How do go about getting a sponsor for a trip?

[cdn2wheeler]

A friend of mine and I are in the initial stages of planning an extended motorcycle trip for early next summer. One of the drivers behind the trip is to document some of the results of falling water levels along the shores of Lake Superior by interviewing local experts, taking video and studying the changes in the shoreline and the associated environmental problems.

There are articles confirming receding water levels on the following pages:

• Lake Superior hits record lows
• How low will Superior go?
• Great Lakes panel promises quicker study on declining water levels
• Lake Superior Current Water Levels

In short, my buddy and myself are looking for an organization to sponsor this trip in exchange for articles, video and audio created by myself about the dangers of decreasing lake levels.

We won't be asking for a ton of dough or some extraordinary sponsorship like free motorcycles or anything like that. We're just looking for a way to offset some of our expenses, like hotels, meals & fuel.

But, frankly, I have absolutely no idea how to go about this.

Suggestions, anyone?

[Rose of Cairo]

I don't know, but I think that's a fantastic idea, and I'm very happy you're doing it!

You know me, so you can imagine what I would suggest: sit down every evening and every morning and visualize yourself and your friend doing this trip, biking around, investigating, and having fun. Don't think of money, just play with the images. The Universe will take care of it

[Brutha]

I guess it depends of the quality of your output (text, pictures and videos). If it's high you could ask some "green" magazine or a TV station that broadcasts documentaries.

[jenno]

I suggest pitching the idea to a bunch of local papers, tv, and radio stations if you've got them. Being green is very "in" right now so I think you've got a good shot!

To go along with that, I suggest creating a blog/site (with headlines of why you're doing this and why it's important) where anyone can donate online. When pitching to the media, give them the URL as well

[vladtess]

In general, other companies will sponsor you only if there is something for them (like tax breaks) so it is your job to find ways how other companies will benefit if they will sponsor you. For example, companies like Coca-Cola sponsors various olimpic events because their products will be advertised on the olymics stadium.

In your case, you need to give back something. You try (as far as I see) to host a trip to studly "changes in shoreline". You may find companies that take care of environmental protection, like, lets say, Ford, which currently focuses on Hybrid development. It is vital that you perform research of the companies that you want to be sponsored by and then send them some type of invitation to create a venture, where both of you will benefit. Ford, in this case, will be able to create a better reputation, sicne they will be known for sponsoring (giving money) environmental programs, and that is very important for the company.

It is also a good idea to ask for sponsorship from various government and non-profit organizations that may simply, give you money. In order for any organization to give you money, you must make sure that you have a specific trip plan that you will execute since they will want to know what you will perform what will benefit them.

I would recommend you this book as well; I haven't read it I've heard it's good.

Originally Posted by cdn2wheeler

A friend of mine and I are in the initial stages of planning an extended motorcycle trip for early next summer. One of the drivers behind the trip is to document some of the results of falling water levels along the shores of Lake Superior by interviewing local experts, taking video and studying the changes in the shoreline and the associated environmental problems.

There are articles confirming receding water levels on the following pages:

• Lake Superior hits record lows
• How low will Superior go?
• Great Lakes panel promises quicker study on declining water levels
• Lake Superior Current Water Levels

In short, my buddy and myself are looking for an organization to sponsor this trip in exchange for articles, video and audio created by myself about the dangers of decreasing lake levels.

We won't be asking for a ton of dough or some extraordinary sponsorship like free motorcycles or anything like that. We're just looking for a way to offset some of our expenses, like hotels, meals & fuel.

But, frankly, I have absolutely no idea how to go about this.

Suggestions, anyone?