INTRODUCTION TO SPONSORSHIP

Modified on Mon, 8 Sep at 3:41 PM

Introduction to Sponsorship -

Sponsorship can provide your group with resources, opportunities, and support to enhance your activities.

Imperial College Union Student Groups have achieved sector-leading success in attracting sponsorship funding and many ICU Groups boast a strong tradition of sponsorship support, enjoying long-standing relationships and retaining the same partners year on year.

Securing Sponsorship opportunities and developing partnerships can be an effective way to boost your income and cover costs such as equipment, facilities or events throughout the year.

These articles look at how to go about securing sponsorship for your Club or Society and the Union’s framework for how that funding must be administered.

What is a Sponsorship Agreement:

A Sponsorship Agreement (or contract) is a formal arrangement between Imperial College Union for and on behalf of your Club or Society and an external company or organisation that outlines how they will support your groups activities and what they will receive in return. The contract governs the legal relationship between a Sponsor and those entitled to enforce the sponsorship obligation.

A Sponsorship Agreement sets clear expectations on both sides, covering what support will be provided - financial, in-kind, or access to resources - and the ways your group will acknowledge or promote the Sponsor in return.

These Agreements are important because they ensure transparency, protect both parties, and provide a framework for a successful partnership.

You may enter into an Agreement any time between September 1st of the academic year, up to the 31st of the July of the same academic year.

Remember - do not sign a contract yourself.

Things to consider before you pursue Sponsorship:

Before entering into a Sponsorship Agreement, it’s important to take time to carefully consider how the arrangement will support your student group, what you are asking for, and what you have to offer.

A clear and well-considered approach not only increases your chances of attracting the right Sponsor but also ensures that any Agreement benefits your members and aligns with your club or society’s aims and objectives.

Ahead of preparing to enter into an Agreement with any external organisations, consider the following:

Purpose: What do you want the sponsorship income for and what benefits are you looking to secure? This could be money to fund events, equipment, travel, or other perks such as facilities to use or other resources you need to deliver your activity.
Value: How much money, goods, services, or access do you realistically need to make entering this arrangement beneficial?
Inclusivity: Is the Sponsorship Agreement inclusive of all your members? Does this arrangement suit the diverse needs of your membership and any new potential members? Consider that some members may not drink, may be commuters, parents or carers, or may have accessibility requirements for example.
Relevance: Does the sponsorship offer your members opportunities or benefits that link directly to the aims and values of your society?
Usage: How will the funding be spent or the resources used? Be specific, as Sponsors value transparency, and this could support your application.
Target: Do you have a particular Sponsor in mind, or are you open to a range of organisations?
Transparency: Do you already have other Sponsors or are you applying to more than one company? Be upfront, as Sponsors will often ask about this.

Taking the time to reflect on these questions will help you create strong proposals and build relationships with Sponsors that are sustainable and beneficial for both sides.

Benefits of Sponsorship

Sponsorship income can provide your club or society with valuable support that can help you enhance your activities and member experience. The benefit of a sponsorship contract can take many forms depending on the agreement you reach with a Sponsor.

Common sponsorship benefits include:

Financial support: Sponsors may provide money to fund your events, activities, or equipment. They may also offer schemes such as a referral bonus.
Kit or equipment: Sponsors can supply kit, or other equipment needed to run your activity.
Discounts: Sponsors may offer reduced prices on equipment, services, or venue hire which could benefit your group.
Access to facilities or venues: Sponsors can provide use of tailored venues or specialised facilities.

Key information: Only designated staff and Officer Trustees of Imperial College Union are authorised to enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the Union. Individual students, including members and representatives of Clubs and Societies do not have the authority to sign or commit to any contracts or agreements in the name of Imperial College Union.

Therefore, any contract or agreement signed by an individual student on behalf of the Union will not be recognised as valid or binding. The Union reserves the right to take appropriate action to nullify any such authorised agreements.