Every few years, the Ministry undertakes a survey of cultural sponsorship. In late 2007 the Ministry's survey elicted responses from 60 businesses and 38 cultural organisations. Information was sought from businesses and cultural organisations about the types of activities they sponsor or are sponsored for, for the level of sponsorship, their attitudes towards sponsorship, and future intentions.
Methodology
The 2007 survey was the third to be conducted online. Prior to 2003, surveys had been postal questionnaires, and over time the response rates had declined. In an attempt to improve the response rate, the Ministry introduced an online survey in 2003. E-xpert Developments, a Wellington-based web development company, built and hosted the questionnaires on its website. This online survey form, combined with personal approaches to all participants, improved the response rates dramatically. This format was used again in 2005 and in 2007.
Using data from previous surveys, the Ministry identified corporate and cultural organisations that could participate. Each organisation was phoned. Those who agreed to participate (usually the person at the organisation responsible for the sponsorship budget), received an initial invitation when the survey opened in October. Where necessary, there were up to three reminders by email, followed by a final phone call to encourage non-respondents. The email reminders contained the link to the questionnaire, along with basic information about the purpose and uses of the survey.