Member's guide to attracting community project sponsors

Posted on August 11th, 2017

A family-run firm that makes self-watering street planters and other street furniture has written a free guide for councils, Britain in Bloom groups, horticulturalists and community organisations on how to attract sponsorship for initiatives to improve Britain’s public spaces.

The 30-page booklet has been produced by Amberol, which is based in Alfreton, Derbyshire, and is free on application.

Sections include advice on winning sponsorship from businesses and other groups, with suggestions for ways of approaching organisations, raising awareness and putting a sponsorship structure in place.

The booklet also explains some of the forms of grants and funding available, as well as including a range of case study examples from Britain in Bloom groups and organisations which have successfully used sponsorship to fund a range of improvement projects.

Patience Atkinson-Gregory, Amberol’s Managing Director, said: “There’s a lot of hard work that goes on around the UK to keep communities looking attractive.

"Although much of that work is voluntary, it does cost money to buy plants, containers, tools and important items such as litter bins. In our experience, businesses are often happy to help, but they aren’t sure how to go about it. After all, a well-kept and good-looking environment benefits everyone and can help improve the economic prosperity of a region.“

Councils and community groups are continuing to struggle with funding issues and budget cuts, so many organisations are looking for positive ways to involve businesses and other sections of the community in improving their environment.

“Many of our customers use commercial sponsorship to help fund improvements for their community that local authority budgets can’t always stretch to,” said Patience, adding: “However, it’s important that any scheme is mutually beneficial.

"This guide aims to help community groups and horticulturalists create a successful strategy for working with organisations that are able to offer sponsorship and support – which doesn’t always have to be financial.”

Set up in 1969, Amberol works with councils, In Bloom groups, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations across the UK. It offers advice and makes products to help improve communal spaces such as town centres, parks and commercial districts.

The sponsorship guide is available by calling Amberol on 01773 830930, emailing slsabrlc.kae@meo.ou or writing to Amberol, The Plantation, King Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7TT.

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