Club generate an income from many sources. These sources range from sponsorship, grants and club fundraising activities. The sections below will outline some basic information and guide you to other useful links.

Fundraising

Fundraising is an important way for Rugby clubs to increase revenue.

Clubs need to complete a realistic budget for each fundraising activity, and account for all likely expenses and realistic income. Set a "goal" - an amount of revenue the club would like to raise from fundraising, and each fundraiser.

It may be best to select fundraising activities with minimum cost outlay to set up, thus making a return on this investment easier for the club to achieve.

Remember: Don't over commit your resources. One great fundraiser can raise as much money as three mediocre fundraisers!

Below is a factsheet with some simple steps and idea's for fundraising at your club.

Grants

There is a number of funding schemes available to rugby clubs. These range from grants to assist with small development initiatives up to million dollar building projects.

Visit the Community Grants Summary of the numerous funding grants available for not-for-profit organisations, clubs and community groups. Grants are provided by all levels of government, as well as, private companies/organisations for community benefit.

Visit the Federal Parliamentary Library which provides a guide to community grants, including Commonwealth, state and Territory Governments, non-government and commercial services.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is a key revenue raiser for many clubs and a great way for a sponsor to be promoted through a local club into a community.

When preparing a sponsorship proposal or speaking to a potential sponsor some key points should be considered:

• Benefits to the Sponsor - the key aspect of all sponsorship is the benefits to the sponsor!!
• Cause Related Sponsorship - this is where the sponsor attach themselves to causes they believe to be in the public interest. Sources of local pride, community image, heath and fitness are often viewed as 'cause related' sponsorships
• Opening up Selling Channels - sponsorship of sporting clubs / events often develops a direct channel for sales. For example: a beer company may have the sole rights to sell drinks at your events
• Targeting Sponsors - to know who to target with sponsorship proposals, you need to identify the major questions that companies ask when choosing a sponsorship opportunity:
  • Question 1: How can the club/event/players relate to the company's image?
  • Question 2: How can sponsorship be integrated into the company's overall marketing efforts?

Key steps in looking for Sponsorship:

1. Sponsorship plan that outlines the various options available to sponsors
2. Sponsorship proposal that is developed to target a sponsor or group of sponsors
3. Sponsorship agreement that formalises partnership agreement securing the sponsorship

Fact Sheets, Templates and Club Documents / Case Studies are available below.

Please use, adapt and implement these resources to meet your club's needs.