How to get Dance-a-Thon sponsors
Local sponsors can cover your entire event — DJ, décor, prizes — so every donated dollar goes to the cause. Here is who to ask, what to offer, and how to package the deal.
No obligation — talk through your goal with a coach, or start your event now. Trusted by 10,000+ events since 2007.
Who to ask first
Start with businesses that already have a reason to support your school.
- Parent- and family-owned businesses in your community.
- Local staples — grocery stores, restaurants, banks, dentists, realtors.
- Businesses that serve families — dance studios, gyms, kids' brands.
- Past supporters of the school or PTO.
- Chains with community-giving programs and local franchise owners.
Build tiered sponsor packages
Tiers let businesses self-select and make bigger gifts feel natural:
| Tier | Example ask | What they get |
|---|---|---|
| Supporter | $100 | Name on the sponsor sign and a social thank-you |
| Friend | $250 | Logo on the event t-shirt + sign + social |
| Champion | $500 | Everything above + banner at the event + emcee shout-outs |
| Headline | $1,000+ | Title sponsor: 'presented by,' top billing everywhere |
Adjust numbers to your community. Even a handful of Supporter- and Friend-level sponsors usually covers a whole event.
What sponsors actually value
Businesses sponsor for visibility and goodwill. Deliver both generously: put logos on the t-shirt and signage, hang a banner, have the emcee thank each sponsor by name, tag them in social posts, and send a genuine thank-you with an event photo afterward. Sponsors who feel appreciated come back every year — and tell other businesses.
Make the ask (and follow up)
Send a short, specific letter, then follow up in person or by phone — the follow-up is where most yes's happen. Ask four to six weeks out so logos make your print deadlines.
Use the ready-to-send sponsor letter template. For larger companies with formal giving programs, see corporate sponsors.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get sponsors for a Dance-a-Thon?
Make a list of local businesses with a reason to support your school, send a short letter with clear tiers and perks, follow up in person, and offer visibility in return — logo on the shirt, a banner, emcee shout-outs, and social thank-yous. Ask four to six weeks out.
What do sponsors get in return?
Visibility and goodwill: their logo on event materials and t-shirts, a banner at the event, recognition from the emcee, and thank-you posts on social. Tiered packages let businesses pick a level.
How much should we ask sponsors for?
Offer tiers — for example $100, $250, and $500 — so businesses can choose. Even small sponsors add up, and covering event costs means donations go entirely to your cause.
Ready to raise more — and keep more?
Get Movin' gives your group the online platform, a personal event coach, and 35+ tools to make your Dance-a-Thon the easiest, biggest fundraiser of the year.
Schools average doubling donations and keep 95–97% of every dollar.