Deciding What You’re Fundraising For

While general operating support is important, many sponsors feel more confident and excited when they understand exactly what their support enables. Giving sponsors the option to support specific initiatives helps turn a “maybe” into a “yes.”

Clear fundraising goals:

• Make sponsorship easier to understand
• Help sponsors feel connected to impact
• Strengthen storytelling and follow-up
• Build long-term relationships, not one-time support

Instead of asking for money in the abstract, you’re inviting sponsors to help make something happen.

You don’t have to choose a single goal.

Many markets successfully fundraise for:

• Core operations and
• One or two visible initiatives

The key is clarity, not complexity.

Below are common initiatives sponsors respond well to. Markets can offer one, several, or rotate them seasonally.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

What this supports:

• Weekly or monthly live music
• Special performances or themed events
• Sound equipment or performance needs

Why it matters:
Live music creates a welcoming atmosphere, encourages people to stay longer, and strengthens the sense of community at the market.

Sponsor visibility may include:

• Mentions during live music promotions
• Recognition in event listings and social posts
• On-site signage near performance areas

Why sponsors like it:
High visibility, positive vibes, strong community association.

📣 Marketing & Outreach

What this supports:

• Website updates and improvements
• Email newsletters
• Social media promotion
• Printed materials and signage

Why it matters:
Marketing helps bring new shoppers to the market, supports vendor sales, and increases overall community awareness.

Sponsor visibility may include:

• Click-through logo placement in newsletters
• Website sponsor recognition
• Mentions in promotional posts

Why sponsors like it:
Direct alignment with visibility, branding, and audience reach.

🛠 New Equipment & Infrastructure

What this supports:

• Tents, tables, signage
• Sound systems
• Kids’ activity supplies
• Accessibility improvements

Why it matters:
Strong infrastructure makes the market safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone.

Sponsor visibility may include:

• On-site recognition tied to sponsored equipment
• Logo placement on signage or sponsor boards

Why sponsors like it:
Clear, practical impact with long-term benefits.

🧒 Kids’ Programs (e.g., Kid-Focused Initiatives)

(Examples: Kid-focused initiatives, educational activities)

What this supports:

• Children’s activities and educational programming
• Healthy food engagement for kids
• Family-friendly experiences

Why it matters:
These programs build future market shoppers and help families feel connected and welcome.

Sponsor visibility may include:

• Recognition in kids’ program promotions and vouchers
• On-site signage near activity areas

Why sponsors like it:
Family-friendly, values-driven, easy to feel good about.

🛒 Customer Incentive Programs

(Examples: Customer Loyalty Program)

What this supports:

• Shopper incentive programs
• Loyalty rewards
• Programs that encourage repeat visits

Why it matters:
Incentive programs strengthen customer loyalty and support consistent sales for vendors.

Sponsor visibility may include:

• Recognition in loyalty program promotions and vouchers
• Logo placement on program materials

🥕 Food Access & Equity Programs

(Examples: Kid’s Power of Produce, nutrition incentive initiatives)

What this supports:

• Programs that expand access to fresh, local food
• Support for families and youth
• Equity-focused initiatives

Why it matters:
Food access programs strengthen community health and ensure the market serves everyone.

Sponsor visibility may include:

• Recognition in program-related materials
• Mentions in outreach and impact storytelling

Why sponsors like it:
Strong mission alignment and meaningful community impact.

🌱 General Market Support

What this supports:

• Day-to-day operations
• Staff and program coordination
• Flexibility to respond to market needs

Why it matters:
General support allows the market to remain resilient, responsive, and sustainable.

Use what fits the conversation

These short pitches are designed to feel natural, confident, and values-driven.

Live Music Pitch

We’re raising support to continue offering live music at the market, which really helps create that welcoming, community-focused atmosphere people love. It’s a visible, feel-good way to support the market and be part of the experience each week.

Marketing & Outreach Pitch

We’re investing in marketing this season to reach more shoppers and better support our vendors. Sponsorship helps us expand our website, email, and social media outreach, while also giving partners consistent visibility.

Equipment & Infrastructure Pitch

We’re seeking support for equipment and infrastructure that help the market run smoothly, such as tents, signage, and accessibility improvements. These are long-term investments that benefit everyone who comes to the market.

Kids’ Programs Pitch

We offer kids’ programming that helps families feel welcome and encourages healthy food choices at a young age. Sponsorship directly supports these activities and helps us build the next generation of market shoppers.

Customer Loyalty Program Pitch

Our loyalty program encourages repeat visits and supports our vendors. Sponsorship helps fund incentives that keep shoppers coming back while strengthening community engagement.

Food Access Program Pitch

Food access programs are a core part of our mission. Sponsorship helps ensure families and children have access to fresh, local food while supporting farmers and strengthening community health.

General Support Pitch

General sponsorship support allows us to respond to market needs as they arise and invest where it’s needed most throughout the season.

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