Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. Don’t see an answer to your question? Contact us.
Q: How does the UO define a sponsorship?
A sponsorship is defined as direct financial or in-kind support which may include (though is not limited to) nonprofit agency fundraisers (breakfasts, luncheons, dinners), conferences, speakers series/lectures, health fairs, or other community outreach that closely align with the University of Oregon’s mission, vision and strategic plan.
Q: Will you support my 5k, fun run, or school fundraiser?
We do not support 5ks or fun runs, or individual school fundraisers. Rather we support foundations that advance K-12 educational goals.
Q: What organizations can submit a sponsorship request?
Sponsorship requests can be submitted by University of Oregon faculty or staff or by any external organization seeking financial or other kinds of support.
Q: What is the process to submit a request for a sponsorship?
Complete the Sponsorship Request Form. Please note that we are reworking our sponsorship program to more closely align with institutional priorities, and thus may need more time to review your request.
Sponsorship Committee, University of Oregon
1292 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403
Phone: 541.346.5020
Fax: 541.346.6251
sponsorships@uoregon.edu
Q: Who reviews requests?
Sponsorship requests are reviewed by members of the multi-departmental Sponsorship Committee. Currently, representatives of Government and Community Relations; Enrollment Management; Marketing, Communications and Brand Management; University Development; and the Division of Equity and Inclusion review each request submitted in consultation with senior administration.
Q: Who should be contacted if you receive a request that your department sponsor an activity or event?
Have them contact Community Relations at 541-346-5020 or sponsorships@uoregon.edu, or complete the Sponsorship Request Form.
Q: Are sponsorship applications required for all events/sponsorships? Even if the department has been part of the event or sponsorship in the past?
Yes. It is important for the university to assess, record and track all sponsorship activity – regardless of which department is involved or paying for the sponsorship. By keeping track of all activity, the university can better manage the distribution of funds to various organizations. This also helps prohibit solicitors from contacting and securing funds from more than one individual or unit. In addition, communication about the sponsorship helps ensure financial transparency for the university.
Q: If a sponsorship request is approved, will the University pay for the sponsorship?
In many cases, these funds will cover the cost of an approved sponsorship. In some cases, approval will simply mean approval to pursue the sponsorship, but not to fund it. In those cases, the requesting department would need to cover the cost.
Q: How are decisions made regarding sponsorships?
All requests must comply with University financial and accounting policies and procedures, and must strongly align with and promote one or more of the following:
- University of Oregon’s mission and vision
- Engagement: Encourages student success, community development, collaborative partnerships, government relations, equity and inclusion, and outreach.
- Marketing: Aligns with organizational positioning and current focus areas, appropriateness of target audience, potential to increase awareness, name recognition, or student enrollment.
- Advancement: Fostering external support, stewarding current donors, cultivating new sources of future philanthropic support, or supporting funders’ initiatives.
Q: Can the UO support political campaigns or ballot initiatives?
No. The university cannot support political action committees, ballot initiatives, or political campaigns.
Q: How often are sponsorship funds approved at the level requested?
There is no set level as each request is reviewed individually. Some requests are approved, some are denied, and some are approved at a lower or higher level than initially requested.