Abigroup believes community involvement is integral to our projects. The Abigroup sponsorship and events program looks at investing in opportunities that reflect our vision and corporate values. We view all sponsorship opportunities as a way to build relationships with our many stakeholders in particular the wider communities in which we operate.

Abigroup sponsorships generally fit into one or more of four categories being:

• Corporate
• Regional
• Project
• Team local goodwill 

When considering sponsorship requests it is essential each sponsorship application meets the criteria set out below and clearly outlines the benefits and details of the sponsorship investment.

Criteria
Abigroup will consider sponsoring events that fall within the specific geographic area in which we are working, in this instance the area around the construction of the Peninsula Link freeway on the Mornington Peninsula in the region of Victoria.

Abigroup looks favourably on activities and organisations that provide avenues to promote our key messages and the work we are doing in the community. Each sponsorship request undergoes an analysis which specifically considers how the request:

• Promotes our involvement through signage or other appropriate forms of recognition.
• Assists Abigroup to engage directly with the community.

Issues that should be considered when preparing an application are:

• The event or project, program or event for which sponsorship is sought must be seen to primarily benefit one or more target audiences.
• Events and sponsorships will be selected according to their ability to promote one or more of Abigroup’s key messages or corporate values.
• Preference will be given to organisations, major projects, programs or events that offer Abigroup the opportunity for a high level of exposure.
• For a repeat program, project or event, consideration will be given to prior success.
• Abigroup will highly regard any request that demonstrates a strong commitment to the local community.
• It is expected that requesting organisations will contribute resources to the program, project or event either financially or in kind.
• For an inaugural project, program or event, evidence demonstrating need (statistical and/or anecdotal from reputable sources) should be provided.

Applicants should note that:

• Abigroup will not be associated with any organisation project, program or event it considers detrimental to or inconsistent with its messages.
• Abigroup will not be associated with any organisation, project or program undertaking high risk activities.
• Events and sponsorships will not be considered if they conflict with existing Abigroup sponsorships.
• No program, project or event will be considered if the primary objective of the requesting organisation is commercial gain.
• Retrospective sponsorship of an organisation, program, project or event will not be considered.

It is Abigroup’s aim to develop a balanced and responsible sponsorship program that assists the community in which we operate.

Process
All sponsorship proposals should be submitted to the Abigroup Peninsula Link Community Engagement Manager no less than one month prior to the sponsorship or event commencement date.

Sponsorship and event proposals are assessed on receipt. Please allow at least four (4) weeks for your application to be processed and fully evaluated. You will be notified in writing if your sponsorship application has been accepted.

It should be noted that Abigroup receives many applications for sponsorship and is able to fund only a small proportion of those requests. Sponsorship is selected on the basis of which proposals are best able to demonstrate clear synergies with Abigroup’s vision and corporate values.

Sponsorship Agreement
Successful applicants will need to formalise their sponsorship support via a sponsorship agreement that outlines the benefits and details of the sponsorship investment.

It is important that the successful delivery of sponsorship benefits is undertaken in collaboration with Abigroup representatives which may include an agreed sponsorship servicing plan.

The servicing plan, generally for larger sponsorships, assists in ensuring the smooth delivery of benefits and clearly communicating the expectation of Abigroup and the sponsee.

Evaluation
All sponsees are required to provide Abigroup with an Evaluation Report at the conclusion of the event or sponsorship period. The report could measure things like the:

• Success of the activity.
• Level of recognition achieved by Abigroup amongst attendees.
• Demographics of the people attending the event.
• Number of people attending the event.
• Success of the benefits/leveraging opportunities.
• Success of promotional activities and media exposure.

More information
Email  contact@peninsulalink.com.au
Phone 1300 453 035
Mail: Community Engagement Manager, Peninsula Link, Abigroup, PO Box 8119, Carrum Downs, VIC 3201