Sponsorship Policy

It has become clear to the leadership within the organisation that the budget is becoming increasing eroded by the current financial climate. The organisation is working to increase the percentage of its operating budget that comes from the non-government sector. The Management Committee pays increasing attention to market forces without losing sight of the underlying mission of the organisation. The organisation is willing to take reasonable risks within sound business principles. Cassia is committed to a well-governed, well-managed and appropriately resourced organisation that can continue to serve this community. To do this it is necessary to source alternative and additional funding avenues. With this aim, this document sets out the broad policy guidelines for any sponsorship relationship.

1. Nature and principles of the relationship

It is necessary early in any negotiations to establish whether the contribution is a donation or a sponsorship. An agreement is not required for one-off donations, not exceeding the value of $200, that do not involve an ongoing commitment. All donations however will be acknowledged in promotional material.
It is important that all negotiations are transparent.
A sponsorship would normally be, in part at least, to fund a specific activity, program, publication etc. and there would be specific arrangements about acknowledgment, promotion, signage etc.
The relationship between Cassia and any sponsor will be characterised by benefits to both organisations, within a set of principles, which protect the integrity of Cassia.
Any sponsorship should enhance Cassia's capacity to pursue its objectives.
No sponsorship should adversely affect Cassia's independence, advocacy roles or organisational management

2. Aims and benefits for Cassia

Increased income support and increased independence from government funds.
Increased engagement and credibility within the local business sector
Possibility of access to other resources, contacts, data, networks etc of the business partner
Possibility of increased public profile
Possibility of new or increased services

3. Benefits to the business sponsor

A relationship with a well respected local community organisation
Possible media exposure where agreed with clear limitations as negotiated and appropriate.
Demonstration of their community spirit and citizenship
Possible joint activities to agreed objectives

4. Limitations

Funds will always be raised in an ethical manner through activities and sponsorship that are consistent with the mission of the organisation.
Cassia will take into account

that the requirements of the possible sponsor will not compromise the objectives of Cassia
that any requirements will not present Cassia or its service users in a negative way
that there be a two-way link with logos etc. within guidelines clearly stated in the agreement.
Protection of the intellectual property of Cassia
Identification of specific or categories of business for which a sponsorship relationship would not be agreed.
Other issues relevant in a particular case

5. Sponsorship rights

The relationship negotiated will set out clearly the rights of the sponsor. These would be in the form of a written agreement, signed by both parties before commencement. These would be negotiated and would be influenced by the extent of the sponsorship, whether it was tied to a specific project or untied ie general operational costs, or goods, or services.
They may include:

agreed signage/acknowledgment,· framed certificate displayed prominently
opportunity to present paper/speech at AGM or other public event
acknowledgment in our quarterly publications
various forms of exposure for initiatives that the sponsor supports
partners in a fund raising event

6. Sponsorship obligations

The written agreement will need to clarify how much is to be contributed, and for what period, when it will be paid, and other specific terms which have been agreed. It will also cover the need for the sponsor to abide by the limitation agreed.