Let's face it pageantry is one expensive sport!

You've got hair, make-up, wardrobe, accessories, shoes, coaching lessons and the list could go on and on.

And if you don't have a sponsor you left footing the bill.

Well, I don't know about you, but back when I was competing, I did not have a lot of disposable income.

That's why a pageant sponsor is so clutch.

For my Cayman girls, most of the pageants on-island will require you to have a sponsor to compete in the pageant.

And those sponsorships usually run about a few thousand dollars.

So let's not waste any time in finding out how to secure a pageant sponsor in 2021.

Determine Your Pageant Sponsor Budget

Now before you can even approach anyone about sponsorship you need to have a budget.

If you're lucky your pageant may provide you with a budget guideline.

But if not, then you should determine how much each item may cost you.

So be sure to research gowns, interview outfits and anything else you will need to get a good idea of what these things cost.

(psst! If you need a pageant budget template click here.)

Family & Friends Make for Good Pageant Sponsors

The first place I usually tell my coaching clients to ask for sponsorship is from family and friends.

You may wish to start off by asking them individually to support you.

The con with this type of sponsorship is that generally, it yields smaller amounts of money.

And that's fine if you just need a few hundred dollars.

But if you need chunks of change then I suggest asking friends and family that have businesses.

You'll usually find family and friends with successful businesses will be more inclined to cut bigger checks.

Your Fave Business May Wish To Be Your Pageant Sponsor

And speaking of businesses.

It's important to note that not all businesses will be able to provide monetary sponsorship.

Some businesses may decide to sponsor in kind.

And when it comes to pageantry, in-kind sponsors can go a really long way.

For example, Your fave jewellery store may decide, that since you're such a loyal customer, they will provide you with a nice pair of earrings to wear with your evening gown.

And that's great because it means one less thing for you to raise money for.

Also, when dealing with the corporate world you will need to ensure that you conduct yourself professionally.

Send a nicely written email with a sponsorship letter attached.

Then follow up with a phone call 1-2 days later to ensure that they received your email.

Once you've confirmed receipt you can ask for an in-person meeting.

Get Your Pageant Sponsors Through The Masses

With today's technology there truly is no excuse for you not to raise the money you need.

Thanks to crowdfunding sites like GofFundMe you can gain sponsorship from pretty much anyone, anywhere.

All you have to do is sign up, share your dream, promote, manage it and voila!

Pageant Planet's Contestant Fundraising Feature is also a great tool and it's specifically designed with pageant contestants in mind.

All Proceeds Go To Your Pageant Sponsor Account

Let's you're not having any luck with the ideas.

Here's where you may want to turn to your closet.

Do you have some items that you could potentially sell?

Maybe a nice pair of shoes, a dress, jewellery?

Selling items from your closet is a great way to make a little extra sponsorship money.

But if you're not ready to part with anything in your closet just yet, you could always sell food or even raffle tickets for a prize.

This works especially well if you live in a close-knit community.

Get your family and friends to pitch in, by purchasing ingredients, assisting with the cooking or by raffling gett item to be raffled.

Promote the sale and watch people line up for a good plate of food and a nice prize.

Be Your Own Pageant Sponsor

Seeking a pageant sponsor can be time-consuming.

And not to mention seeking a pageant sponsor in the middle of a global pandemic, it's tough.

So if things aren't looking too good you may have to consider using your own money.

I know that's not what you want to hear.

But if it's truly your dream to compete in this pageant then why wouldn't you in it?

By spending your own money you become highly motivated to put your best foot forward.

After all, you wouldn't want to waste your money.

Final Thoughts

Now that you've had a read through, think about which option you'd like to try first.

If you're lucky you may only need to try one option.

But if your first option doesn't work move on to the next.

Keep going until you reach your goal.

There are so many options to secure a Pageant Sponsor that there really is no excuse for you not to be able to purchase everything you need.

Don't let money be the barrier to your dreams.