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Sponsorships

Every year, the Kauffman Foundation sponsors a selection of vital programs and events that align with one or more of our strategic priorities.

A TEDxKC attendee participates in the Kauffman Foundation acrylic heart installation at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

Sponsorships are intended to support organizations and programs that align with our strategic priorities, which reflect the heart of our mission.

Sponsorship guidelines

TEDxKC 2024 attendees share their big ideas at the Kauffman Foundation heart installation at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts
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

A person holds three stickers representing three of the hearts on display during the Parade of Hearts at Bartle Hall
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

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.


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.


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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace addresses the crowd at USCM 2024 inside the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.
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.
United States Conference of Mayors blue backdrop
A sponsor of the Kansas City Local Organizing Committee created the opportunity for the Foundation to work 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.
Mayor Quintin Lucas, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, USCM 2024
A sponsor of the Kansas City Local Organizing Committee created the opportunity for the Foundation to work 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.
TEDxKC 2024 attendees share their big ideas at the Kauffman Foundation heart installation at the Kauffman Center for 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.
TEDxKC 2024 attendees share their big ideas at the Kauffman Foundation heart installation at the Kauffman Center for 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.
TEDxKC 2024 attendees share their big ideas at the Kauffman Foundation heart installation at the Kauffman Center for 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.