As in anything we do in life one needs to package a sponsorship request in a way that the sponsor would like to see, here are some
helpful tips:

1. Do your research i.e. look at other sportspersons who already have local sponsorship, other sports must be taken into account..
Check local charities, local papers etc. for any information or help and also the local sports council or anywhere for grants 
including the lottery fund. 

2. Pull the local telephone directories out and make a small database or list on companies or firms to forward your request.

3. Prepare your paperwork i.e. Provide a good CV. photo copy your awards i.e. your grades, paper reports and write-ups of 
your previous wins and anything else that is of use like references, photo with your trophies. 
WUMA members get a squad selection letter from HQ and works well along with ones own personal plea.

WHAT INFORMATION IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ADD WITHIN A REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP?

4. The Company Director on opening your envelope would read your introductory letter explaining who you are and why you are 
looking for sponsorship, your credentials would then be shown along with your next event and the cost. You could then include
what you expect from the sponsor for the future if they take you on and what you as an athlete can offer back. Include your
training programme as people respect the hard work of others. Offer 4 possibilities: 
(a) a small one off payment just to help on the next trip. (b) Full payment of the next trip and expenses.
(c) Full payment of the next trip and future sponsorship deal. (d) Give the sponsors a chance of what they feel they can offer.

PACKAGING YOUR SPONSORSHIP REQUEST

5. Package the paperwork by how much you can afford, for a cheap and easy way just photo-copy the information smaller
and make a front introductory page, staple it all together as a booklet before sending off.

6. If you can afford to then package the paperwork into a folder or a presentable file, the work you do on the representation will
pay in the end. People will see and like the effort you have made.

HOW MANY SPONSORSHIP REQUESTS SHOULD I MAKE?

7. 50 requests I suggest should be a minimum, 200 if you really want to up your chances however the costs can then be high.

WHO SHOULD I FORWARD MY SPONSORSHIP REQUESTS TO?

8. Send to all the companies you or your family have ever dealt with to start, then the large companies from the telephone books 
picking at random. 
Usually out of 50 sent out you get about 3 back that are of help to you, some just send a donation wishing you the best of luck.
Some have been known just to send the full amount with a good luck letter and chance of further sponsorship.

ANOTHER WAY OF EARNING SPONSORSHIP FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!

9. Make a sponsor form on your home computer for the ideas below, collect from family, friends and local businesses. 

(a) Sponsored Kumite - A 25, 50 or 100 round spar with club members. 

(b) Sponsored Walk

(c) Sponsored Run

(d) Sponsored Skip

(e) Sponsored Exercise

(f) Sponsored Coffee morning

(g) Sponsored Car Boot

(h) Sponsored Garage Sale

(I) Sponsored Bag pack for the customers at: Tesco's, Asda, Sainsbury's, etc.   Some clubs swear by this and raise a lot!

(J) Sponsored World Record - THE MAIN ONE OF ALL (As the WUMA are bringing in World Records for Martial Artists)

BUSINESSES THAT SPONSOR YOU CAN CLAIM IT BACK OFF THEIR TAX
Get it touch with your local tax office and know the full details, this information can be put forward to the proposed sponsor within your plea, they most likely don't have any information on this fact.

THE SECRET OF GETTING A SPONSOR IS KEEPING THEM

WUMA World Governing Body Headquarters, Cheltenham College of Martial Arts, 9 Shaftesbury Business Park, The Runnings, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL1 4EN, , England, UK Tel/Fax: 01242 261262     Legal Agreements