When nonprofits plan events, the funding strategy often leans heavily towards sponsorships.
And then at the last minute, I will get an email: “Can you write a quick grant for our upcoming event?”
The strongest events are funded by both sponsorships and grant funding.
Because they do different things.
Sponsorships are typically tied to visibility and brand alignment and can easily be the largest source of funding for an event.
Grants are tied to mission and impact.
When you combine them, you create a more stable, layered funding approach.
Related: Is it worth it to apply for in-kind grants?
Struggling to land big sponsorships for your events? You’re not alone.
That’s why my friend Mariah Monique, Founder of The Sponsorship Catalyst, created the Nonprofit Event Sponsorship Accelerator (NESA).
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Here’s what that can look like:
A foundation grant that supports the community impact of the event
Corporate sponsors that fund visibility, experiences, or audience engagement
In-kind grants or donations that offset real costs — like venue space, food, spirits, marketing, or supplies
In-kind support is often overlooked, but it can significantly reduce your event expenses.
And many companies are more open to providing goods or services than direct funding — especially for events.
The key is positioning.
Funders want to support outcomes.
Sponsors want to support experiences and audiences.
When you’re clear on both, your event becomes much easier to fund.
If sponsorship has felt like guesswork — or something that hasn’t fully come together — there’s a program that walks through a more structured, relationship-driven approach:
👉 Learn more about funding an event with sponsors
It focuses on how to build real corporate partnerships, not just on sending pitch decks and hoping for a yes.
Because events shouldn’t rely on a single funding stream.
The more diversified your approach, the more sustainable your event becomes.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants