Fans of a Good Cause

Tap into local fans
One of the strongest tools your nonprofit has when reaching out to sports fans is tapping into local passion. Nonprofits can pique the interest of weekend warriors and bench jockeys alike by bringing local celebrity athletes to their sporting events. In the case of the Ambassadors, the nonprofit can make up an opposing team comprised of local celebs — from the high-school football team to former star athletes. Fans love watching their friends and neighbors get dribbled around as the star Ambassador players slam dunk basketballs right over their heads.

Get local coverage
Securing local star power for the sporting event is a great way to get local press. Invite a hometown disc jockey to play in your golf tournament, or ask a well-known sports writer to run in a half-marathon. Your nonprofit can use these names to promote the event to the local media.

Secure local sponsors
Moss says many nonprofits pay for the event, even before it happens, through local sponsorships. No venue is too small — from the local pizzeria to the local bank. Small businesses appreciate the promotion and can become further promoters for your sporting event.

Involve the community
Approach your local community leaders and members of the chamber of commerce, and ask them to get involved. Invite them to be on a planning committee as a way to secure their commitment.

Enlist the athletes
Invite the athletes participating in your event to go to a local school and talk with kids about information that supports your cause. For example, Ambassadors’ players talk to students about drug prevention as well as provide information about upcoming events. This becomes another way to leverage awareness of the sporting event as kids go home and tell their families about it.