Why Donations Matter in Golf Tournaments
While player entry fees help cover costs, the biggest fundraising wins usually come from donations and sponsorships. These contributions often account for 50–70% of total revenue at charity golf events — making your donation strategy essential.
Whether you’re supporting a nonprofit, school, or local cause, here’s how to confidently ask for donations for your golf tournament.
1. Define the Why: What the Donation Supports
Before asking anyone for money, be crystal clear about the impact:
- What cause or organization will benefit?
- How exactly will the funds be used?
- What outcome will the donation create?
Example pitch:
"Proceeds from this tournament will fund scholarships for under-resources high school seniors entering college this fall."
The more specific and emotional your message, the more likely people are to give.
2. Ask Individuals with a Direct, Personal Approach
Friends, family, former donors, and players can all be great supporters - but you have to ask clearly.
Here’s what works:
- Keep it short
- Make it personal
- Focus on impact
Sample message to an individual donor:
“Hi [Name], I’m organizing the [Event Name] Golf Tournament to support [Cause]. Would you consider making a donation or sponsoring a hole? Every dollar directly helps [specific benefit]. I’d be happy to send more info.”
Follow up once or twice if you don’t hear back - people are busy, not unwilling.
3. Make It Easy to Give
One of the top reasons people don’t donate? Too much friction.
Set up multiple ways to accept contributions:
- Online donation link
- QR code on flyers or posters
- Paper donation form at check-in
- Sponsorship packages at registration
Pro tip: If you use a platform like Kismet, you can collect donations and sponsorships directly through your tournament website - no follow-up emails or payment confusion.
4. How to Ask Businesses for Golf Tournament Donations
When you approach companies, it’s more than a donation - it’s a partnership.
You’re offering exposure to a valuable audience of local, professional, or community-minded golfers.
How to structure your outreach:
Research and target businesses
Look for companies that align with your audience (local restaurants, banks, real estate, golf-related brands).
Personalize your ask
Don’t send a mass email. Reference something specific about their business or values.
Offer clear benefits
Spell out what they get: logo placement, hole signage, mentions on your website and social media, or event-day booth space.
Create sponsorship levels
Offer 3–5 tiers (e.g. $100 hole sponsor, $500 silver, $2,500 gold, $5,000 title sponsor). It gives donors flexible entry points.
Sample business outreach email:
Subject: Opportunity to Sponsor Our Golf Tournament
Hi [Name],
We’re organizing the [Event Name] Golf Tournament on [Date], benefiting [Cause]. We’re expecting over [#] local golfers and community members.
I’d love to offer [Business Name] a chance to support the event as a sponsor. We have several packages that include signage, digital promotion, and other visibility opportunities.
Can I send you more details?
5. Follow Up and Say Thank You
After the donation, your job isn’t done. Recognition goes a long way.
Follow-up checklist:
- Send a thank-you email within 48 hours
- Shout them out on social media
- List them on your website or signage
- Thank them publicly at the event
You’ll increase your odds of getting support again next year.
Make Donations Easy with Kismet
Fundraising doesn’t need to mean juggling emails and tracking checks manually.
With Kismet, you can:
- Accept donations and sponsorships through your tournament site
- Offer tiered packages with built-in benefits
- Highlight sponsors and donors automatically
- View teal-time fundraising totals and transaction history
If you’re organizing a golf tournament and want to maximize donations without the busywork, we’re here to help.
