Funding Home Sponsorships Every year, the Kauffman Foundation sponsors a selection of vital programs and events that align with one or more of our strategic priorities. Back to top ^ Guidelines Selection process FAQs Grantmaking Sponsorships are intended to support organizations and programs that align with our strategic priorities, which reflect the heart of our mission. Sponsorship guidelines The Foundation was a sponsor at TEDxKC, Aug. 2 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, to join the Kansas City community. Learn more > Sponsorships typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of the event, and the benefits associated with the sponsorship. Sponsorships are intended to support organizations and programs that align with our strategic priorities. Sponsorships are not intended for organizations that are active grantees (currently receiving funding). Exceptions may be considered for current grantees with a special anniversary event (e.g., a centennial celebration of the organization). Preference will be given to programs or events in the Kansas City region, with substantial alignment to our mission and strategy, and our capacity to engage with your organization’s activity. Discretion will be applied to local and national organizations in which Kauffman Foundation is a member. The IRS defines sponsorships differently from grants; therefore, each request must also be accompanied by a sponsorship benefits listing so the Foundation will be in compliance. Selection process Parade of Hearts | Sponsorship of six hearts as part of the public art project, including one that celebrates women entrepreneurs, which is on display at the Foundation. Learn more > Only requests submitted via our eligibility and sponsorship application will be considered. Please do not submit sponsorship requests through email or other means. To maximize the number of organizations we can support, only one request per organization will be considered per calendar year. Organizations seeking funding for multiple events are asked to identify the event with the greatest need as opposed to submitting a single request for multiple events. Requests are considered on a rolling basis. To ensure adequate time for review, please apply at least 90 days prior to your event. Sponsorships cannot be awarded retroactively. Sponsorships are not recurring. Organizations that receive sponsorships in one year must reapply for subsequent years. Ready to start the process? We encourage all applicants to review our strategic priorities, sponsorship guidelines, selection process, and FAQs to learn more before applying. Answer a few questions to help determine if your organization or request meets the requirements for a sponsorship. If you need assistance completing the sponsorship application, please contact us. SPONSORSHIP ELIGIBILITY I am interested in Kauffman sponsoring my organization's event or program. I understand that my application must be submitted at least 90 days in advance of my event.YesNo Based on the answers provided, your organization or request does not appear to meet the requirements for a sponsorship. Learn more about our sponsorship guidelines or submit a question here. My organization's activities contribute to closing economic mobility gaps through college access and completion, workforce and career development, or entrepreneurship.YesNo Based on the answers provided, your organization or request does not appear to meet the requirements for a sponsorship. Learn more about our sponsorship guidelines or submit a question here. My organization has a sponsorship benefits package for our event or program which I am able to include in my sponsorship application.YesNo A sponsorship benefits package is a required element of sponsorship funding requests. If you plan to request funding, please prepare your benefits description before returning to the sponsorship eligibility quiz.Learn more about our sponsorship guidelines or submit a question here. You are eligible to apply. Frequently asked questions Our event date, location, or other specifics are not finalized. Can I submit a sponsorship request while this information is pending? To properly review a sponsorship request, information about the event date, location, and all other required specifics must be included in the request form. Unfortunately, we are unable to review requests with incomplete information. What do you mean by sponsorship levels? Sponsorship levels refer to different tiers or categories of funding. Sponsors typically review specific benefits or recognition in return. Each level may come with benefits such as: Recognition in event programs or on the organization’s website. Complimentary tickets to events. Invitations to exclusive donor events. Public acknowledgment in press releases or on social media. What are corresponding non-deductibles and can I submit a sponsorship request without this information? Non-deductibles are the portion of a sponsorship donation that is not tax-deductible. If the Foundation receives goods or services in return for our sponsorship funding, the value of these benefits must be subtracted to determine the deductible amount. For example, if a sponsor donates $1,000 and receives event tickets worth $200, the non-deductible portion is $200. The remaining $800 is the deductible portion of the donation. Organizations are required to inform sponsors about the non-deductible portion of their contributions, usually in acknowledgment letters or receipts. This ensures transparency and helps sponsors accurately report their charitable contributions for tax purposes. Our event is happening in less than 90 days – can I still submit a sponsorship request? Can you expedite the review? Due to the volume of requests we receive, we are unable to expedite review. While you can submit the request, please note that we cannot award retroactively. Do you sponsor events happening outside of Kansas City? Yes. Preference is given to programs or events in the Kansas City region, however, discretion is applied to events and programs that allow us to bring impactful learning back to Kansas City, as well as to national organizations that advance our work. How can I get more information about the type of benefits the Foundation generally expect for different levels of sponsorship requests? We don’t have a minimum expectation, but we do require a benefits package to review. The IRS defines sponsorships differently from grants, which is why each request must be accompanied by a sponsorship benefits listing to ensure the Foundation will be in compliance. The Foundation sponsored my event in the past – why was my sponsorship denied this year? Sponsorships are intended to support organizations and programs that align with our strategic priorities. We also factor in our capacity to work with your organization. For example, if you are seeking a table of 10 for your fundraiser, we want to be able to fulfill that commitment. Examples of recent sponsorships Kauffman President and CEO Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace waves from the mezzanine in Brandmeyer Hall in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts before joining Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to welcome attendees of the U.S. Conference of Mayors to Kansas City and the conference’s kick-off party, sponsored by the Foundation.A sponsor of the Kansas City Local Organizing Committee created the opportunity for the Foundation to partner with Mayor Quinton Lucas’ office to host the kick-off event for the U.S. Conference of Mayors Jun. 20, 2024 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.A sponsor of the Kansas City Local Organizing Committee created the opportunity for the Foundation to partner with Mayor Quinton Lucas’ office to host the kick-off event for the U.S. Conference of Mayors Jun. 20, 2024 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.The Foundation was a sponsor at TEDxKC, Aug. 2 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and joined the Kansas City community in examining the event’s theme, “Navigating the Unknown to create a future worth having.” The Foundation presented an activation engaging attendees to share their big ideas around closing the wealth gap in Kansas City.The Foundation was a sponsor at TEDxKC, Aug. 2 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and joined the Kansas City community in examining the event’s theme, “Navigating the Unknown to create a future worth having.” The Foundation presented an activation engaging attendees to share their big ideas around closing the wealth gap in Kansas City.The Foundation was a sponsor at TEDxKC, Aug. 2 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and joined the Kansas City community in examining the event’s theme, “Navigating the Unknown to create a future worth having.” The Foundation presented an activation engaging attendees to share their big ideas around closing the wealth gap in Kansas City.