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Questions?
Please use the contact section in the governing policy.
Sponsorships for University-Hosted Events/Activities
Sponsorship Definition:
- Opportunities for an entity to monetarily support an event/activity and include return benefits for the sponsoring entity.
Assumptions:
- Insubstantial return benefits as defined by the IRS are allowed and therefore can be receipted in whole or in part by UMF.
- Fair market value should be easy to calculate for return benefits considered receiptable by UMF.
- Some return benefits may be viewed as unrelated business income and could subject U of M/UMF to UBIT.
Objective:
- List examples of return benefits and determine whether the sponsorship packages should be considered gift or non-gift eligible.
- If a decision can not be easily made using these guidelines, return to sponsorship group for further discussion ([email protected]).
Guiding Principle:
- If a sponsorship package contains any ONE (or more) components from the "Non-Gift Eligible Sponsorship" list, then all event/activity revenue will flow to the U of M (not UMF). While this policy specifically pertains to events/activities, many of the same principles apply to other types of sponsorships.
Gift Eligible Sponsorships - Deposit at UMF
Medium shouldn't matter. Key factor is U of M/UMF determines terms of name and logo placement as sponsor recognition.
Category | Description/Examples |
---|---|
Name & Logo | Recognition of sponsor by placing their name and logo in event/activity communications or on items such as:
|
Naming Opportunity | Recognition for level of sponsorship - opportunity is open to multiple sponsors for consideration. |
Tickets | Individual tickets for sponsor & guests to attend the event/activity. |
Website | Link to sponsor website on U of M/UMF event/activity site (assumes landing page/home page only, not specific advertisement page). |
Celebrity Engagement | Celebrity appearance at event or table. |
Swag Bags | Promise that a swag bag containing logoed items from many sponsors will be provided. |
Tour of Campus/Facility/Lab | Tour of a facility or lab that does not include U of M Access (see complete definition in policy). |
Non-Gift Eligible Sponsorships - Deposit at U of M
Note: Medium shouldn't matter. Key factor is sponsor determines and influences terms and content.
Category | Description/Examples |
---|---|
Advertising | Any message which promotes or markets any external trade or business, service, facility or product (qualitative or comparative language, price information, an endorsement, or an inducement to purchase or use). |
Naming Opportunity | Exclusive or contracted name on event/activity - opportunity is not available to other potential sponsors, for example, "sold" to one sponsor. |
Exhibit Space | Opportunity for sponsor to set up their own display/booth during the event/activity (to advertise, network, etc.). |
Coupons/Vouchers/Discounts | Any medium such as coupons, vouchers, gift cards, discounts, etc. that are an incentive for the recipient to buy a sponsor's item. |
Sponsor's Banner | Promise to display sponsor's banner at event/activity (for example, sponsor brought their own banner). |
Billboard/Radio Advertisement | Promise to mention sponsor's name in radio or billboard advertisement for event/activity (viewed as providing advertising for the sponsor). |
Social Media Promotion | U of M/UMF promises social media promotion of sponsor. |
Promotional Opportunity | Promise of an opportunity to speak/present a video, etc. during the event/activity (assumes sponsor could use the time to advertise themselves). |
Use of U of M Marks | Sponsor is granted right to use U of M marks (logo, co-branded merchandise, etc.). |
U of M Presence | Promise of U of M staff/faculty member appearance at no cost/reduced cost to sponsor (mascot, coach, etc.). |
U of M Access | Promise that a sponsor may access University faculty, staff, and students in an event or activity (see complete definition in policy). |