We appreciate everything we receive whatever the amount. We recognise that all support cannot be packaged and we will work with our supporters to acknowledge their contribution at an appropriate level.
We have no paid employees; team members do not claim expenses and we all provide our own personal equipment and uniform. Everything we receive goes into running the operational team.
Supporter
We are grateful of any donation whatever the size. Anyone who gives a donation is a Supporter. We will say thank you and send a thank you card and/or electronic supporter badge
Bronze Sponsor
Any donations or collections in the range of £500-£999 will be thanked via social media and you will be welcomed as a Bronze Sponsor with a certificate of thanks that can be displayed in business premises, and an electronic logo which can be displayed on your website.
Silver Sponsor
In return for a donation of £1000 – £1999 (or equipment or services to the same value), we will display your company details on our website during the year, and give mentions on our Social Media feeds. You will be allowed to display our Supporter Logo for any approved marketing use during this period and state that you are a Silver Sponsor in your marketing. We will also on request issue a certificate of thanks to be displayed in your premises.
Gold Sponsor
In return for a donation of £2,000 or above (or equipment or services to the same value), you’ll receive all of the above, plus a full report/testimonial about the use of any equipment or a statement for your marketing use. We will also help with a press-release/photo opportunity regarding your donation. Your logo and a link will be displayed on the website for one year. You will receive an invitation to a team open-day, exclusive to Gold Supporters, where you can meet some of the team and see our kit in use. If you would like your logo to be displayed on relevant vehicles or equipment, we will arrange this.
Platinum Partner
In return for a donation or equipment or services to the value of £5,000, you’ll receive all of the above, plus your team will be invited to attend an exclusive sponsor’s event, where our members will demonstrate search techniques and involve your team in a great half-day of team-building activities with photo opportunities with the team. Your logo and link will be displayed on the website for two years.
Diamond Partner
This is reserved for exceptional support financially or in kind and the promotional package will be discussed and agreed as appropriate.
Why not host a collection tin!
One of the best ways for a small
charity to make a sustainable income is a static collection tin for your customers’ change, or even as a swear box for the office. It costs us very little, and provides a steady income.
If you’d like to host a tin, email us now – [email protected]
Use your social media and website
You’ve done a great thing by supporting a small local charity – tell your fans!
If you tag us, we’ll respond and share your news to our fans as well. Our social links are:
Send out a press release – top tips
- We find that the best response from press releases is to think local. Find out your local newspaper, parish magazine, town newsletter or radio station and send it to an individual.
- Then follow up with a phone call asking if they want any more information.
- Send the press release as a plain email (not a word file or PDF) so it can be read quickly.
- Attach an image, or link to our image library at www.flickr.com/photos/wmsar
- The press are allowed to use our photos with a credit to West Mercia SAR.
- Don’t say too much. Use our template press release and change it to your needs.
- Make sure you mention your businesses values and why you are supporting locally.
- Add a photo of you or your business with your West Mercia SAR recognition certificate or sticker
- Add the same press release to your website and social media!
Use your mailing list
Your customer list is really important for generating loyalty, and customers love to deal with companies that make them feel good about themselves.
Get your customers involved by letting them know that a small percentage of what they spend with you goes back to a great local cause. And tell them about that cause – use the text from our website, and the photos from our library, to create a story about why you give back locally and what it means for you to be part of the community.
If you don’t have a mailing list, we recommend starting one at www.mailchimp.com – it’s free, and you can generate simple sign-up forms for your website, social media, emails and in-store.
Offset against Tax!
Did you know you can make a donation to West Mercia SAR to offset your corporation tax liability? Click here for more information
Get your colleagues involved
Build team morale by organising sponsored events, having a swear box, dress-down days… whatever you can imagine.
We have paper sponsorship forms and loads of helpful information here.