Hackathon Organizer Guide
Become a Member Event!Become a Sponsor
Search…
Introduction
overview
What is a Hackathon?
What is MLH?
MLH Community Values
Event Types
General Information
Hackathon Timeline
Finding the Date & Purpose
Build Your Leadership Team
Locking down a Venue
Getting Sponsorship
Hackathon Website
Marketing your Event
Managing Registrations
Event Logistics
Judging & Submissions
Hackathon Scheduling
Mentorship
Hacker Experience
After The Event
Organizer Resources
Getting support from others
Leadership Resources
Sponsorship Resources
Hackathon Website Resources
Marketing Resources
Registrations Resources
Logistics Resources
Host Exciting Mini-Events
Keeping Records
Software for Hackathons
Contributors
Powered By GitBook
Getting support from others

Working with Organizations

Organizations can be helpful for gaining access to free resources and support. Most often they are helpful for providing workshops, mentors, judges, volunteers, and even in-kind donations like venue space or laptops.
The difference between collaborating with organizations and your event sponsors is the exchange of money for services. Organizations that support your event are providing resources to your team for free with no strings attached.
For example, let’s say your team wants to give hackers access to a 3D printer at their hackathon. Your team could reach out to a local maker space to see if they would be willing to lend a printer and host an introductory 3D printing workshop.

Outreach Strategies

The most effective way to get the support of an organization is to be specific with your ask and initial email. Below is an example for you to use a template!
Hello Imaginary Maker Space team! HighSchoolHacks is a 2-day hackathon for high school students in the Boston community. We have a hardware track to help high schoolers learn about the awesome projects you can make with both hardware and software.
Specifically, we wanted to teach them how to use a 3D printer in their hackathon project. I know your Maker Space has several printers, would you be interested in lending a printer for 2 hours on Saturday and/or hosting an introductory 3D printing workshop on Saturday, June 20th?
Use a staff member's email or phone number over the organization’s central email address to maximize your chances of getting a response.

Building Relationships

If you want to work with the organization next year, it’s important that you thank them after the event and provide them support in return when the opportunity arises. Too often hackathon teams are so focused on hitting their goals that they forget to thank and support the people that helped them along the way.
An organization is going to be much more inclined to help you again next year if you support their events or initiatives in return.

Working with School Administration

Event Proposals

General Information - Previous
After The Event
Next - Organizer Resources
Leadership Resources
Last modified 30d ago
Export as PDF
Copy link
Outline
Working with Organizations
Outreach Strategies
Building Relationships
Working with School Administration
Event Proposals