry about the obstacle
of money. They look to support organizations that support youth (K-12) and give them opportunities
to grow and learn, which is something BAAY strongly believes in. They specifically support organizations with access to arts programs, which puts BAAY in a strong light for this bank.
Sponsorship requests are reviewed twice a year. For a request for an event between January-June, the
deadline is October 15 with responses given in November. For a request for an event between July-December, the deadline to submit a proposal and donation form is April 15 with responses given
in May.
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Potential Corporate Sponsors

BANK OF AMERICA
Number: 360.676.1168
Commitment: Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social
and cultural life of the places we live and work.
Donation Form: Online at tinyurl.com/bankofamer

Bank of America is known for its sponsorship and grant programs. In 2013, it was noted for giving
more than $200 million to programs that helped to support pressing needs. The sponsorship program this bank offers is ideal for BAAY to apply to because Bank of America has explicitly stated that
they support the arts through sponsorship programs in order to create and maintain a vibrant and
healthy community. BAAY serves that with its community-based spirit and art programs for youth.
Bank of America doesnt have deadlines for people to apply for sponsorships, and the requests are
reviewed frequently. For a more detailed guide on how to apply for the sponsorship program, please
review their sponsorship application guide at tinyurl.com/BOArequestguide.

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Potential Corporate Sponsors

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
TIP 1: RECOGNITION
Corporate sponsors are always looking to spread awareness for their brand through the organizations they sponsors, so always be sure to thank your corporate sponsors, whether long-term or event
sponsors, for their generosity. Make sure to thank them in public speeches, board meetings and play
openings. BAAY can even recognize them over social media and also have their staff and students
thank them over social media platforms as well.
Corporate sponsors are also looking for as much visibility as possible with their logo because they
want their name attached to good causes and organizations with strong community dedication, such
as BAAY. If possible, try to put your corporate sponsors logo on items that they are sponsoring. If
they are specifically sponsoring an upcoming Bellinghams Got Talent event, try to put their logo on
pamphlets, newsletters and advertisements. If possible, send your corporate sponsor the materials
with their logo on it so they can approve it since this will create trust between you and the sponsor.

TIP 2: COMMUNICATE
Always be sure to let your corporate sponsor know what they will be getting out of this sponsorship.
If you tell your corporate sponsor that you will put their logo on your newsletters and brochures for
an event, then you must follow through with that promise to establish that trust between you and
your corporate sponsor.

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Potential Corporate Sponsors

CORPORATE SPONSOR PACKAGE (EXAMPLE)
Creating a corporate sponsor package, such as the one below, can be a creative way to attract
long-time sponsors. They condense a lot of information into one small package that is easy
for the sponsor to read and go through. This is an example of a package that would be used to
gather long-term sponsors rather than just a sponsor for an event.

Why become a corporate sponsor?

Sponsorship Levels

Funding from corporate sponsorships allows the Bellingham Arts Academy

for Youth to offer its art youth programs to the children in the Bellingham
community. The non-profit would also be able to renovate and beautify its
facilities as well as host events. Becoming a sponsor is a mutually beneficial
relationship for both BAAY and your business. Please look at the
sponsorship levels to the right to see what benefits your business would
qualify for. Any gifts of money or material donations are gratefully accepted.

Pixie Level ($150 a month)

Who is the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth?

BAAY seeks to enrich the lives of children through the exploration of the
arts. This is accomplished through three programs:

EduArts, our after-school enrichment program currently taking place

at 10 elementary and middle schools across Whatcom County
Bellingham Preschool of the Arts, our arts-focused preschool
BAAY Campus, a 120-seat theater in the heart of downtown
Bellingham where our music, theater, voice, art and dance programs
take place

BAAY was founded in 2005. The mission is to make the arts accessible,
especially performance art. Shows happen every two to three weeks and are
abridged versions of well known musicals like Les Misrables and Labyrinth.

Listed as community partner

on BAAY website

Junior Level ($200 a month)

Mention on BAAY Facebook

Page
Listed as Community Partner
Logos placed on event posters
and flyers

Pro Level ($500 a month)

Listed as community partner

Mention on BAAY Facebook
page
Logos placed on posters and
flyers
Displayed on a banner in
BAAY
Get free tickets to our shows

How do the arts benefit youth?

The National Endowment for the Arts found that socially and economically
disadvantaged children and teenagers who have high levels of arts
engagement or arts learning show more positive outcomes in a variety of
areas than their low arts-engaged peers.
The arts help kids to succeed in school and life. Students who receive arts
education have stronger social skills, improved motivation to learn and more
esteem for themselves and their peers. Arts education helps to create a
positive school environment in which learning and human development can
occur. (Sources: national Assembly of State Arts Agencies; National
Endowment for the Arts; Arts Education Partnership)
The American public, by an overwhelming margin, believes the arts are vital
to a well-rounded education. (Sources: Lake Research Partners, Harris
Polling, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies/Arts Education
Partnership)

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth 1059 N. State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone (360) 306-8531
Page 9

Potential Corporate Sponsors

TIPS FOR PROPOSALS
TIP 1: BE CLEAR
Similar to proposing to local donors, you want to be clear in your sponsorship requests. Clarity is key
with corporate sponsors since they receive thousands of sponsorship requests every year and dont
have time to decipher unclear wording. Make sure to be precise with your wording and to be clear
with what youre requesting. If you wish to request a certain amount of money, be sure to ask for the
full amount and let them know how that sponsorship will benefit your organization as well as your
community.

TIP 2: BE COMPELLING
Since corporate sponsors see thousands of proposals for sponsorships, it can be easy for a proposal
to get lost amongst the rest of them. Make your stick out among the stack of sponsorship requests by
starting off with a compelling fact or story about BAAY. If the beginning of the proposal begins with
a story, it can be more emotionally compelling and keep the reader intrigued. Then the rest of the
request can go toward the other details being asked of the organization.

TIP 3: BE BRIEF
While it is encouraged that your proposal is compelling, be sure to keep it brief and concise. Corporate sponsors have to constantly read proposals, and a proposal that is long-winded and beats around
the bush doesnt make it any easier on the sponsor. A long proposal can look intimidating to the eye
and may make your sponsor not want to read the proposal, so be sure to break up text into smaller
paragraphs and keep it to only a page or two. Make sure to address all of the points being asked of
you but to keep it short and too the point.

TIP 4: FOLLOW UP
Try to follow up with your proposal. Generally, a corporate sponsor will generally let you know on
their web page when they will be in contact with people asking for sponsorships, so keep track of that
deadline and be sure to follow up with sponsors. Staying on their radar demonstrates how dedicated
you are to the proposal and your organization.

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THANK YOU