Research time. Need to find an abandoned graveyard around here. Can't even come close to picturing one as any that are here are still active or at least maintained.
Something to consider, maybe instead of straight SBD prizes use a 2 weeks delegation of SP for prizes. Not sure if that is better or worse for your situation, just a thought. Seriously even 75SP extra could help someone that is just getting going.
Side note, you might be able to get a delegation from a whale for sponsorship easier then straight SBD.
A delegation would help me get more curation rewards, right? You mean that instead of a direct SBD donation? Also, do most people contact them directly to do so? I don't really love doing that. :-/
I think that contacting direct unless you know them isn't the best idea.
My thought was if you got say a 5000SP donated delegation you could offer delegations for prizes vs using SBD. It wouldn't be about using the SP for your benefit, but instead to save some SBD. Or a mix of SBD and delegated SP. You could hypothetically delegate up to the amount you currently have if someone then delegated that much to you without it costing you anything.
You could use a 2 or even 4 week delegation to help the contest winners. There is the 1 week cool down so 4 weeks with less total SP would maybe be better to give out.
If you know any whales that like what you are doing they are the ones I would approach on discord or other place outside of steemit so they can talk privately.
Some interesting ideas here. I'm gonna look into it. Thanks!