A big part of your school experience happens outside the classroom--you might be a member of a Red Cross student organization, a dance team, a rocket club or the rugby team. Unfortunately, money never has grown on trees. So how do you gain the green to keep your group from fizzling due to rising costs? One option is to get a sponsor. Here's how to do it.

Sponsorship is when a business, organization or venture helps finance a group or person they have a special interest in. There aren't many limits when it comes to potential types of sponsors. They range from your parents' and neighbors' workplaces to the corner market on Main Street. As you try to find a sponsor, keep these gold mines of potential sponsorship in mind:

• Target businesses that provide services or products similar to your activity. For instance, if your computer club needs a sponsor, electronic stores would be a better bet than fashion boutiques.
• Ask local businesses for sponsorship. It's a good way for them to market their goods to a local audience.
• Try corporate sponsors and big service organizations like Rotary and Lions Club; you never know, they might pay to build a batting cage or pave the bike path.
• Utilize your social connections. Don't hesitate to name drop for sponsorship--people are more likely to support a cause for someone they know than for someone they don't!

Once you've identified a potential sponsor, you need to come up with a game plan. Talking to potential sponsors can be nerve-wracking, but you're much less likely to crash and burn with these tips:

• Organize your pitch. Think about how to approach the business or group. Know whether you're asking for cash or for a specific product. Some businesses may want to hand you a check and get it over with. For others it may be more cost effective to give you free merchandise,such as T-shirts or other items. Prep a written plan that includes what you're looking for and a how you intend to use it.
• Go in person. Don't fool yourself into believing that calling or writing will be enough to seal the deal. Emails and calls should be a preface to a personal visit. It's a lot easier for business owners and organization leaders to say no over the phone or in writing. In person, who could resist a face like yours? In all seriousness, dress professionally, and express your maturity and commitment to your group, both of which are highly regarded in the marketing world.
• Offer them something in return for their time and generosity. Let's be fair -- you can't expect to get something for nothing. Go in with a list of the benefits that the sponsor will receive. Offer to make signs for the venue where you play your sport, or hang a "Sponsored By" sign at your meetings or events. If your team or group wears jerseys or outfits at events, proudly offer to rock the business logo on your threads (but make sure you cover the costs to get them printed). Your sponsor will bask in the exposure, no sunblock required.

You've got the tips, the background and the plan. Now for the secret weapon: make sure to thank your sponsors! Send them pictures and a thank you letter if not something even more creative, such as a spot in the team photo. These courtesies will not only gather sponsors, but keep them coming back for years to come!

Sources: wired.com; sponsorship.com; askmen.com