The Sponsorship Playbook: How to Attract and Retain Corporate Partners with Mike Esposito

Corporate sponsorships can be a game-changer for nonprofit events — but only if you know how to pursue them strategically. In this episode, hosts Kristi Ackley of Growth By Design and Carl Newbanks of Initiative Foundation sit down with fundraising expert Mike Esposito of Mike Esposito Fundraising in Brooklyn, NY, to break down what it really takes to attract and retain corporate partners. Mike brings years of hands-on experience to a topic that intimidates many nonprofits — combining practical strategy with a relationship-first philosophy that turns one-time sponsors into long-term partners.✨ In this episode, you'll learn: Why relationship building is the foundation of every successful sponsorship How to use stakeholder mapping to identify your best prospects What "sponsors travel in packs" means — and how to use it to your advantage Why you should start outreach 9 to 12 months before your event How to bundle multiple events into a single sponsorship conversation The right way to structure sponsorship levels and recognition benefits Why stewarding sponsors like donors leads to deeper, lasting partnerships How to leverage LinkedIn and emerging tools to make warmer connections🎧 Listen in for a conversation packed with actionable strategies that will leave you feeling confident — not overwhelmed — the next time you sit down to build your sponsorship ask.Key Topics/Themes: Corporate sponsorships, relationship building, stakeholder mapping, sponsorship levels, donor stewardship, LinkedIn outreach, board engagement, event planning, nonprofit fundraising, partnership developmentResources:Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)BenevityMike Esposito FundraisingMike Esposito on LinkedIn