Give your partners enough information to make an informed opinion about their support. Anticipate the questions and objections that thoughtful people will raise about your organization, mission, and story, and be prepared to answer them.
No Main Street group can truly excel at all forms of communication. Pick a strategy and be the best you can be at that form of communication. The bare minimum, however, is a website and a social media presence (usually Facebook or Instagram), but a great email list is also important. Videos also can be quick and easy on many social media channels. Other good modes are direct letters or newsletters updating on progress and giving informational; annual appreciation dinners where recognition is given and new initiatives unveiled.
Provide proof positive that you do what you say. Describe your projects and how you are making progress. The majority of long-term partners want to make a difference, and many want to know their last effort was put to good use the way they wanted, so show ample proof. Treat your partners as thoughtful investors who care how their money is spent. Tell them what the “return on investment” will be, even if you have trouble quantifying it. For example, you might not be able to track how much sales tax is related to a new mural, but you can definitely see that improvement, so take pictures of people smiling in front of the mural or share notes from people saying how much they liked the mural.
Promote the benefits of the program to the community and to the partners. Do not just focus on the long-term benefits (such as increased businesses, fewer vacant buildings, increase in sales tax); stress the difference their help makes in lives changed and problems solved today. You want partners who believe in your cause, who want to help others more than they help themselves.