Want to Attract the Right Sponsors? Try the Rule of 1%.

Written by Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE

The Rule of 1%, popularized by entrepreneur James Clear (Atomic Habits), reminds us that small, consistent improvements compound into big results. 

The same applies when building meaningful, mission-aligned corporate sponsorships for your purpose-driven organization.

In today’s ever-changing funding and support environment, where traditional paths to revenue are shifting, small, intentional steps are not just smart—they’re essential. 

Consistency builds momentum, trust, and resilience—qualities that matter now more than ever.

Here are 3 ways to apply the Rule of 1% to your sponsorship outreach:

🔹 Refine Your Pitch 1% Each Week: Tweak your sponsorship messaging to better align with what your ideal sponsors care about. Small improvements in clarity and value can boost response rates.

🔹 Grow Your List 1% at a Time: Add just 1-2 new qualified companies/organizations each week to your prospect list. Stay focused on quality over quantity to attract partners aligned with your mission.

🔹 Enhance Relationships 1% Daily: Send a check-in email, share an impact update, or simply say thank you. These micro-actions nurture long-term sponsor loyalty.

Consistency beats complexity. In an uncertain landscape, the organizations that thrive are those that stay focused, build steadily, and show up with intention.

Commit to one small change you can make today to strengthen your sponsor strategy 🎯