A practical guide for animal welfare organisations in Greece.
Corporate sponsorships can provide vital funding, resources, and visibility for your organisation. Whether it’s a local pet shop donating supplies, a hotel sponsoring a neutering programme, or a company funding your shelter improvements, businesses can become valuable partners in your work.
Here’s how to get started:
- Identify the right businesses
Not every business will be a good match. Focus on companies that:
- Share your values: pet shops, vets, hotels, eco-tourism, travel agencies, local producers.
- Benefit from association: companies looking to improve their public image, appeal to tourists, or show community involvement.
- Have a local connection: small and medium businesses on your island/town are often more likely to support.
Tip: Make a list of 10–20 local businesses that could benefit from visibility through your work.
- Define what you can offer sponsors
Businesses will want to know what they’ll receive in return. Consider offering:
- Logo placement on your website, posters, or newsletters
- Social media shout-outs and tagged posts
- A “sponsored by” sign on food stations, shelters, or events
- Opportunities for staff volunteering days
- Public recognition in press releases or media stories
Tip: Even small groups can offer big visibility through Facebook, Instagram, and local press.
- Create a sponsorship package
Make it easy for businesses to understand the options. For example:
- Bronze Sponsor (€250) – Logo on social media posts + thank-you certificate
- Silver Sponsor (€500) – Bronze benefits + logo on your website for 6 months
- Gold Sponsor (€1,000+) – Silver benefits + logo on shelter signage or project reports
Tip: Keep packages flexible. Some businesses may prefer in-kind support (food, transport, printing).
- Make the approach personal
Don’t just send a generic email. Instead:
- Visit the business in person, if possible, and introduce yourself.
- Share a short story about your work — e.g., a rescued cat or donkey — to show the impact they can support.
- Be clear about how much support you’re asking for and what they’ll get in return.
Tip: Bring a simple one-page leaflet or flyer outlining your sponsorship options.
- Build lasting relationships
The key is not just getting a donation once, but building trust.
- Send regular updates to sponsors about how their support is helping.
- Tag them on social media when thanking them.
- Invite them to events or open days.
- At the end of the year, send a short report or thank-you letter.
Tip: Happy sponsors often give again — and may even increase their support!
- Think beyond money
Support doesn’t always have to be financial. Many businesses can provide:
- Free printing of leaflets and posters
- Transport for animals or supplies
- Donations of food, bedding, or medical supplies
- Expertise (e.g., legal, design, or accounting help)
Example approach script
“Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I volunteer with [Your Organisation]. We’ve been working to improve the welfare of animals in our community by [brief example]. We’re currently looking for local sponsors who can help us continue this work. In return, we’d love to promote your business through our social media and local outreach. Would you be open to a short meeting where I can explain more?”
Final thoughts
Reaching out to corporate sponsors takes confidence, but businesses are often looking for ways to give back — they just need to be asked. By preparing clear sponsorship options and showing the impact of their support, you can turn local companies into long-term allies for animals.
If you’d like a sponsorship package template or help preparing your approach, contact us at aag@animalactiongreece.org — we’d be happy to support you.